The role of histologic subtype, p16INK4a expression, and presence of human papillomavirus DNA in penile squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Our results confirm intense nuclear positivity for p16(INK4a), rather than histologic subtype, as a good predictor for presence of HR-HPV DNA in pSCC. HR-HPV / p16(INK4a) positivity, independent of histological tumour grade, indicates a less aggressive local behaviour; however, its value as an independent prognostic indicator remains to be determined. Since local invasion can be judged without p16(INK4a)/HPV-detection on microscopic evaluation, our study argues against routine testing in the setting of pSCC.