Identification of human papillomavirus DNA gene sequences in human breast cancer
2005

HPV DNA in Breast Cancer

Sample size: 50 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kan C-Y, Iacopetta B J, Lawson J S, Whitaker N J

Primary Institution: University of New South Wales

Hypothesis

Do HPV types 16, 18, and 33 gene sequences exist in breast cancers in predominantly Caucasian Australian women?

Conclusion

HPV 18 gene sequences are present in nearly half of the breast cancer samples tested, but no significant correlations with tumor characteristics were found.

Supporting Evidence

  • 24 out of 50 breast cancer samples tested positive for HPV 18.
  • HPV 18 variants were identified in the sequenced samples.
  • No significant correlations were found between HPV presence and tumor characteristics.

Takeaway

The study found that a virus called HPV 18 can be found in some breast cancer samples, but it doesn't seem to affect how serious the cancer is.

Methodology

DNA from 50 breast cancer specimens was screened for HPV types 16, 18, and 33 using PCR.

Limitations

The study did not identify HPV types 16 and 33, and the presence of HPV was not correlated with tumor grade or patient outcomes.

Participant Demographics

Predominantly Caucasian Australian women.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6602778

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