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Published on: June 14, 2019
Human papillomavirus testing and genotyping in cervical screening.
Matejka Rebolj1, Elsebeth Lynge, Jesper Bonde
1Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, DK-1014 København K, Denmark. mare@sund.ku.dk
Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|August 3, 2011
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing offers improved sensitivity for detecting high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) compared to cytology. This discussion focuses on HPV tests and genotyping for unvaccinated women.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cervical cancer incidence has been reduced by cytology screening since the 1960s.
- Cytology screening has limitations in sensitivity for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and requires frequent testing.
- Mass vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes 16 and 18 is expected to reduce long-term cervical cancer rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role and use of HPV tests and HPV genotyping in unvaccinated women.
- To address the challenges of transitioning from cytology-based to HPV-based cervical cancer screening.
- To evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of HPV testing in cervical cancer control.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on HPV testing and cervical cancer screening.
- Analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of HPV tests compared to cytology.
- Discussion of HPV genotyping's utility in unvaccinated populations.
Main Results:
- HPV tests demonstrate higher sensitivity for high-grade CIN than cytology.
- HPV testing may further decrease cervical cancer incidence.
- Increased detection of CIN without underlying disease necessitates more colposcopies and repeat testing.
Conclusions:
- Screening remains crucial for both vaccinated and unvaccinated women.
- HPV testing presents a significant challenge due to increased false positives.
- The use of HPV tests and genotyping requires careful consideration for unvaccinated women.
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