Classifying Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2 Based on LAST Recommendations

Objectives: The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) recommendations classify human papillomavirus-Associated squamous lesions into low-and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs/HSILs). Our study aimed to assess interobserver agreement among 6 experienced pathologists in assigning 40 anal lesions previously diagnosed as anal intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (AIN 2) to either HSIL or non-HSIL categories. Methods: Agreement based on photomicrographs of HandE alone or HandE plus p16 immunohistochemistry was calculated using ? coefficients. Results: Agreement was fair based on HandE alone (? = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.52). Adding p16 improved agreement to moderate (? = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.54-0.62). On final diagnosis, 21 cases (53%) had unanimous diagnoses, and 19 (47%) were divided. When designating p16 results as positive or negative, agreement was excellent (? = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95). Among variables (staining location, extent, and intensity), staining of the basal/parabasal layers was a consistent feature in cases with consensus for positive results (20/20). Of the 67 HandE diagnoses with conflicting p16 results, participants modified 32 (48%), downgrading 23 HSILs and upgrading 9 non-HSILs. Conclusions: Although p16 increased interobserver agreement, disagreement remained considerable regarding intermediate lesions. p16 expression, particularly if negative, can reduce unwarranted HSIL diagnoses and unnecessary treatment.