DLCS Expands Testing Menu; Adds P16ink4a Immunohistochemistry (p16 Ihc) For High Risk

Oct. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- PRESS RELEASE

Dermatopathology Laboratory of Central States (DLCS), an anatomic cutaneous pathology and molecular diagnostics laboratory, has announced the availability of p16INK4a immunohistochemistry (p16 IHC).  Sensitive immunohistochemical (IHC) assays for the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) surrogate biomarker p16 can be useful in detecting HR-HPV in cervical dysplasia in biopsy specimens, providing a valuable adjunct to cervical cytology screenings. p16 has been shown to be over expressed in high grade dysplasia and cervical carcinomas, providing valuable insight to the risk of cancer.

Genital warts (or condylomata acuminata, venereal warts, anal warts and anogenital warts) is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by some sub-types of HPV. It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner. There are multiple strains, or types of HPV, and they can be grouped as high or low risk types with regard to cancer risk. Low-risk types are responsible for 90% of genital warts cases.   Other, high-risk HPV types also cause cervical cancer and probably most anal cancers.

“Women infected with high-risk HPV strains have an increased risk of progression to dysplasia and cervical cancer compared to women infected with low-risk HPV strains,” explained Dr. Olsen, “and detection of these high-risk HPV strains allows for improved risk assessment and patient management. In a major consensus statement, the College of American Pathologists recently recognized p16 IHC as the primary biomarker for use in HPV-associated lower anogenital squamous lesions ”

HPV infection is a very common infection that is associated with condyloma, Bowenoid papulosis, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), and cancer.  Although HPV infection does not always progress to cancer, >93% of cervical cancer cases are associated with HPV.   The new test detects some lesions associated with an increased risk of cancer.  High-risk HPV testing is an appropriate adjunct to cervical cytology screening in women 30 to 65 years of age. It is also an option for follow-up in women 21-29 years of age with atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (ASC-US) cervical cytology results.  Screening beyond age 65 depends on an individual’s previous results on cervical screening and diagnostic testing.  

“The HPV test is designed to augment existing methods for the detection of cervical disease” added Dr. Olsen, “and should be used in conjunction with clinical information derived from other diagnostic and screening tests, physical examinations and full medical history in accordance with appropriate patient management procedures.”

The new test is now available at DLCS and can be ordered on any current biopsy or previously submitted formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.  The turnaround is approximately 3-5 days.  For information on how to order this test, please contact Dr. Michael Kent, Translational Scientist, DLCS at (800) 532-3232 or mkent@dermpathlab.com.

ABOUT DLCS

Dermpath Lab of Central States (DLCS) is an independent, national dermatopathology laboratory whose goal is to provide physicians with accurate diagnoses of skin biopsies.  DLCS has a focus on quality, efficient service, and education – all essential to our dedication to patient care.  For additional information about DLCS visit www.dermpathlab.com.