DETECTION OF HUMAN-PAPILLOMAVIRUS IN SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMAS OF THE LUNG BY POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

Existing evidence supports the hypothesis that human papillomavirus (H PV) may play an etiologic role in the malignant transformation of squa mous epithelial cells. Although HPV DNA has been identified in a high proportion of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the cervix, anorectum, skin, and upper airways, few studies have tested for HPV in SCC of th e lung. To confirm the presence of HPV in lung SCC, we tested for HPV DNA extracted from formalin-fixed tissues of 34 patients by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA amplification was performed using HPV L1 co nsensus sequence primers (MY11 and MY09; Perkin-Elmer Cetus, Norwalk, CT) which recognize a broad spectrum of HPV types including 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, and 33, among many other known types, as well as at least 20 other unidentified types. PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel el ectrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization with [P-32]-labeled gene ric HPV probes. HPV DNA positive cases were subsequently analyzed by s lot-blot hybridization of the PCR products with specific probes for HP V types 6, 11, 16, 18, and 33. HPV type 18 was detected in two cases, including one case from a 44-year-old female and one from a 64-year-ol d male, with the remaining 32 cases negative. in situ hybridization fo r HPV DNA failed to detect HPV types 6/11, 16/18, or 31/33/35 in any o f the cases. We conclude that a small proportion of cases of primary p ulmonary SCC test positive for HPV type 18 but that the great majority of cases are not associated with HPV.