Role of herpes simplex virus type-2 and human papilloma virus in penile cancers in Singapore

To detect the presence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), common structural antigens in penile cancers, 20 squamous cell carcinomas were studied by immunohistochemical methods. All specimens were from Singaporeans ranging in age from 44 to 69 years. None of the specimens contained HSV-2 and HPV common structural antigens. The reasons for the absence of HPV common antigen were discussed. The significance of the association of HPV with penile cancers is uncertain. The role of HPV in the carcinogenesis of penile cancer is far from clear. Further studies need to be done and other possible causes have to be explored.