Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network

p16 by immunohistochemistry is more accurate in detecting HPV in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma than HPV in situ hybridization methods.

In a recent study, researchers compared the sensitivity and specificity of three popular commercial tests for detecting human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, using HPV PCR as the ‘gold standard' assay.

Assay testing included microarray HPV DNA in situ hybridization, p16 by immunohistochemistry, MY09/11-PCR Gold AmpliTaq and dot-blot hybridization, and RT-PCR for HPV 16 E6 and E7-RNA expression. Testing was performed across multiple laboratories on 110 specimens.

According to the study results, p16 by immunohistochemistry was more accurate in detecting HPV in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma than HPV in situ hybridization.

To stratify patients at risk for head and neck squamous cancer MPLN offers p16 by immunohistochemistry. For more information about this test, contact a client service specialist at 800.932.2943.