Integrating Biomarkers into Cervical Cancer Screening-Advances in Diagnosis and Risk Prediction: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Cervical cancer is a leading global health issue, particularly in low-income countries.
• Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially HPV 16/18, drives cervical cancer development.
• Current screening and vaccination strategies still face challenges in reducing incidence and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on clinically relevant biomarkers for HPV-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer.
• To highlight the role of biomarkers in screening, risk stratification, and disease management.
• To discuss the potential of emerging biomarkers in improving cervical cancer outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature analysis of validated and emerging biomarkers for HPV-related cervical disease.
• Focus on biomarkers with potential clinical applications.
• Review of diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Main Results:

• Established biomarkers (p16, p16/Ki-67, HPV E6/E7 mRNA) enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce overtreatment.
• Prognostic markers (SCC-Ag, telomerase) inform on tumor burden and recurrence risk.
• Novel biomarkers (methylation panels, HPV viral load, ncRNAs, microbiota) show promise for risk assessment and non-invasive follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Integrating validated biomarkers improves patient triage and personalized treatment decisions.
• Emerging biomarkers can enhance prediction of lesion outcomes and support non-invasive monitoring.
• Biomarker application can reduce the global burden of cervical cancer and improve survival rates.