The Detection of Human Papilloma Virus- 16, in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by in Situ Hybridization

Abstract

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity constituted a major health
problem and can be a leading cause of death. Several studies link high risk Human
papillomavirus -16 to oral squamous cell carcinoma as an important etiological
factor. Several molecular markers have also been the subject of an intense
research work, trying to clarify their role in oral carcinogenesis. Of these, the
cancer suppresser gene P53 has been extensively studied.
Aim of the study: to detect the association of the molecular markers Human
papillomavirus -16, in the oral Squamous cell carcinoma using in situ
hybridization technique and To correlate Human papillomavirus -16 with clinical
data (age, sex, risk factors grade &stage).
Material & Methods: Tumor tissues from 33 patients with newly diagnosed as oral
squamous cell carcinoma & who were surgically treated collected, formalin fixed
& paraffin embedded. Sections on charged slides were made from each tissue
block and submitted to in situ hybridization technique utilizing Human
papillomavirus -16, cDNA probe.
Results: Human papillomavirus -16 was localized by in situ hybridization
specifically within the nuclei of cancer cell it was detected in (27) (81.8%) of 33
oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Most of Human papillomavirus -16
positive patients were within the age group (50-59) years. However, there was no
significant correlation between Human papillomavirus -16 positive &age. No
significant correlation was found to sex &risk factors (smoking &alcohol
consumption) either. Most of cases were moderately differentiated squamous cell
carcinoma (79%). however no significant correlation was detected regarding
histopathological grading or clinical staging with Human papillomavirus -16.
Conclusions: Oral HPV-16 infections are strongly associated with OSCC. Among
subject with or without the established risk factor of tobacco& alcohol use