Comparison of p16INK4a Immunocytochemistry with the HPV Polymerase Chain Reaction in Predicting High Grade Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

Aim: To compare p16INK4a immunocytochemistry with the HPV polymerase chain reaction in predictinghigh grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions. Materials and
Methods: This diagnostic case-control studywas conducted from January 2010 until December 2010. We obtained 30 samples, classified according to thedegree of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN): 11 samples for CIN 1, 9 samples for CIN 2, and 10 samples forCIN 3. HPV PCR, p16INK4a immunocytochemistry, and histopathological examination were performed on allsamples. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 20.0.
Results: In predicting CIN 2-3, we found p16INK4ato have similar specificity and positive predictive value as HPV PCR (95%, 97.2% vs 96.7%), but better sensitivity(87.5% vs 72.5%) and negative predictive value (82.1% vs 67.6%). The most prevalent types of high-risk HPVin our study were HPV 33, 35, 58, 52, and 16.
Conclusions: p16INK4a has better diagnostic values than HPVPCR and may be incorporated in the triage of ASCUS and LSIL to replace HPV PCR. Genotype distribution ofHPV differs in each region, providing a challenge to develop HPV vaccines based on the epidemiology of HPVin that particular region.