Which markers are included in the CIN-Tec+ panel?

• A. p16 expressing cells - cytoplasmic; Ki-67 Proliferating cells - nuclear
• B. p16 - nuclear
• C. Ki-67 - cytoplasmic
• D. p53 - nuclear

Answer: (A)

The CIN-Tec+ panel uses dual immunostaining for p16INK4a and Ki-67 to identify transforming HPV-related changes. In such lesions, p16 is overexpressed and can be seen in the cytoplasm (and nucleus), while Ki-67 marks proliferating cells in the nucleus. The combination of p16 expression with Ki-67 positivity in the same cells is the hallmark the panel looks for. Therefore, the markers included are p16 expressed in the cytoplasm and Ki-67 in the nucleus. Other patterns, like p16 restricted to the nucleus, Ki-67 in the cytoplasm, or the inclusion of p53, do not reflect this dual-staining approach.