Objective: To assess the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the carcinogenesis of the esophageal carcinomas in a high-incidence geographical area in Northern China.
Methods: The presence of HPV types 16 and 18 DNA in the three esophageal carcinoma cell lines was examined by type-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: No HPV type 16 and 18 DNA was found in any of the three esophageal carcinoma cell lines.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the role of HPV in human esophageal carcinogenesis in a high-incidence geographical area remains to be elucidated.