Liquid Biopsy in the Diagnosis of HPV DNA in Breast Lesions

AIM: HPV DNA has never been investigated in nipple discharges (ND) and serum-derived extracellular vesicles, although its presence has been reported in ductal lavage fluids and blood specimens. MATERIALS & METHODS: We analyzed 50 ND, 22 serum-derived extracellular vesicles as well as 51 pathologic breast tissues for the presence of 16 HPV DNA types. RESULTS: We show that the presence of HPV DNA in the ND is predictive of HPV DNA-positive breast lesions and that HPV DNA is more represented in intraductal papillomas. We also show the presence of HPV DNA in the serum-derived extracellular vesicles. CONCLUSION: Our data supports the use of liquid biopsy to detect HPV DNA in breast pathology.