Overview: Detection of Human Papillomavirus in Clinical Samples

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually-transmitted virus and it is known that persistent infection by high-risk HPV is a necessary factor for cervical carcinogenesis. Although cytological screening has decreased the incidence of cervical cancer, the sensitivity and specificity of testing is limited. To date, HPV-driven molecular techniques have provided a number of potential biomarkers for both diagnostic and prognostic use in clinical management. In addition, they can provide insights into the biology of HPV-induced cancers leading to non-surgical therapy. This review summarizes current knowledge of detection methods for HPV and related biomarkers that can be used to discriminate lesions with a high risk of progression of cervical cancer.