P16INK4a as a progression/regression tumour marker in LSIL cervix lesions: Our clinical experience

Purpose of investigation: The aim of this prospective study was the evaluation of low-grade intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) lesions evolvement in woman with evidence of high risk HPV infection and p16 INK4a negative expression. Materials and Methods: 150 women with cytological diagnosis of LSIL were selected to be underwent to three years of follow-up consisting in smear test, colposcopy, and protein p16 INK4a investigation every six months and HPV-test every 12 months. Result: Final follow-up showed 45 cases of spontaneous lesion regression and 42 cases of persistence with absence of protein p16 INK4a in all of them. There were three cases of disease progression to CIN2, two at 18-month follow-up and one at last follow-up. Disease progression was characterized of p16 INK4a expression. Conclusion: p16 INK4a should help to identify which LSIL cases are inclined to the progression of the disease and focalize which patients are eligible for specific treatment.