The role of p16 as putative biomarker for cervical neoplasia: A controversial issue?
2017
INTRODUCTION: Protein p16 has been extensively studied as a potential biomarker for precursor lesions to
distinguish cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) from their mimics. However, the use of p16 as prognostic
biomarker for diagnosis of cervical cancer and precancer is controversial. This study focuses on the assessment of
peer-reviewed scientific data related to the use of p16 to predict disease severity and its controversies.
METHODS: We reviewed publications in MEDLINE/PubMed assessing the clinical, diagnostic and prognostic
significance of p16 in CIN and cervical cancer; we included publications from 2009 to June 2017.
RESULTS: The use of p16 as a prognostic marker is still unreliable, although it could be a useful tool for diagnosis of
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia lesions with undetermined morphology. Moreover, p16 appears to be a specific
marker of high-risk oncogenic HPV infection.
CONCLUSION: This review shows the potential utility and drawbacks of p16 for clinical practice and the diagnosis
of cervical cancer. Further studies are required to substantiate the role of p16 in conjunction with other more
sensitive and specific biomarkers for diagnosing CIN and predicting its progression.
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