Detection of Human papillomavirus and the role of p16INK4a in colorectal carcinomas.

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with the development of anogenital and head and neck cancers. In recent years a potential role of HPV in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been suggested.

Objective: To investigate the presence of HPV in colorectal carcinomas and to study the role of p16INK4a as a marker of transcriptionally active HPV infection.