Detection of alpha-HPV types in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma associated with markers of carcinogenesis: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background: While the role of oncogenic alpha (α)-HPVs in anogenital and oral mucosal cancers is well-established, their involvement in skin carcinogenesis remains unexplored.

Objective: To investigate the role of α-HPV in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

Methods: This retrospective study included 129 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cSCC samples. The main outcomes were the proportion of α-HPV positive cSCC and the characterization of viral features, assessed through HPV typing and viral DNA integration analysis.

Results: The study included 99 cases of invasive cSCCs and 30 Bowen's disease. HPV DNA was detected in 56.6% of samples. HPV from the α genus were identified in 25 samples, (19.4%), with only a single α-HPV type detected in each positive sample. HPV16 was the main type, detected in 10 samples. Peripheral healthy skin tested negative in 10 out of 11 α-HPV-positive samples. Viral DNA was integrated in host-cell DNA in 8 out of 9 HPV16-positive samples.

Conclusions: This study highlights a significant prevalence of α-HPV-positive samples among both invasive and in situ cSCC. The virological findings support a carcinogenic role of α-HPV in cSCC.