Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection and subtyping of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC)

•LAMP is a novel molecular diagnostic technique for HPV detection.•We developed LAMP for detection of high risk HPV subtypes for OPSCC.•LAMP had excellent sensitivity and specificity on clinical samples.•Our assay is a superior alternative to current standards of HPV diagnosis.

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a growing problem that presents a significant challenge to Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons. Knowledge of HPV status yields critical prognostic information, with potential for treatment selection based on tumour HPV status. The current gold standard of diagnosis, PCR, is expensive, demanding and time consuming. Alternatives such as p16 immunohistochemistry are subjective and potentially inaccurate. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid, robust and inexpensive molecular diagnostic technique.ObjectivesOur aim was to verify LAMP as a potential bedside diagnostic assay for subtyping of HPV in OPSCC.Study designDNA from 72 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) OPSCC patient samples was tested. PCR and LAMP were then performed to specifically identify HPV 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35.Results and conclusionsFor these high-risk subtypes, LAMP had an overall sensitivity of 99.4% and specificity of 93.2% relative to PCR. LAMP is a promising technology that can accurately diagnose high-risk HPV infection.