Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in colorectal carcinomas by polymerase chain reaction.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with a number of benign and malignant neoplasms. To substantiate the relationship between HPV DNA and colorectal carcinomas, 70 carcinomas and 37 adenomas were analysed in this study. Specific types of HPV DNA in colorectal tumours were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot hybridisation. HPV DNA was detected in 11 of 37 (29.7%) adenomas and in 52.9% 37 of 70 (52.9%) of carcinomas. The expression of HPV DNA in adenomas and carcinomas, especially that of HPV 16 in HPV positive cases (4 of 11 v 26 of 37), was significantly different (p < 0.05). There was no correlation, however, between HPV and the location, differentiation, stage, or survival of malignant neoplasms. These data suggest that HPV DNA, especially type 16, is associated with colorectal carcinogenesis.