DAPK and P16 methylation and HPV and EBV infection in small cell carcinoma of cervix: a case report

Abstract

Purpose: Small cell carcinoma (SMCC) of the cervix is rare and aggressive tumor, often diagnosed in an advanced stage and their prognosis is generally poor. A case of SMCC showing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein barr virus (EBV) infection and Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) and p16 genes methylation is presented. A 74-year-old woman was diagnosed as having stage IB2 of SMCC. Methods: HPV and EBV infection and DAPK and p16 gene methylation were found using molecular approaches. Results: The sample was positive for HPV and EBV infection and showed DAPK and p16 promoter regions methylated Conclusion: Methylation of DAPK and p16 gene could be used as a molecular marker in cervical cancer.