Study to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus in Barrett’s oesophagus using a novel screening methodology

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly associated with Barrett’s dysplasia and oesophageal cancer suggesting a role in carcinogenesis. HPV persistence predicts treatment failure after endotherapy for Barrett’s dysplasia. This pilot study applies a novel HPV screening tool (previously only used in the oropharynx) to detect HPV DNA directly and determine the prevalence rates in Barrett’s oesophagus (BO). METHOD: DNA was extracted from 20 formalin-fixed BO samples. HPV DNA was detected using real-time PCR and gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: 5 out of 20 patients were identified as positive for HPV. Prevalence was 25% in patients with BO. CONCLUSION: This method can be used in BO’s tissue to determine HPV infection. Adoption of this as a screening test could potentially revolutionise future research in this area. If a clear link between HPV and Barrett’s dysplasia can be confirmed, this qPCR method has the potential to aid in monitoring and/or dysplasia detection by stratifying those most at risk and aid in the development of new therapies.