Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in Penile Cancer in Thailand.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are important etiological factors for several cancers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HPV and EBV infection in penile cancer.
Methods: Forty-three formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded penile cancer tissue samples were analyzed for the HPV-induced p16INK4A protein by immunohistochemistry and Epstein-Barr encoding region in situ hybridization. Demographic data and overall survival were analyzed.
Results: The median age of patients was 59 years, ranging from 23 to 91 years old. Most of the tumors (86%) were located at the tip of the penis. HPV infection was positive in 12/43 (27.9%) patients. EBV infection was observed in 2/43 (4.6%) of cases and there was no co-infection detected in this cohort. Patients who had p16INK4A overexpression had a trend toward longer survival compared to those without; the median survival time of 104.4 vs 89 months, the hazard ratio of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.16-1.42, p = 0.173).
Conclusions: One-third of penile cancer patients were positive for HPV-induced p16INK4A expression and there was a trend toward better survival in HPV-positive patients. EBV infection was infrequent in penile cancer in Thailand.