Integration of human papillomavirus type 11 in recurrent respiratory papilloma-associated cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective was to demonstrate that human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11 is an aggressive virus that plays a significant role in the development of laryngeal cancer in patients with a history of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). We have done so by preliminary investigation into the molecular mechanism underlying the malignant transformation of RRP to invasive squamous cell carcinoma.


METHODS
An experimental, nonrandomized, retrospective study using tissue specimens from nine patients with a history of RRP that progressed to laryngeal or bronchogenic cancer was performed.


METHODS
DNA and RNA were extracted from 20 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from six patients with a history of early onset RRP and laryngeal cancer and from three patients with early onset RRP and bronchogenic cancer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on DNA to determine the HPV type in each specimen. Reverse-transcriptase PCR specific for virus transcripts was performed on RNA to determine whether the viral genome was integrated into the host genome.


RESULTS
HPV-11 but not HPV-6, 16, or 18 was found in all of the laryngeal and bronchogenic cancers in patients with a history of early onset RRP in this study. RNA, sufficiently intact for examination, was obtained from seven patients. Analysis of HPV 11 transcripts revealed integration of the viral genome in three of seven patients.


CONCLUSIONS
HPV type 6 and 11 are considered "low-risk" viruses and are not associated with genital cancers, as are HPV types 16 and 18. However, our data suggests that HPV type 11 is an aggressive virus in laryngeal papilloma that should be monitored in patients with RRP.
Reidy
Patrick M
PM
Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. preidy@med.wayne.edu
Dedo
Herbert H
HH
Rabah
Raja
R
Field
Jayson B
JB
Mathog
Robert H
RH
Gregoire
Lucie
L
Lancaster
Wayne D
WD
D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000821:virology*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies