Prevalence of human papillomavirus DNA in cutaneous neoplasms from renal allograft recipients supports a possible viral role in tumour promotion
1994

HPV DNA in Skin Tumors of Kidney Transplant Patients

Sample size: 106 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): L.A. Stark, M.J. Arends, K.M. McLaren, E.C. Benton, H. Shahidullah, J.A.A. Hunter, C.C. Bird

Primary Institution: University of Edinburgh

Hypothesis

Do human papillomaviruses (HPV) contribute to the development of skin tumors in renal allograft recipients?

Conclusion

The study found that HPV DNA was present in a significant percentage of skin tumors in renal allograft recipients, suggesting a potential role in tumor promotion.

Supporting Evidence

  • 79% of viral warts in renal allograft recipients contained HPV DNA.
  • 42% of premalignant keratoses in renal allograft recipients contained HPV DNA.
  • 33% of intraepidermal carcinomas in renal allograft recipients contained HPV DNA.
  • 43% of invasive squamous cell carcinomas in renal allograft recipients contained HPV DNA.
  • 16% of uninvolved skin specimens from renal allograft recipients contained HPV DNA.

Takeaway

People who have received kidney transplants may get more skin tumors because of a virus called HPV that can be found in their skin.

Methodology

The study examined skin tumors from 50 immunosuppressed patients and 56 immunocompetent patients using Southern hybridization and PCR to detect HPV DNA.

Limitations

The study could not age-match the two patient groups for certain tumor types, which may affect the results.

Participant Demographics

47 renal allograft recipients and 3 cardiac allograft recipients, mean age 50 years; 56 immunocompetent individuals, mean age 66.6 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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