Human papillomavirus type distribution in cervical cancer in Delhi, India

This hospital-based study in New Delhi, North India was performed to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cases of invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC). A total of 110 cases presenting with an obvious cervical growth were included in the study. 108 cases that was shown to be ICC on histology (101 squamous cell carcinomas, 4 adenocarcinomas, and one neuroendocrine carcinoma) were included in the analysis. DNA was extracted from tumor tissue and HPV genotype was determined by a consensus PCR assay using a reverse line blot hybridization assay. Of 106 evaluable cases, 104 (98.1%) were positive for HPV infection. Twelve different high-risk HPV types were found. There were 125 infections, 119 of which were high risk. Six cases had associated low risk infections. HPV 16 was the commonest type, seen in 73.6% cases, followed by HPV 18 (14.2%) and 45 (11.3%). A vaccine with 100% efficacy in prevention of HPV 16 and 18 infections would theoretically reduce the total cancer burden in New Delhi by more than 75% (assuming 100% coverage). Increasing the genotype spectrum (e.g., valency) if the existing vaccines would be expected to have only a modest impact on the potential for cervical prevention.