[Predicting cancerization of condyloma acuminatum by testing expression of p16].

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: About 3%-10% of condyloma acuminatum (CA) may develop into cancer. Some studies indicated that homologous deletion of p16 gene is a major factor that causes cancerization of CA. This study was to detect expression of P16 protein in CA tissues and its cancerization tissues, and to investigate relationship of abnormal expression of P16 and cancerization of CA. METHODS: A total of 75 skin biopsy specimens were collected, including 30 normal skin samples (control group), 35 CA samples, and 10 cancerized CA samples. Expression of P16 was tested by LSAB immunohistochemistry, and relationship of P16 and cancerization of CA was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: CA and normal skin tissues showed weakly positive expression of P16, no significant difference exist (P< 0.05). Cancerized CA tissues showed positive or strongly positive expression of P16, significantly stronger than CA and normal skin tissues (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Positive and strongly positive expression of P16 in CA tissue implied risk of cancerization of CA. P16 may be a useful predictor for cancerization of CA.