Establishment of a Reverse Genetics System for Influenza D Virus.

Influenza D virus (IDV) was initially isolated in the United States in 2011. IDV is distributed worldwide and is one of the causative agents of the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC), which causes high morbidity and mortality in feedlot cattle. The molecular mechanisms of IDV pathogenicity are still unknown. Reverse genetics systems are vital tools not only for studying the biology of viruses, but also for use in applications such as recombinant vaccine viruses. Here, we report the establishment of a plasmid-based reverse genetics system for IDV. We first verified that the 3'-terminal nucleotide of each 7-segmented genomic RNA contained uracil (U), contrary to previous reports, and we were then able to successfully generate recombinant IDV by cotransfecting 7 plasmids containing these genomic RNAs along with 4 plasmids expressing polymerase proteins and nucleoprotein into human rectal tumor 18G (HRT-18G) cells. The recombinant virus had a growth deficit compared to the wild-type virus, and we determined the reason for this growth difference by examining the genomic RNA content of the viral particles. We found that the recombinant virus incorporated an unbalanced ratio of viral RNA segments into particles compared to that of the wild-type virus, and thus we adjusted the amount of each plasmid used in transfection to obtain a recombinant virus with the same replicative capacity as the wild-type virus. Our work here in establishing a reverse genetics system for IDV will have a broad range of applications, including uses in studies focused on better understanding IDV replication and pathogenicity, as well as in those contributing to the development of BRDC countermeasures.IMPORTANCE The bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) causes high mortality and morbidity in cattle, causing economic losses worldwide. Influenza D virus (IDV) is considered to be a causative agent of the BRDC. Here, we developed a reverse genetics system that allows for the generation of IDV from cloned cDNAs and the introduction of mutations into the IDV genome. This reverse genetics system will become a powerful tool for use in studies related to understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenicity and will also lead to the development of new countermeasures against the BRDC.

Diagnostically challenging human papillomavirus-associated primary squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum with metastasis in both ovaries: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinomas of the rectum are extremely rare and their pathogenesis is still under debate. Their proper diagnosis and treatment may thus be challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old Caucasian woman was transferred to our department with a history of pelvic pain. Colonoscopy revealed a small tumorous lesion of the upper rectum and an endoscopic biopsy showed infiltration of the rectal mucosa by a squamous cell carcinoma. Afterward, tumorous lesions were found on imaging in both her ovaries. A laparoscopy with adnexectomy and anal mapping was performed and revealed tumor masses of squamous cell carcinoma in both ovaries. Based on the large size of the ovarian tumors and the concurrence of extensive, partly ciliated, macrocystic epithelium in one of the ovaries, a diagnosis of ovarian squamous cell carcinoma arising from a mature teratoma was rendered. However, human papillomavirus genotyping analyses were positive for human papillomavirus-16 in both the rectal tumor and ovarian tumors leading to a final diagnosis of a human papillomavirus-associated rectal squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to both ovaries. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy of her rectum, total mesorectal excision, and hysterectomy were performed followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Colorectal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare disease. In cases of colorectal squamous cell carcinoma, metastatic disease at any other location has to be excluded. Human papillomavirus genotyping is essential in this context. Discussion of the treatment strategies should be interdisciplinary and include chemoradiation therapy and radical surgery.

The Conundrum of an Accumulating Acuminatum.

BACKGROUND A 70-year-old African American man presented with fatigue, dizziness, generalized weakness, and considerable weight loss of over 20 pounds in 3 weeks. History-taking revealed he was positive for HIV, hepatitis C, and severe chronic condyloma acuminatum, which had been progressing for 16 years. Treatment and surgical intervention had been continuously postponed due to the patient's long-standing history of heroin abuse. CASE REPORT Physical exam and diagnostics showed evidence of sepsis. He was hypotensive, with lactic acidosis and significant leucocytosis, and had acute-on-chronic kidney disease. Urinalysis was positive for nitrites and leukocyte esterase; therefore, broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated. Additional sources of sepsis were considered due to persistent leucocytosis despite appropriate antibiotic coverage. An MRI of the pelvis was done to evaluate for necrosis of fistulization from potential internal warts as a source of sepsis. The lesions extended from the inguinal areas bilaterally, covering the medial thighs, lower scrotal wall, and wall junction. It had infiltrated the perineum and the entire rectal area, including the gluteal cleft and anus. The patient was consulted by colorectal surgery, urology, and infectious disease services. CONCLUSIONS Surgical biopsies found that he had both low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia. There was no evidence of invasive carcinoma, which was a concern given his weight loss. Surgery devised a plan that included a diverting colostomy (allowing the infected anal area to heal), followed by resection of his giant condyloma, and re-anastomosing of the bowels to return him to a normal baseline anatomy. A favorable prognosis was expected.

[Treatment strategy for gastrointestinal tumor under the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China].

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) has become a public health emergency in China. Chinese authorities and health agencies had devoted great efforts to control this disease. As surgeons specialized in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors, we should always be aware of the prevention for NCP and incorporate this awareness into every detail of clinical practice. For the patients with gastrointestinal tumors, pre-admission screening should be done in order to rule out NCP. Real-time RT-PCR panel and chest CT scan should be conducted for patients with fever (>37.3℃), travel history to Hubei Province within 14 days, or contact history with residents from Wuhan district within 14 days. Prevention measures for both medical staffs and the screen-negative admitted patients should also be enhanced because false negative is possible. Medical instruments should be properly discarded or disinfected according to standardized procedures established by the local center for disease control and prevention (CDC). Surgical operation should be reduced at a minimal level to prevent cross infection in this special period.Surgical intervention for benign tumor should be postponed. For malignant tumor, multidisciplinary therapy (MDT) is recommended and non-surgical anti-tumor therapy should be selected with higher priority. Neoadjuvant therapy is highly recommended for gastrointestinal cancer at advanced stages that meet the indications of NCCN guideline (gastric cancer T stage ≥ 2/rectal cancer T stage ≥ 3/unresectable colon cancer). Gastric or esophagogastricjunction (EGJ) malignant tumor with obstruction can be managed with gastric tube decompression or stent placement to relieve the symptoms. Transnasal enteral feeding tube intubation/percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy could be adopted to ensure enteral nutrition supply. For colorectal malignancy with simple intestinal obstruction, stent placement can achieve a high success rate, which not only helps avoid emergency surgery, but also creates a better condition for subsequent surgery. Transcatheter arterial embolization for hemostasis is an alternative choice for gastrointestinal tumor with bleeding. However, emergency operation still must be performed for patients with acute uncontrolled bleeding, obstruction or after other alternative treatment measures fail. All cases with suspicious or confirmed with NCP must be reported to the local CDC department. All invasive intervention must be performed in a designated isolation area. Tertiary prevention measure must be adopted for all anesthetists with additional face mask or medical goggle protection to prevent respiratory droplet transmission. Preventive enterostomy is preferable in lower digestive tract surgery. Thoroughly disinfecting the operating room after surgery is necessary. Fever after surgery must be carefully differentiated whether it's caused by post-surgery abdominal infection/inflammation or NCP. Single-room isolation and related examinations should be performed according to the standard procedures. We believe that with the unprecedentedly joint efforts of doctors and patients, we will eventually win this war against NCP.

Virotherapy: Current Trends and Future Prospects for Treatment of Colon and Rectal Malignancies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies. In recent decades, early diagnosis and conventional therapies have resulted in a significant reduction in mortality. However, late stage metastatic disease still has very limited effective treatment options. There is a growing interest in using viruses to help target therapies to tumour sites. In recent years the evolution of immunotherapy has emphasised the importance of directing the immune system to eliminate tumour cells; we aim to give a state-of-the-art over-view of the diverse viruses that have been investigated as potential oncolytic agents for the treatment of CRC.

The prevalence of HPV infection in rectal cancer - Report from South - Central Poland (Cracow region).

Some studies suggest that HPV infection may be important carcinogenic factor in development of some part of colorectal cancers. However, in the worldwide literature concerning this type of tumours, the great variability in HPV frequency is noticed. In Poland, the incidence of HPV infection in colorectal cancers was examined in five studies so far and their results are also conflicting. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the HPV presence in the group of 120 patients with adenocarcinomas of rectum. HPV infection was assessed on the basis of DNA extracted from collected formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumour specimens. Viral presence was evaluated using two PCR based methods: nested PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR) with primers specific for HPV16. All HPV positive samples were subjected to virus genotyping using AmoyDx® Human papillomavirus (HPV) Genotyping Detection Kit and P16 immunostaining. Among 120 evaluated colorectal tumours, HPV DNA was detected in 2 cancers (1.67%) by nested PCR and in 2 (1.67%) tumours by qPCR, including 1 sample diagnosed as HPV positive on the basis of both PCR variants. Two HPV positive cancers had HPV16 infection and other one HPV18. All three tumours with positivity of HPV DNA were P16 negative. In south - central Poland, HPV infection in rectal cancers probably has not influence on rectal carcinogenesis.

Pathology Characterization and Detection of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 in Rectal Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

Rectal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare tumor with unresolved etiology. Human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals and solid organ transplant recipients experience >30-fold and approximately 3-fold elevated rates of rectal SCC, respectively, suggesting immunosuppression plays a role.1 Human immunodeficiency virus-infected homosexual men have >60-fold higher rates of rectal SCC, similar to anal SCC. These patterns, which differ from the more common rectal adenocarcinoma (AdCA), raise the possibility of shared etiology between rectal and anal SCC, with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) being a likely candidate.2.

Five-year relative survival for human papillomavirus-associated cancer sites.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can potentially prevent greater than 90% of cervical and anal cancers as well as a substantial proportion of vulvar, vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers caused by certain HPV types. Because more than 38,000 HPV-associated cancers are diagnosed annually in the United States, current studies are needed to understand how relative survival varies for each of these cancers by certain demographic characteristics, such as race and age. METHODS: The authors examined high-quality data from 27 population-based cancer registries covering approximately 59% of the US population. The analyses were limited to invasive cancers that were diagnosed during 2001 through 2011 and followed through 2011 and met specified histologic criteria for HPV-associated cancers. Five-year relative survival was calculated from diagnosis until death for these cancers by age, race, and sex. RESULTS: The 5-year age-standardized relative survival rate was 64.2% for cervical carcinomas, 52.8% for vaginal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 66% for vulvar SCCs, 47.4% for penile SCCs, 65.9% for anal SCCs, 56.2% for rectal SCCs, and 51.2% for oropharyngeal SCCs. Five-year relative survival was consistently higher among white patients compared with black patients for all HPV-associated cancers across all age groups; the greatest differences by race were observed for oropharyngeal SCCs among those aged <60 years and for penile SCCs among those ages 40 to 49 years compared with other age groups. CONCLUSIONS: There are large disparities in relative survival among patients with HPV-associated cancers by sex, race, and age. HPV vaccination and improved access to screening (of cancers for which screening tests are available) and treatment, especially among groups that experience higher incidence and lower survival, may reduce disparities in survival from HPV-associated cancers. Cancer 2018;124:203-211. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Prevalência de câncer colorretal associado ao papilomavírus humano: uma revisão sistemática com metanálise / Colorectal cancer prevalence linked to human papillomavirus: a systematic review with meta-analysis

RESUMO: Introdução: O câncer colorretal é um dos tipos de tumor mais prevalentes na população mundial. A mortalidade causada por esses tumores malignos continua elevada e mantém-se praticamente no mesmo nível nas últimas décadas. Entre os fatores de risco já estabelecidos para o desenvolvimento do câncer estão as infecções por patógenos ou vírus. Entre os vírus, o papilomavírus humano (HPV) é o mais prevalente, tendo mais de 180 cepas, das quais 40 estão diretamente relacionadas com infecções anogenitais. Objetivo: Avaliar de forma sistemática, com metanálise, os principais estudos que associam o HPV ao câncer colorretal. Métodos: Como estratégia de busca foi adotada a lógica baseada em descritores específicos (idioma inglês), vinculados aos operadores booleanos (AND/OR). As buscas foram aplicadas nas bases de dados PubMed, ScienceDirect e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), no período de abril e maio de 2015. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 1.549 amostras, sendo 956 (61,7%) do sexo masculino. Foram diagnosticados 630/1.358 casos de câncer colorretal por HPV (51,9%). Destes, 408/767 (51,9%) eram do sexo masculino e 404/598 (67,5%) foram associados aos HPVs 16 e 18, com prevalência tumoral na região do colo (253/411; 61,3%). Do total de 598 amostras para estimativa das prevalências de HPV-16 e HPV-18, a quantidade de casos com valores muito semelhantes foi de 204 (31,7%) e 200 (35,8%), respectivamente. Foram verificados valores relativamente expressivos na região do colo, 253 (61,3%), e na região retal, 158 (38,7%). Conclusão: Após a realização do presente estudo, a associação entre HPV e câncer colorretal ficou evidente, não havendo distinção entre gêneros, com valores muito semelhantes entre o HPV-16 e o HPV-18.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of tumors worldwide. Deaths caused by these malignant tumors remain high and have stayed practically at the same level for the last few decades. Among the established risk factors for the development of cancer are infections due to pathogens or viruses. Among the viruses, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent, with over 180 strains, 40 of which are directly related to anogenital infections. Objective: Systematically assess the main studies which link HPV to colorectal cancer with meta-analysis. Methods: The search strategy adopted was the logic based on specific descriptors (English language), in combination with the Boolean operators (AND/OR). The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), between April and May 2015. Results: 1,549 samples were assessed, with 956 (61.7%) being males. Six hundred thirty out of 1,358 cases of colorectal cancer due to HPV were diagnosed (51.9%). From these, 408 of 767 (51.9%) were male and 404 of 598 (67.5%) were linked to HPV 16 and 18, with tumor prevalence in the area of the cervix (253 of 411; 61.3%). From the total of 598 samples for the prevalence estimate of HPV 16 and 18, the number of cases with similar numbers was 204 (31.7%) and 200 (35.8%), respectively. Relatively significant numbers were found in the area of the cervix, 253 (61.3%), and the area of the rectum, 158 (38.7%). Conclusion: After conducting the present study, the link between HPV and colorectal cancer was made evident, without a distinction between the sexes, with similar values between HPV 16 and HPV 18.

Pulmonary Kaposi's Sarcoma and Its Complications in the HAART Era: A Contemporary Case-Based Review.

The early years of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic introduced the global medical community to Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a heretofore seldom encountered angiosarcomatous neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus-8. At that time, clinicians treating these KS patients were routinely exposed to the pulmonary manifestations of this malignancy, including characteristic airway lesions, peribronchovascular opacities, and the typically hemorrhagic pleural effusions. They also witnessed uncommon complications of pulmonary KS such as chylous effusions, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of KS has steadily declined and with that so has clinician familiarity with this disease. Herein, we present four KS cases recently encountered at our institution that illustrate both typical manifestations of pulmonary KS as well as its thoracic complications. The case descriptions are followed by a review of these clinical entities with the aim of restoring awareness among frontline physicians of what is now a rare but not quite extinct AIDS-defining neoplasm.

Colorectal cancer prevalence linked to human papillomavirus: a systematic review with meta-analysis. / Prevalência de câncer colorretal associado ao papilomavírus humano: uma revisão sistemática com metanálise.

INTRODUCTION:: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of tumors worldwide. Deaths caused by these malignant tumors remain high and have stayed practically at the same level for the last few decades. Among the established risk factors for the development of cancer are infections due to pathogens or viruses. Among the viruses, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent, with over 180 strains, 40 of which are directly related to anogenital infections. OBJECTIVE:: Systematically assess the main studies which link HPV to colorectal cancer with meta-analysis. METHODS:: The search strategy adopted was the logic based on specific descriptors (English language), in combination with the Boolean operators (AND/OR). The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), between April and May 2015. RESULTS:: 1,549 samples were assessed, with 956 (61.7%) being males. Six hundred thirty out of 1,358 cases of colorectal cancer due to HPV were diagnosed (51.9%). From these, 408 of 767 (51.9%) were male and 404 of 598 (67.5%) were linked to HPV 16 and 18, with tumor prevalence in the area of the cervix (253 of 411; 61.3%). From the total of 598 samples for the prevalence estimate of HPV 16 and 18, the number of cases with similar numbers was 204 (31.7%) and 200 (35.8%), respectively. Relatively significant numbers were found in the area of the cervix, 253 (61.3%), and the area of the rectum, 158 (38.7%). CONCLUSION:: After conducting the present study, the link between HPV and colorectal cancer was made evident, without a distinction between the sexes, with similar values between HPV 16 and HPV 18.

Rectal Hodgkin lymphoma in a patient with ulcerative colitis: a case study.

A case of Hodgkin lymphoma located in the rectum of a patient with ulcerative colitis is described. The patient was a 44 year old male treated with thiopurines for ulcerative colitis for ten years. He was admitted with malaise, weight loss and abdominal pain. Endoscopy revealed a large ulcerative lesion involving the rectum and distal part of the sigmoid colon. Although it macroscopically resembled a rectal cancer, repeated biopsies did not reveal any malignancy. In order to resolve the symptoms of stenosis and to get the final diagnosis a recto-sigmoid resection was performed. Pathologic examination revealed nodular sclerosis classical Hodgkin lymphoma, positive for Epstein Barr Virus. Subsequent examination revealed disseminated disease involving the pelvic wall, liver, and bone marrow. The patient is currently receiving chemotherapeutic treatment, and follow-up shows disease remission.Hodgkin lymphoma associated with immunosuppressive therapy is rare. However, patients with ulcerative colitis receiving such treatment are at increased risk of lymphoproliferative disordes, potentially due to loss of immunosurveillance and presence of oncogenic viruses (i.e. Epstein-Barr virus). Virtual Slides: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/6156776351558952.

Fatal herpes simplex virus hepatitis following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and anterior resection for rectal cancer.

We describe the case of a young patient who contracted fatal herpes simplex virus hepatitis following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and anterior resection for rectal cancer. The rarity and non-specific presentation of this treatable disease, which masqueraded as the sequelae of postoperative sepsis, resulted in a diagnosis following death. Features that should prompt inclusion of herpes simplex virus hepatitis in the differential diagnoses are suggested and the case is a reminder of how neoadjuvant therapy may subtly alter a patient's immunocompetency.

Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b in a patient with rectal cancer treated with combined bevacizumab and chemotherapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Recently, necrotizing fasciitis has been reported in patients treated with bevacizumab, usually secondary to wound healing complications, gastrointestinal perforations, or fistula formation. The risk of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infection is significantly increased in immunocompromised hosts. However, necrotizing fasciitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type b in a patient treated with combined bevacizumab and chemotherapy has not been previously reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit after sudden onset of fever, chills, and right thigh pain. She received chemotherapy with fluorouracil, irinotecan, and bevacizumab for colon cancer 10 days prior to admission. The advancing erythematous margin and her worsening clinical condition prompted us to suspect necrotizing fasciitis and consult the orthopedics department for a fascia biopsy and debridement. Surgical exploration revealed a murky dishwater-colored pus exudate from the incision site and the lack of a shiny appearance of the fascia that also suggested necrotizing fasciitis. After 2 days, the final results of the blood and exudate cultures confirmed the presence of Haemophilus influenzae type b. A diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type b was made. The patient required recurrent surgical debridement and drainage, but she recovered from the septic shock. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type b in a patient without injury and with rectal cancer treated with combined bevacizumab and chemotherapy. Physicians should consider invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in the presence of necrotizing fasciitis in patients treated with this combined treatment modality.

[Plasmablastic lymphoma: a case of rectal disease with bone marrow involvement in a HIV positive patient]. / Linfoma plasmablástico: un caso con enfermedad rectal y compromiso de médula ósea en un paciente VIH positivo.

Plasmablastic lymphoma is an aggressive form of lymphoma diffuse large B cell Lymphoma, initially described in HIV positive patients associated with lesions in the oral cavity. It is about 2% of NHL associated with HIV. This entity currently represents a challenge for the diagnosis and treatment, showing a poor long-term prognosis. This report describes a patient with VIH on HAART and CD4 count in 490 cells/ml associated with Plasmablastic lymphoma that involves rectum and bone marrow. The patient received 6 cycles of EPOCH regimen with complete response.

Combination of E2F-1 promoter-regulated oncolytic adenovirus and cytokine-induced killer cells enhances the antitumor effects in an orthotopic rectal cancer model.

Due to the anatomical structure of the rectum, the treatment of rectal cancer remains challenging. Ad-E2F, an oncolytic adenovirus containing the E2F-1 promoter, can selectively replicate within and kill cancer cells derived from solid tumors. Thus, this virus provides a novel approach for the treatment of rectal cancer. Given the poor efficacy and possible adverse reactions that arise from the use of oncolytic virus alone and the results of our analysis of the efficacy of Ad-E2F in the treatment of rectal cancer, we investigated the use of oncolytic adenovirus in combination with adoptive immunotherapy using cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells as a therapeutic treatment for rectal cancer. Our results illustrated that E2F-1 gene expression is higher in rectal cancer tissue than in normal tissue. Furthermore, the designed oncolytic adenovirus Ad-E2F is capable of selectively killing colorectal cell lines but has no significant effect on CIK cells. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that combined therapy with Ad-E2F and CIK cells produce stronger antitumor effects than the administration of Ad-E2F or CIK cells alone. For low rectal cancers that are suitable for intratumoral injection, local injections of oncolytic viruses in combination with CIK cell-based adoptive immunotherapy may be suitable as a novel comprehensive therapeutic approach.

Detection of human papillomavirus in small cell carcinomas of the anus and rectum.

Small cell carcinomas represent <1% of colorectal/anal carcinomas and have a poor prognosis. Anorectal squamous cell carcinomas are often associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, similar to squamous and small cell carcinomas of the uterine cervix. In HPV infection, the oncoprotein E7 inactivates the tumor suppressor Rb, leading to p16 upregulation; however, in small cell carcinomas, the Rb pathway is often blocked by other mechanisms; thus, increased p16 may not indicate HPV infection. P16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) may have a limited role in evaluating small cell carcinomas for HPV infection. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of previously diagnosed small cell carcinomas of the anus (n=5) and rectum (n=11) were subjected to IHC for p16, CDX2, and p63, followed by in situ hybridization for high-risk HPV. All (100%) cases of anal and rectal small cell carcinomas were positive for p16, and 100% of anal and 82% of rectal small cell carcinomas were positive for high-risk HPV. The majority of cases showed low or very low HPV copy numbers. In 6 cases, HPV was detected only by using the HPV-16 genotype-specific assay detecting very low copy numbers (1 to 2 viral copies). The majority of tumors expressed p63, which was more pronounced in the anal tumors. CDX2 expression was observed predominantly in rectal tumors. High-risk HPV can be detected using in situ hybridization in the majority of anorectal small cell carcinomas, which are uniformly p16 positive by IHC. HPV-targeted therapy could result in better control of these aggressive neoplasms.

Genital herpes zoster as a consequence of cancer chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression: report of a case.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a clinical manifestation of the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). HZ of the male genital area is a rarely reported condition. The exact mechanism of latency and reactivation of VZV in these patients is unknown. The incidence of HZ can be associated with various conditions such as malignancies, immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, psychological conditions, and human immunodeficiency infection or HIV disease. In this report, we describe a rare case of HZ on male genitalia following the administration of immunosuppressant drugs for bowel cancer. The patient developed classical features of HZ during chemotherapy, 2 years after the initial chemotherapy for his bowel cancer. The ulcers of HZ lesions were treated with chlorhexidine (Curasept) ointment to prevent secondary bacterial infection. All the lesions subsided gradually and in 2 weeks with no later symptoms or pain. Genitalia are an unusual site of eruption in HZ. Patients with malignancy and iatrogenic immunodeficiency have an increased risk of reactivation of VZV and development of HZ.