Study to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus in Barrett’s oesophagus using a novel screening methodology

Introduction Human papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly associated with Barrett’s dysplasia and oesophageal cancer suggesting a role in carcinogenesis. HPV persistence predicts treatment failure after endotherapy for Barrett’s dysplasia. This pilot study applies a novel HPV screening tool (previously on...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Krish Ragunath, Philip Kaye, Gillian Knight, Elizabeth Marsh, Jonathan Richard White, Aimee Whitton
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2022-11-01
Series:BMJ Open Gastroenterology
Online Access:https://bmjopengastro.bmj.com/content/9/1/e000840.full
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Summary:Introduction Human papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly associated with Barrett’s dysplasia and oesophageal cancer suggesting a role in carcinogenesis. HPV persistence predicts treatment failure after endotherapy for Barrett’s dysplasia. This pilot study applies a novel HPV screening tool (previously only used in the oropharynx) to detect HPV DNA directly and determine the prevalence rates in Barrett’s oesophagus (BO).Method DNA was extracted from 20 formalin-fixed BO samples. HPV DNA was detected using real-time PCR and gel electrophoresis.Results 5 out of 20 patients were identified as positive for HPV. Prevalence was 25% in patients with BO.Conclusion This method can be used in BO’s tissue to determine HPV infection. Adoption of this as a screening test could potentially revolutionise future research in this area. If a clear link between HPV and Barrett’s dysplasia can be confirmed, this qPCR method has the potential to aid in monitoring and/or dysplasia detection by stratifying those most at risk and aid in the development of new therapies.
ISSN:2054-4774