Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in men with penile carcinoma is associated with increased prevalence of human papilloma virus infection and younger age at presentation

Abstract

Background: We investigated the prevalence of HIV and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in men with penile carcinoma. Method: This retrospective study investigated all men with penile carcinoma at the Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa (January 2000-December 2008). Patients' age, HIV status, histological type of carcinoma and evidence of HPV infection were recorded. Statistical analyses included Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test where appropriate (2-tailed p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significant). Results: Among 65 patients (mean age 50.9 years, range 37-69), the most common histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (80.0%). HIV status was known for 48 patients; 27 (56.2%) were HIV-positive. The mean age at presentation was 43.7 years (range 26-69) years in the HIV-positive and 57.2 years (range 26-89) years in the HIV-negative group. Approximately 55% of HIV-positive and 24% of HIV-negative patients showed histological evidence of HPV infection (p = 0.04). No significant difference was found with regard to histological type of carcinoma. Conclusion: Patients with penile carcinoma had a high prevalence of HIV infection. The HIV-positive group were significantly younger at presentation, with a higher prevalence of HPV infection, suggesting that HIV may contribute to HPV-associated penile cancer at a younger age.

A global approach to improving penile cancer care

“…In Africa, the penile cancer burden is increased by socioeconomic issues, poor knowledge of the disease, poor access to health care, poor access to sanitation and hygiene 3 , low rates of circumcision, and the reduced availability of physical contraceptive methods, such as the male condom, especially in rural areas 37 . The latter is a particular concern in Africa 38 , where a lack of physical contraceptive methods contributes to the spread of both HIV and HPV infections in sub-Saharan Africa countries 37 — the interplay of HIV and HPV increases the incidence of HPV-related malignancies, including penile cancer, and its incidence is up to four times higher in HIV-infected men than in HIV-negative men 39 , 40 .…”

The association between penile cancer and HIV infection: A literature review

“…11 HIV infection is therefore likely to drive oncogenesis and transformation to PeSCC at an earlier age, a phenomenon also seen in other SCCs, such as those of the cervix and lung. 34 Furthermore, HIV status seems to affect clinical outcomes: HIV increased the risk of mortality from PeSCC four-fold in one study. 22 Conversely, another study found no effect of HIV status (in patients undergoing ART for more than 2 years) on disease characteristics or progression.…”

“…In a study of 65 patients with PeSCC, by Wentzel et al, HIV-positive men had a significantly lower age at presentation compared with HIV-negative men (mean difference 13.5 years). 34 Amongst nine case reports and series, data regarding HPV status were included for four patients; 13,17,21 all were of high-risk HPV subtypes, except one. 17 Similarly, in the study by Wentzel et al, HIV-positive men had a higher prevalence of HPV infection, compared to those without HIV (55.6% vs 23.8%).…”

“…17 Similarly, in the study by Wentzel et al, HIV-positive men had a higher prevalence of HPV infection, compared to those without HIV (55.6% vs 23.8%). 34…”

Incidência do câncer de pênis no Brasil

“…Homens que têm parceiras sexuais com neoplasia intraepitelial cervical têm maior incidência de desenvolver neoplasia intraepitelial peniana. Em resumo, a infecção por HIV aumenta as chances de desenvolver CP mesmos em homens mais jovens (Wentzel, 2018).…”