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Published on: March 8, 2012
Short-time repeat high-risk HPV testing by self-sampling for screening of cervical cancer
U Gyllensten1, K Sanner, I Gustavsson
1Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, SciLifeLab, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. ulf.gyllensten@igp.uu.se
British Journal of Cancer
|August 4, 2011
Summary
Repeat high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing using self-sampling significantly improves cervical cancer screening specificity. This method enhances detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) lesions in women aged 30-65.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing offers higher sensitivity but lower specificity than Pap smears for cervical cancer screening.
- Persistent HPV infections are linked to an increased risk of developing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the specificity gain for detecting histologically confirmed CIN2+ lesions through short-time repeat testing for high-risk HPV.
- To assess the utility of self-sampling for primary HPV analysis in women aged 30-65.
Main Methods:
- 8000 women aged 30-65, unscreened for 6+ years, were offered at-home self-sampling for high-risk HPV testing.
- Women testing positive for high-risk HPV were invited for a follow-up HPV test and biopsy approximately 3 months later.
Main Results:
- 39% of invited women participated; 6.6% tested positive for high-risk HPV.
- The prevalence of CIN2+ lesions was 23% in women with one positive HPV test and 41% in those with two consecutive positive tests.
- Short-time repeat HPV testing increased specificity for CIN2+ detection from 94.2% to 97.8%.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 60% of high-risk HPV infections persisted in the short term within this age group.
- Repeat high-risk HPV testing via self-sampling effectively increases cervical cancer screening specificity for women aged 30-65.
