Joanna Liss

Publications of Joanna Liss

• "Internal coasting" for prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in IVF/ICSI.

  Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Grzegorz Jakiel

  Ginekologia polska. 11/2011; 82(11):812-6.

  To prevent OHSS by interruption of the early stage of stimulation ("internal coasting"). Prospective, randomized study 139 women who had unsuccessfully undergone standard long protocol ICSITo prevent OHSS by interruption of the early stage of stimulation ("internal coasting"). Prospective, randomized study 139 women who had unsuccessfully undergone standard long protocol ICSI procedure, complicated by OHSS of moderate or severe degree. The women were randomized to two groups--68 undergoing stimulation in which, after 2 days of 225 IU hMG there were 2 days without hMG, and then, for the remainder of the stimulation period, 150 IU hMG. The control group (71 women) received standard doses of hMG, as in the first ICSI cycle. The main outcome measures was the prevalence and severity of OHSS, implantation and pregnancy rates. There were 39 cases of OHSS of moderate (32) and severe (7) degree in the control group and 7 (moderate) cases in the investigated group (p = 0.05). No differences were found in the implantation rate and pregnancy rate, the mean number of oocytes fertilized, fertilization rate and the mean number of embryos transferred. Stimulation with internal coasting is safe for women at a high risk of OHSS. It does not negatively influence fertilization, implantation or pregnancy rates.

• [Preimplantaion genetic diagnosis of hearing loss with 35delG mutation in GJB2 gene - preliminary report].

  Authors: Joanna Liss, Agata Mirecka, Kamila Kitowska, Krzysztof Lukaszuk

  Otolaryngologia polska. The Polish otolaryngology. 11/2011; 65(6):443-6.

  35delG mutation in GJB2 gene is the most frequent mutation in genetic hearing loss. The carrier screening for 35delG mutation to identify affected newborns is at the moment relatively inexpensive35delG mutation in GJB2 gene is the most frequent mutation in genetic hearing loss. The carrier screening for 35delG mutation to identify affected newborns is at the moment relatively inexpensive method for deafness diagnosis. The casual treatment of DFNB1 is impossible. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a method allowing transfer mutation free embryos and successful pregnancies. It's an established procedure allowing genetic research of the oocyte before fertilization or embryo before implantation to the uterus. Aim: The aim of the present work was to perform PGD for GJB2 35delG mutation in a couple who had already a child affected with genetic hearing loss. The patient underwent a standard IVF procedure associated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. 6–8 cell embryos were biopsied on day 3. Single cell nested PCR-RFLP protocol and sequence analysis for PGD was used for the detection of GJB2 35delG mutation. In the course of IVF-PGD procedures, from 6 analyzed embryos 3 were predicted to be free of GJB2 35delG mutation in both alleles. Two embryos were heterozygous and one was affected for this mutation as homozygous mutation in both alleles. Of these, one healthy embryo was transferred, resulting in an unaffected singleton pregnancy. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of monogenic disorders is a very efficient method, especially for patients whose previous child is homozygous for genetic disorders. It offers new possibilities for the treatment for genetic disease carriers.

• [Preimplantation genetic diagnosis in prevention of genetic diseases --diagnostic of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)].

  Authors: Joanna Liss, Anna Bruszczyńska, Krzysztof Łukaszuk

  Ginekologia polska. 12/2010; 81(12):918-21.

  Preimplantation genetic diagnosis, PGD, is an established procedure allowing genetic research of the oocyte or embryo before implantation to the uterus. A neurodegenerative disorder known as spinalPreimplantation genetic diagnosis, PGD, is an established procedure allowing genetic research of the oocyte or embryo before implantation to the uterus. A neurodegenerative disorder known as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the second most common lethal autosomal recessive disease in Caucasians, after cystic fibrosis. There are three clinically different types of the disease, with type I (Werding-Hoffman Disease) being the most severe. Around 98% of clinical cases of SMA are caused by the homozygous absence of a region of exons 7 and 8 of the telomeric copy of the SMN gene (SMN1) on chromosome 5 (5q13.3). The aim of the present work was to performed PGD for SMA in 5 couples who had already had a child affected with SMA. All patients underwent a standard IVF procedure associated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. 6-8 cell embryos were biopsied on day 3 of culture. Single cell nested PCR-RFLP protocol for PGD of SMA was used for the detection of the mutation. In the course of IVF-PGD procedures all patients had a transfer of embryos without SMN1 deletions. Four out of the five couples delivered healthy babies. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of monogenic disorders is a very efficient method, especially for patients whose previous child is homozygous for genetic disorders. It offers new possibilities for the treatment for genetic disease carriers.

• [Detection of selected mutations in the CFTR gene in single cells for the use in preimplantation genetic diagnosis of cystic fibrosis]

  Authors: Katarzyna Bielawska, Joanna Liss, Katarzyna Nocoń, Krzysztof Lukaszuk

  Ginekologia polska. 06/2009; 80(5):348-53.

  Cysitic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common autosomal recessive diseases. The median life expectancy is currently about 30 years. Because of a considerable social meaning of CF, it is veryCysitic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common autosomal recessive diseases. The median life expectancy is currently about 30 years. Because of a considerable social meaning of CF, it is very important to create more specific and efficient methods diagnosing defects in the gene CFTR that are responsible for CF. The use of these methods in preimplantation diagnosis could prevent the disease and also the carrier state. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to construct a diagnostic test for five CFTR gene mutations, the most frequent in Polish population, which can be used to analyze single cells while preimplantation genetic diagnosis. MATERIAL: The material used in research were 60 single cells--blastomers. The positive controls of the CFTR gene mutations: delF508, R117H, G542X, R553X, dele2,3 were obtained from blood of patients with CF. At first Nested Multiplex PCR reaction was performed. Its products were used as DNA template for the next reaction--ASA (allele-specific amplification) PCR. SSCP method (Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism) was used as a verification method. RESULTS: The diagnostic test for the presence of the mutations: delF508, R117H, G542X, R553X and dele2,3 (when homozygosity) was constructed. Mutations: delF508 (3 cells--5%), G542X (2 cells--3.33%) and R553X (1 cell-- 1,.7%) were detected as a result of performing ASA PCR analysis for the presence of the CFTR gene mutations in 60 blastomers. The SSCP analysis for the mutations delF508, R 17H, G542X, R553X confirmed the results of ASA PCR analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The constructed diagnostic test for the mutations delF508, G542X, R553X, R 17H and dele2,3 can be used to analyze single cells during preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

• Pregnancy and life after preimplantation genetic diagnosis of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

  Authors: Joanna Liss, Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Anna Bruszczyńska, Zofia Szczerkowska, Krzysztof Rebala

  Fertility and sterility. 05/2008;

  OBJECTIVE: To use preimplantation genetic diagnosis to achieve Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome -free pregnancies in two couples at high risk of producing an affected child. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: AOBJECTIVE: To use preimplantation genetic diagnosis to achieve Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome -free pregnancies in two couples at high risk of producing an affected child. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: A private IVF unit. PATIENT(S): Two couples carrying the W151X mutation in the DHCR7 gene. INTERVENTION(S): Removal and testing for the W151X mutation in blastomeres from embryos after standard IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): DNA analysis of blastomeres indicating whether corresponding embryos were mutation-free, for the purpose of transferring only unaffected embryos. RESULT(S): Delivery of healthy children without the W151X mutation in the DHCR7 gene. CONCLUSION(S): This is the first report of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, allowing transfer of mutation-free embryos and successful pregnancies.

• [Prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies using quantitative fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR)]

  Authors: Mirosław Nakonieczny, Grzegorz Jezierski, Izabela Woźniak, Joanna Liss, Ryszard Pawłowski, Krzysztof Preis, Małgorzata Swiatkowska-Freund, Czesław Wójcikowski, Krzysztof Łukaszuk

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2008; 65(3):119-21.

  The trisomy of the 21 chromosomes is one of the most important chromosomal anomalies and is responsible for Down syndrome. It persists in Poland in 1/700 birth. The risk of childbirth with DownThe trisomy of the 21 chromosomes is one of the most important chromosomal anomalies and is responsible for Down syndrome. It persists in Poland in 1/700 birth. The risk of childbirth with Down syndrome grows with age, especially in women after 35 years old. In this study we performed QF-PCR method with specific polymorphic sequence--D21S11 for detection of trisomy of the 21 chromosome. DNA for PCR was isolated from amniotic fluid, blood of healthy and with Down syndrome patients. PCR was performed with ProfilerPlus Kit, which permits for amplification of 9 STR loci (also D21S11) and gender marker--amelogenin gene. We detected incorrect amplification of STR sequence for D21S11 in one amniotic fluid, which was confirmed by kariotyping as trisomy of the 21 chromosome of fetus.

• Predictive value of HPV DNA in lymph nodes in surgically treated cervical carcinoma patients--a prospective study.

  Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Jacek Gulczynski, Monika Nowaczyk, Miroslaw Nakonieczny, Mariusz Piatkowski, Wojciech Sliwinski, Marc Baay, Izabela Wozniak, Bozena Maj, Mariusz Lukaszuk

  Gynecologic oncology. 03/2007; 104(3):721-6.

  OBJECTIVE: High-risk types of HPV are etiological factors in cervical cancer. Lymph node involvement in cervical cancer patients reduces 5-year survival rates by 25-60%. However, the influence onOBJECTIVE: High-risk types of HPV are etiological factors in cervical cancer. Lymph node involvement in cervical cancer patients reduces 5-year survival rates by 25-60%. However, the influence on survival of HPV DNA positivity in histopathologically negative lymph nodes remains unresolved. METHODS: The study included 116 of 148 patients who underwent Piver type III radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy and who showed HPV DNA positivity in the primary lesion. Lymph node tissues were tested for the presence of HPV DNA, using a PCR technique. RESULTS: We found the presence of HPV DNA sequences in lymph nodes dissected intraoperatively in 81 (69.83%) cases. In analysis, we compared patients from 3 groups: HPV- and metastatic-negative (LN HPV-M-); HPV-positive metastatic-negative (LN HPV+M-); and metastatic-positive (LN M+). We discovered that survival in groups LN M+ and LN HPV+M- did not differ statistically (p=0.37). However, the survival periods in these two groups differed when compared with LN HPV-M- patients (p<0.001). Using Cox's proportional hazards model, we found that the presence of lymph node HPV DNA, and FIGO stage, and primary lesion volume were independent parameters correlating with survival and mortality risk. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the presence of HPV DNA in lymph nodes is an early sign of metastasis and should be treated as such in prognostic outlook and planning the therapeutic strategy.

• [Detection of HPV DNA presence in lymph nodes as predictive factor in cervical carcinoma patients]

  Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Joanna Liss

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 02/2007; 60(7-8):365-70.

  The presence of DNA of human papillomavirus (HPV DNA) in cervical cancers varies widely from 60 to 99%. It depends on the HPV detection method, the quality of the investigated material and theThe presence of DNA of human papillomavirus (HPV DNA) in cervical cancers varies widely from 60 to 99%. It depends on the HPV detection method, the quality of the investigated material and the population covered. Hence, the significance of the presence of HPV DNA in the primary lesion is still under discussion. There is also a problem with HPV positive cases in histopathologically negative lymph nodes. Lymph node status is considered to be the most important prognostic factor after FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage. It is suggested that lymph node involvement reduces 5-year survival rate by 25 60%, within stages (except IA). However, the influence of lymph node HPV DNA positivity remains unclear. Numerous pathological parameters affecting survival rate are also recognized. Well established prognostic parameters could allow definition of the most suitable treatment. On the basis of recent results the presence of HPV DNA in lymph nodes is an early symptom of metastasis and could predict poor prognosis. We conclude that the presence of HPV DNA in lymph nodes is an early symptom of metastasis and should be treated as such in the follow up and planning the therapeutic strategy.

• [Heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization]

  Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Mirosław Nakonieczny, Dariusz Wójcik, Joanna Liss, Krzysztof Preis, Janusz Emerich

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2006; 63(4):239-41.

  In our paper we described a rare case of heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF-ET). Heterotopic pregnancy (coexistence of intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy) appears in 1 per 30In our paper we described a rare case of heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF-ET). Heterotopic pregnancy (coexistence of intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy) appears in 1 per 30 thousand cases of natural pregnancies and in 1% of pregnancies after IVF. The pregnancy was obtained after ICSI and transfer of 2 embryos. The pregnancy was confirmed by HCG serum presence--13 days after ET. On day 39 after IVF procedure, the patient was admitted to the hospital because of abdominal pain. At admission, ultrasound examination confirmed an 8 week intrauterine pregnancy and enlarged polycystic ovaries. After 3-day-long observation, patient status worsened and laparoscopy procedure was performed. The ectopic pregnancy was confirmed during operation and the ovum was removed a long with fallopian tube. Ultrasound examination on the 6th day after operation confirmed single intrauterine viable fetus. in order to diagnose the possible complications, women undergoing IVF procedure should be carefully observed by IVF performing physicians.

• [Analysis of correlation between HPV DNA lymph node presence and pathologic parameters of primary tumour in cervical carcinoma patients treated surgically]

  Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Izabela Woźniak, Janusz Emerich

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2006; 63(3):113-6.

  Young-age sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, number of pregnancies, smoking and human papilliomavirus (HPV) infections are factors commonly considered as promoters of cervical tumorogenesis.Young-age sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, number of pregnancies, smoking and human papilliomavirus (HPV) infections are factors commonly considered as promoters of cervical tumorogenesis. Cervical carcinoma patients' prognosis correlates significantly with staging (according to FIGO classification). In early stages lymph-node involvement is considered as the most important prognostic factor. Other factors are: initial volume of the lesion, lymphatic and blood vessels involvement, depth of cervical invasion. Also parametrium involvement seems to decrease the rate of 5-year survival. The aim of the research was to estimate correlation between HPV DNA lymph node presence and pathologic parameters of primary tumour in surgically treated cervical carcinoma patients. We analysed DNA isolated from lymph nodes sampled intra-operatively from 134 patients, surgically treated for cervical cancer with PCR. We confirmed the presence of HPV DNA sequences in lymph nodes in 81 (60.5%) cases. Lymph node presence of HPV DNA rate was significantly higher in: advanced tumours, cases with initial lesion volume exceeding 10 cm3, cases with uterus and vaginal involvement and with initial tumour invasion deeper than 10 mm.

• Optimization of estradiol supplementation during the luteal phase improves the pregnancy rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles.

  Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Mariusz Lukaszuk, Bozena Maj

  Fertility and sterility. 06/2005; 83(5):1372-6.

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of different E2 supplementation doses during the luteal phase on implantation and pregnancy rates in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of different E2 supplementation doses during the luteal phase on implantation and pregnancy rates in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: A private IVF unit. PATIENT(S): One hundred sixty-six women younger than 40 years who were undergoing IVF with long protocol controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). A total of 231 cycles were investigated. Group 1 (P only) included 80 cycles, group 2 (P and 2 mg of E2) included 73 cycles, and group 3 (P and 6 mg of E2) included 78 cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Supplementation in the luteal phase with different doses of E2 (0, 2, or 6 mg/d). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Serum E2 and P levels in the late luteal phase, and implantation rate and pregnancy rate (PR) were documented. The data were analyzed with regard to the entire study population and further stratified according to the E2 dose used. RESULT(S): Significantly higher implantation rate and PR were recorded in those who received low dose E2 supplementation compared with no substitution (PR 23.1% vs. 32.8%). The best implantation and pregnancy results were found significantly in the group with high dose E2 supplementation (PR 51.3%). CONCLUSION(S): For women treated with a long GnRH analogue protocol for COH, addition of a high dose of E2 to daily P supplementation significantly improved the IVF-embryo transfer results.

• [Quantity estimation of the E2/E6 HPV gene products ratio can be a prognostic marker for the stage of the cervical cancer carcinogenesis]

  Authors: Krzysztof Łukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Janusz Emerich, Czesław Wójcikowski

  Ginekologia polska. 10/2003; 74(9):793-8.

  Cervical cancerogenesis is presently considered to be connected with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of cervical epithelial cells. Genomic integration of an HPV DNA into epithelial cells is aCervical cancerogenesis is presently considered to be connected with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of cervical epithelial cells. Genomic integration of an HPV DNA into epithelial cells is a probable factor increasing cervical carcinoma incidence. THE AIM: Of the study was to evaluate the calculated ratios of HPV 16 gene amplification products with multiplex PCR. We estimated quantitive ratios of HPV 16 genes: E6, E1, E2, and L1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety three cervical carcinoma cases were included into the analysis after detecting DNA HPV16 presence in primary lesion. We isolated DNA from cervical smears. RESULTS: We discovered statistically significant difference in low E2/E6 (< 0.4) amplification ratio patients staged IIa and in stages more advanced than IIa (p = 0.03). Moreover, we observed high E2/E6 amplification ratio in patients negative for lymph-node metastases (according to postoperative pathological report).

• [Prognostic value of the pronuclear morphology pattern of zygotes for implantation rate]

  Authors: Krzysztof Łukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Dorota Białobrzeska, Czesław Wójcikowski

  Ginekologia polska. 08/2003; 74(7):508-13.

  INTRODUCTION: In ICSI and conventional IVF cycles, the embryos are usually selected for transfer based on evaluation of the cleavage speed and the extent of blastomere fragmentation. Pronuclear stageINTRODUCTION: In ICSI and conventional IVF cycles, the embryos are usually selected for transfer based on evaluation of the cleavage speed and the extent of blastomere fragmentation. Pronuclear stage scoring system has been used in IVF recently as an additional parameter. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to classify embryos from ICSI cycles according to the pronuclear scoring system and its influence on implantation rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 62 couples suffering from different types of infertility and treated by ICSI were included in our study. For each embryo, the following data were analyzed: pronuclei (PN) morphology, 16-20 hours after ICSI, and embryo morphology, about 40-42 (day 2) and 65-68 (day 3) hours after ICSI. The embryo transfer was performed on the third day after pick-up. RESULTS: In 55 (88.7%) cases we transferred at least one embryo from the zygotes of 0 or 1 or 2 pattern. The implantation rate was 30.6% (n = 19). In all of these cases the embryos have been derived from zygotes from pattern 0, 1 or 2. CONCLUSIONS: Pronuclear scoring system of zygotes appears to be a predictor of the implantation potential. Embryos derived from pattern 0, 1 and 2 of zygotes implant at a higher rate (p = 0.05).

• [HPV 16 DNA occurrence in lymph nodes of patients with cervical carcinoma]

  Authors: Krzysztof Łukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Jacek Gulczyński, Izabela Woźniak, Janusz Emerich, Czesław Wójcikowski

  Ginekologia polska. 03/2003; 74(2):87-90.

  OBJECTIVES: We estimated the occurrence of DNA HPV 16 presence in lymph nodes of 25 patients undergoing abdominal operation for cervical carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presence of HPV 16 DNAOBJECTIVES: We estimated the occurrence of DNA HPV 16 presence in lymph nodes of 25 patients undergoing abdominal operation for cervical carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presence of HPV 16 DNA was detected during the preoperative diagnosis procedure by the PCR method. RESULTS: According to the histopathological examination, metastases in the lymph nodes were present in material from two patients. It was confirmed HPV 16 DNA was detected with PCP. We found also 6 patients with HPV 16 DNA in their lymph nodes without histological confirmation. CONCLUSIONS: We consider PCR detection of HPV DNA as a simple and useful support of pathology diagnosis.

• Human papillomavirus type 16 status in cervical carcinoma cell DNA assayed by multiplex PCR.

  Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Izabela Wozniak, Janusz Emerich, Czesław Wójcikowski

  Journal of clinical microbiology. 03/2003; 41(2):608-12.

  Integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA into host genome occurs early in cancer development and is probably an important event in malignant transformation of cervical cancer. The HPV genomeIntegration of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA into host genome occurs early in cancer development and is probably an important event in malignant transformation of cervical cancer. The HPV genome integration usually disrupts E2 gene open reading frames. It results in the lack of E2 gene suppressor of the synthesis of E6 and E7 products which, in turn, leads to the overexpression of E6 and E7 genes. The oncogenic HPV types (HPV16, -18, -45, and -58) can be present as episomes or may integrate into human chromosomes. Sixty-six cervical cancer patients positive for HPV16 were tested for the presence of E6, E2, E1, and L1 genes. Multiplex PCR was carried out in all cases. Using cluster analysis, the calculated ratios of E1/E6, E2/E6, L1/E6, E1/E2, and E2/(E1*E6) gene amplification products were divided into two or three statistically different groups. These were used for statistical analysis of the prevalence of specific gene types in histological types of cancer, different levels of clinical staging, and histologically confirmed nodal metastases. The statistical analysis proved a significant correlation in the ratios of E2/E6 and E1/E2 only. The E2/E6 and E1/E2 were higher in carcinoma in situ than in advanced squamous cancers. The E2/E6 ratios were lower in higher clinical stages. The multiplex PCR estimation of the E2/E6 ratio could be a simple method for selecting patients with a high risk of a poor outcome in a standard stage-dependent treatment procedure.

• [The incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in patients with cervical carcinoma from Gdansk region]

  Authors: Joanna Liss, Krzysztof Łukaszuk, Jacek Gulczyński, Mariusz Zwaliński, Izabela Woźniak, Janusz Emerich, Czesław Wójcikowski

  Ginekologia polska. 10/2002; 73(9):740-4.

  OBJECTIVES: We have estimated the incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in cervical smears of patients with cervical carcinoma, treated in 1997-1998 at the II Department of Obstetrics andOBJECTIVES: We have estimated the incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in cervical smears of patients with cervical carcinoma, treated in 1997-1998 at the II Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have examined 107 patients suffering from cervical cancer. The HPV DNA was detected with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using two primer pairs located in the E6, E7 open reading frames. HPV typing was executed by restriction fragments length polymorphism PCR (RFLP-PCR) method. RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected in 75 (70.1%) patients. A group of patients with Ib (43%) and IIa (19.6%) clinical degrees made the highest percentage within the research group. We found no statistically significant differences between various clinical degrees of cervical cancer in the group of patients both HPV positive and negative. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of HPV especially HPV 16 type infection incidence in cervical carcinoma is lower in Gdansk region than currently published.

• [The clinical value of laboratory tests for detection of HPV infection in prevention and treatment of cervical cancer]

  Authors: Krzysztof Łukaszuk, Joanna Liss

  Ginekologia polska. 09/2002; 73(8):719-26.

  The retrospective and prospective epidemiological studies were conducted in centres all over the world and showed that the main etiological factor in cervical cancer is human papillomavirusThe retrospective and prospective epidemiological studies were conducted in centres all over the world and showed that the main etiological factor in cervical cancer is human papillomavirus infection. The problem of detection of HPV infection is being currently under discussion. The selection of method of HPV detection in clinical samples and standardisation of laboratory tests allows for determination of diagnostic method in case of HPV infection. There are not clear guidelines for the pattern of HPV detection in our country. It seems that the proper clinical follow-up could be the combination of physical, cytological and histopathological examination with detection of human papillomavirus DNA.

• Predictive value of HPV DNA in lymph nodes in surgically treated cervical carcinoma patients—A prospective study

  Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszuk, Joanna Liss, Jacek Gulczynski, Monika Nowaczyk, Miroslaw Nakonieczny, Mariusz Piatkowski, Wojciech Sliwinski, Marc Baay, Izabela Wozniak, Bozena Maj, Mariusz Lukaszuk

  Gynecologic Oncology.

  Objective.High-risk types of HPV are etiological factors in cervical cancer. Lymph node involvement in cervical cancer patients reduces 5-year survival rates by 25–60%. However, the influence onObjective.High-risk types of HPV are etiological factors in cervical cancer. Lymph node involvement in cervical cancer patients reduces 5-year survival rates by 25–60%. However, the influence on survival of HPV DNA positivity in histopathologically negative lymph nodes remains unresolved.Methods.The study included 116 of 148 patients who underwent Piver type III radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy and who showed HPV DNA positivity in the primary lesion. Lymph node tissues were tested for the presence of HPV DNA, using a PCR technique.Results.We found the presence of HPV DNA sequences in lymph nodes dissected intraoperatively in 81 (69.83%) cases. In analysis, we compared patients from 3 groups: HPV− and metastatic-negative (LN HPV-M−); HPV-positive metastatic-negative (LN HPV+M−); and metastatic-positive (LN M+). We discovered that survival in groups LN M+ and LN HPV+M− did not differ statistically (p = 0.37). However, the survival periods in these two groups differed when compared with LN HPV-M− patients (p < 0.001). Using Cox's proportional hazards model, we found that the presence of lymph node HPV DNA, and FIGO stage, and primary lesion volume were independent parameters correlating with survival and mortality risk.Conclusion.We conclude that the presence of HPV DNA in lymph nodes is an early sign of metastasis and should be treated as such in prognostic outlook and planning the therapeutic strategy.