Detection of HPV DNA in esophageal cancer specimens from different regions and ethnic groups: a descriptive study.
BACKGROUND
HPV has been found repeatedly in esophageal carcinoma tissues. However, reported detection rates of HPV DNA in these tumors have varied markedly. Differences in detection methods, sample types, and geographic regions of sample origin have been suggested as potential causes of this discrepancy.


METHODS
HPV L1 DNA and HPV genotypes were evaluated in 435 esophageal carcinoma specimens collected from four geographic regions with different ethnicities including Anyang in north China, Shantou in south China, Xinjiang in west China, and the United States. The HPV L1 fragment was detected using SPF1/GP6+ primers. HPV genotyping was performed using genotype specific PCR.


RESULTS
Two hundred and forty four of 435 samples (56.1%) tested positive for HPV L1. Significant differences in detection rate were observed neither among the three areas of China nor between China and the US. HPV6, 16, 18, 26, 45, 56, 57, and 58 were identified in L1 positive samples. HPV16 and 57 were the most common types in all regions, followed by HPV26 and HPV18.


CONCLUSIONS
HPV infection is common in esophageal carcinoma independent of region and ethnic group of origin. Findings in this study raise the possibility that HPV is involved in esophageal carcinogenesis. Further investigation with a larger sample size over broader geographic areas may be warranted.
Wang
Xueqian
X
Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52 Fucheng Rd, Beijing 100142, China.
Tian
Xiuyun
X
Liu
Fangfang
F
Zhao
Yiqiang
Y
Sun
Min
M
Chen
Dafang
D
Lu
Changdong
C
Wang
Zhong
Z
Shi
Xiaotian
X
Zhang
Qingying
Q
Zhang
Donghong
D
Shen
Zhongying
Z
Li
Feng
F
Harris
Curtis C
CC
Cai
Hong
H
Ke
Yang
Y
D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000821:virology*; D002681:China; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014481:United States
D017931:DNA Primers