Absence of HPV 16 and 18 DNA in breast cancer
1992

No HPV DNA Found in Breast Cancer

Sample size: 80 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): D. Wredel, Y.A. Luqmani, R.C. Coombes, K.H. Vousden

Primary Institution: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research

Hypothesis

Is HPV involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer?

Conclusion

This study shows that HPV types 16 and 18 are absent from a large series of breast cancers.

Supporting Evidence

  • DNA from 95 primary breast cancers was tested for HPV DNA.
  • 80 samples were analyzed after excluding those with inadequate material.
  • No breast cancer sample containing amplifiable DNA was positive for HPV 16 or 18.

Takeaway

The researchers looked for HPV DNA in breast cancer samples and found none, suggesting HPV isn't a cause of breast cancer.

Methodology

DNA from 95 primary breast cancers was extracted and tested for HPV DNA using PCR.

Limitations

The study only tested for HPV types 16 and 18 and did not rule out other HPV types.

Participant Demographics

{"age_range":"29-76","mean_age":54,"menopausal_status":{"pre":25,"post":41,"peri":5,"not_known":9},"oestrogen_receptor_status":{"positive":42,"negative":23,"not_classified":15}}

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