Differential etiopathogenic features of vulvar squamous cell carcinomas in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.

Two pathways have been described for vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCC), one associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), and the other HPV-independent. We compared the etiopathogenic features of a series of VSCC from Mozambique, a sub-Saharan country with high prevalence of HPV and HIV, with those of Spain, a European country with low prevalence of HPV and HIV. All VSCC diagnosed at the two institutions from January 2018 to December 2020 were included (n = 35 and n = 41, respectively). HPV DNA detection and genotyping, and immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53 were performed. Tumors showing p16 positive staining and/or HPV DNA positivity were considered HPV-associated. 34/35 tumors (97%) from Mozambique and 8/41 (19%) from Spain were HPV-associated (P < .001). Mean age of the patients from Mozambique and Spain was 45 ± 12 and 72 ± 14, respectively (P < .001). No differences were found in terms of HPV genotypes or multiple HPV infection rates. 1/35 tumors (3%) from Mozambique and 29/41 (70%) from Spain showed abnormal p53 immunostaining (P < .001). In contrast with the predominance of HPV-independent VSCC affecting old women in Europe, most VSCC in sub-Saharan Africa are HPV-associated and arise in young women. This data may have important consequences for primary prevention of VSCC worldwide.

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma arising on human papillomavirus-independent precursors mimicking high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion: a distinct and highly recurrent subtype of vulvar cancer.

AIMS: Each category of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated and HPV-independent, arises on a specific intra-epithelial precursor: high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions (HSIL) and differentiated vulvar intra-epithelial neoplasia (dVIN), respectively. However, a subset of HPV-independent VSCC arises on an intra-epithelial precursor closely mimicking HSIL. We aimed to explore the clinicopathological features of the HPV-independent tumours with HSIL-like lesions and compare them with HPV-independent VSCC with dVIN and HPV-associated tumours with HSIL. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively identified 105 cases of surgically treated VSCC with adjacent intra-epithelial precursors. The cases were classified into three groups based on the HPV status and the adjacent precursor identified: (i) HPV-associated VSCC with HSIL (n = 26), (ii) HPV-independent VSCC with dVIN lesions (n = 54) and (iii) HPV-independent VSCC with HSIL-like lesions (n = 25). We analysed the histological and clinical features including the recurrence-free survival and disease-specific survival in the three groups. Patients with HPV-independent VSCC with HSIL-like lesions and with dVIN were older than patients with HPV-associated VSCC (76 and 77 versus 66 years, respectively, P < 0.001). HPV-independent VSCC with HSIL-like lesions recurred more frequently [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.87; P < 0.001] than HPV-independent VSCC with dVIN (HR = 2.27; P = 0.1) and HPV-associated VSCC (HR = 1). In the multivariate analysis, HPV-independent VSCC with HSIL-like lesions remained significant for recurrence. No differences in disease-specific survival were observed between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Even though VSCC with HSIL-like lesions are not associated with higher mortality, they are more likely to recur and might benefit from more intensive treatment strategies and closer surveillance after treatment.

Human papillomavirus and p53 status define three types of vulvar squamous cell carcinomas with distinct clinical, pathological, and prognostic features.

INTRODUCTION: Based on their etiological relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV), the 2020 WHO classification has divided vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCC) into two distinct types, HPV-associated and HPV-independent, and HPV-independent tumours have recently been divided according to p53 status. Nevertheless, the clinical and prognostic significance of this classification has not been clearly established. We analysed the differential clinical, pathological, and behavioural characteristics of these three types of VSCC in a large series of patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: VSCC samples from patients who underwent primary surgery at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain, during a 47-year period (January 1975 to January 2022) were analysed (n = 190). HPV detection, p16, and p53 immunohistochemical staining were evaluated. We also analysed recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Thirty-three tumours (17.4%) were HPV-associated and 157 (82.6%) HPV-independent. Of these, 20 showed normal and 137 abnormal p53 expression. The two types of HPV-independent tumours showed worse RFS in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.63; P = 0.023 for the HPV-independent p53 normal VSCC and HR = 2.78; P = 0.028 for the HPV-independent p53 abnormal VSCC). Although the differences were not significant, HPV-independent VSCC had worse DSS than HPV-associated VSCC. Although patients with HPV-independent p53 normal tumours had worse RFS than patients with HPV-independent p53 abnormal tumours, the DSS was better for the former group. Only advanced FIGO stage was associated with worse DSS in multivariate analysis (HR = 2.83; P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: The association of HPV and p53 status have prognostic implications, reinforcing a three-tier molecular classification of VSCC (HPV-associated VSCC, HPV-independent VSCC with normal p53, HPV-independent VSCC with abnormal p53).

P53 in Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pattern-Based Immunohistochemical Framework with Molecular Correlation.

p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been proposed as a surrogate for TP53 mutations in penile squamous cell carcinomas (PSCC). We aimed to evaluate the performance of a pattern-based evaluation of p53 IHC in PSCC. Human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA testing, p16 and p53 IHC, and whole exome sequencing were performed in a series of 40 PSCC. p53 IHC was evaluated following a pattern-based framework and conventional p53 IHC evaluation. Out of 40 PSCC, 12 (30.0%) were HPV-associated, and 28 (70.0%) were HPV-independent. The agreement between the p53 IHC pattern-based evaluation and TP53 mutational status was almost perfect (k = 0.85). The sensitivity and accuracy of the pattern-based framework for identifying TP53 mutations were 95.5% and 92.5%, respectively, which were higher than the values of conventional p53 IHC interpretation (54.5% and 70.0%, respectively), whereas the specificity was the same (88.9%). In conclusions, the pattern-based framework improves the accuracy of detecting TP53 mutations in PSCC compared to the classical p53 IHC evaluation.

Oral florid papillomatosis: Topical treatment with 5% imiquimod in orabase.

BACKGROUND: Florid oral papillomatosis is characterized by its tendency to local recurrence that requires multiple treatments, leading to important functional sequelae. METHODS: We present 74-year-old woman with oral florid papillomatosis (OFP) who refused a new surgical treatment, and was treated with imiquimod 5% in orabase on alternate days for 16 weeks. Treatment was complemented with application of hyaluronic acid gel. RESULTS: There were no side effects to the treatment, nor signs of local recurrence, in the treated area at 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: After reviewing the literature and according to our knowledge, this is the first published case of oral florid papillomatosis treated topically with imiquimod 5% successfully. Topical treatment with imiquimod 5% in orabase may be a valid alternative for patients with recurrent OFP located in the anterior area of the oral cavity who refuse surgical treatment, although we must closely monitor the patient for the possibility of recurrence or malignant degeneration.

HPV Vaccination in Women with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Undergoing Excisional Treatment: Insights into Unsolved Questions.

Several questions regarding the role of vaccination in women treated for high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) have not been clarified. One of the main queries is whether the time at which the vaccine is administered (before or after treatment) influences the protection against post-treatment HSIL. A second unanswered question is whether the vaccine has any effect in women with persistent HPV after treatment. We aimed to address these questions in a study of 398 women undergoing excisional treatment from July 2016 to December 2019. Vaccination was funded and offered to all women undergoing treatment. A total of 306 women (76.9%) accepted HPV vaccination (vaccinated group): 113 (36.9%) received the first dose before excision and 193 (63.1%) after the procedure. A total of 92 women (23.1%) refused the vaccine (non-vaccinated group). Women vaccinated before treatment showed a lower rate of post-treatment HSIL compared with non-vaccinated women (0.9% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.047). Among women with persistent HPV infection after treatment, those who had received the vaccine showed a lower prevalence of post-treatment HSIL than non-vaccinated women (2.6% vs. 10.5%; p = 0.043). In conclusion, this study shows that HPV vaccination before treatment reduces the prevalence of post-treatment HSIL and suggests that vaccination might even benefit women with persistent HPV after treatment.

Penile Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe: Differential Etiopathogenesis.

Penile squamous cell carcinomas (PSCC) are classified by the World Health Organization into two categories based on their relationship with the human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV-associated and HPV-independent. We compared a cohort of PSCC from Mozambique, a sub-Saharan country in southeast Africa with a high prevalence of HPV and HIV infection, and Spain, a country in southwestern Europe with a low prevalence of HPV and HIV, to study the distribution of the etiopathogenic categories of these tumors in both sites. A total of 79 PSCC were included in the study (28 from Mozambique and 51 from Spain). All cases underwent HPV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, genotyping, and immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53. Any PSCC showing either p16 overexpression or HPV-DNA in PCR analysis was considered HPV-associated. Overall, 40/79 (50.6%) tumors were classified as HPV-associated and 39 (49.4%) as HPV-independent. The two sites showed marked differences: 25/28 (89.3%) tumors from Mozambique and only 15/51 (29.4%) from Spain were HPV-associated (p < 0.001). HPV16 was the most frequent HPV type identified in 64.0% (16/25) of the HPV-associated tumors from Mozambique, and 60.0% (9/15) from Spain (p = 0.8). On average, patients from Mozambique were almost two decades younger than those from Spain (mean age 50.9 ± 14.9 and 69.2 ± 13.3, respectively [p < 0.001]). In conclusion, significant etiopathogenic differences between PSCC in Mozambique and Spain were observed, with a remarkably high prevalence of HPV-associated tumors in Mozambique and a relatively low prevalence in Spain. These data may have important consequences for primary prevention of PSCC worldwide.

Carcinoma gástrico con estroma linfoide: 3 entidades clínico-patológicas / Gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma: 3 clinicopathological entities

Los carcinomas gástricos con estroma linfoide son un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias mal caracterizadas que históricamente no se han clasificado en entidades clínico-patológicas distintas. Conocer los criterios diagnósticos e identificarlos tiene una importancia relevante tanto clínica como pronóstica. Analizamos 13 casos de pacientes con carcinomas gástricos con estroma linfoide. Con criterios histopatológicos, inmunofenotípicos y moleculares, se definieron 3 subtipos (patrón 1, 2 y 3). Realizamos inmunohistoquímica para caracterizar las poblaciones linfoides (CD3, CD4, CD8 y CD20), para analizar la expresión de virus de Epstein-Barr (VEB) y la expresión de proteínas reparadoras del ADN. El objetivo de este estudio es definir criterios útiles que permitan distinguir estas inusuales lesiones y estudiar el inmunofenotipo de las poblaciones linfoides (AU)

Gastric carcinomas with lymphoid stroma comprise a heterogeneous group of incompletely characterized neoplasms that have not as yet been classified as different clinico-pathological entities. We analysed 13 cases of gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma in order to establish diagnostic criteria for their identification. We defined 3 different subtypes (patterns 1, 2 and 3) based on histopathologic, immunophenotypic and molecular criteria. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify lymphoid populations (CD 3, CD4, CD8 and CD20), the presence of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and the expression of DNA mismatch repair proteins. Our aim is to define criteria that are helpful in the differential diagnosis of these unusual lesions and to clarify the immunophenotype of their lymphoid population (AU)

Cumplimiento terapéutico en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular / Therapeutic compliance in patients with cardiovascular disease

Introducción. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el grado y las causas de incumplimiento mediante el test de Morisky-Green y compararlo con el juicio de cada médico de familia del centro de salud. Métodos. Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se realizó una selección aleatoria de 180 pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular de 580 registrados. Se excluyeron los domiciliarios, los dependientes y los que se negaron a participar en el estudio. Mediante encuesta se recogió: sexo, edad, estudios, episodio cardiovascular y tiempo de evolución, número de diagnósticos y de fármacos y su posología. Se detectaron los no cumplidores con el test de Morisky-Green y se evaluaron las causas. Posteriormente se contrastó con la opinión de cada médico. Resultados. La media de edad fue de 70 años (desviación estándar [DE], 9,7), el 69% varones, el 91% con estudios primarios o analfabetos, el 75% tenía mínimo 4 diagnósticos y el 30% realizaba 10 o más tomas de medicamento diarias. Según el test, el 51% eran cumplidores, cifra similar a la opinión del médico (55%). La concordancia entre ambos fue muy baja (índice kappa = 0,14). La principal causa de incumplimiento fue olvidar las tomas (59%) y la segunda, negarse a depender de la medicación (20,5%). Conclusiones. La mitad de los pacientes era cumplidora según el test y según el juicio clínico del médico de familia, aunque había baja concordancia entre ambos. La principal causa de incumplimiento fue el olvido de la toma y la segunda negarse a depender de la medicación

Introduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the level and main reasons for non-compliance by using Morisky-Green's test. Later, this information was cross-checked with the opinion of the family doctor of each patient. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed. 180 patients out of 580 with cardiovascular disease were randomly included. Home-care patients, those dependent and those who refused to be interviewed were excluded. By means of a questionnaire, gender, age, educational level, type of cardiovascular event, number of diagnoses, medication and dosage schedule were studied. Non-compliers were detected by the test and the main reason for non-compliance evaluated. Family doctors were also asked for their opinion. Results. The mean age was 70 years (standard deviation [SD], 9.7), 69% men, 91% with primary school studies or illiterate, 75% had a minimum of 4 diagnoses and 30% took more than 10 medications daily. According to the test, 51% had a good compliance, almost the same percentage when we asked the opinion of their doctor (55%). The concordance between both patient and doctor was very low (index kappa = 0.14). The main cause for non-compliance was forgetfulness (59%) and second was that the patients refused to be dependent on the medication (20.5%). Conclusions. Half of the patients had a good compliance according to the test and agreed with the opinion of their doctor, but there is little agreement between the 2 methods. The main reason for non-compliance was forgetfulness followed by refusing to depend on medication