High-risk HPV testing in the management of atypical glandular cells: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Atypical glandular cells in Pap tests: cytology-histology correlation and risk assessment with human papillopmavirus (HPV) testing

INTRODUCTION

Atypical glandular cells (AGC) represent less than 1% of Pap test cases and include a variety of lesions in both the cervix and endometrium. The study aimed to investigate the cytology-histology correlation in AGC patients and to evaluate the clinical utility of hrHPV testing in this diagnostic context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified 491 atypical glandular cells (AGC) cases in our quality analysis (QA) database of 336,064 Pap tests interpreted between March 1, 2013 and July 12, 2016. Of these, 251 cases had follow-up biopsies with hrHPV tests in 148 cases.

RESULTS

The most common histologic diagnosis associated with AGC was normal/benign or low-grade lesions, comprising 55% of cervical biopsies and 24% of endometrial biopsies. High-grade lesions were identified in 21% of follow-up biopsies. In patients with AGC cytology, a positive hrHPV test significantly increased the likelihood of cervical HSIL or above lesions on biopsy by 26.4 times (OR = 26.4, 95% CI: 5.8-119.4, P < 0.0001). A positive genotyping result for HPV 16 dramatically increased the likelihood of cervical HSIL or above lesions on biopsy (OR = 84, 95% CI: 12.0-590.5, P < 0.0001). The HPV test had a negative predictive value of 97% (CI: 85%-100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that AGC is a significant diagnosis with an overall risk for high-grade cervical or endometrial lesions as high as 21%. hrHPV testing with genotyping is an effective tool for identifying high-risk individuals within the AGC population, with excellent positive and negative predictive values. This approach is valuable for clinical risk stratification and differential diagnosis in patients with AGC cytology.

Correlation of immediate prevalence of cervical precancers and cancers with HPV genotype and age in women with atypical glandular cells cytology: A retrospective analysis of 369 cases

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the immediate risk of cervical precancers and cancers in women with atypical glandular cells (AGC) cytology, based on high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) genotypes and age.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 369 cases of AGC with immediate follow-up biopsy results, including 299 AGC-not otherwise specified (NOS) and 70 AGC-favor neoplastic (FN).

RESULTS

Among the 369 AGC cases, 127 tested positive for hrHPV (34.4%). The predominant high-risk type was other 11 genotypes (44.1%), followed by 16+ (29.1%), 18/45+ (26.0%), and 16 and 18/45 double-positive (0.79%). Precancers and cancers were detected in 30.4% (112 of 369) and 9.8% (36 of 369) of cases, respectively. The HPV-18/45+ group had notably higher adenocarcinoma in situ and adenocarcinoma (AIS+) prevalence compared to other 11 genotype groups (p < .0001 and p = .001, respectively). The HPV-16+ group showed significantly higher high-grade cervical squamous epithelial lesion and squamous cell carcinoma prevalence than other 11 genotype groups (p < .0001 and p = .017, respectively). Using 40-year cutoff, older women had significantly higher prevalence of abnormal glandular lesion+ lesions (17.6% vs. 7.6%, p = .005) and adenocarcinoma (AC) (12.4% vs. 2.5%, p = .001). Using 50-year cutoff, older women had higher prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (3.3% vs. 0.4%, p = .042) and AC (15.2% vs. 5.8%, p = .005). Subgroup analysis revealed that AGC-FN women showed more severe cervical pathology than AGC-NOS women (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

AGC women have a significantly increased risk of cervical precancerous lesions and cancer. HPV genotyping and patient age factors need to be taken into consideration in the clinical management process of AGC patients.

Assessment of Human Papillomavirus Non-16/18, Type-Specific Risk for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 3 or Worse Among Women With Cervical Atypical Glandular Cells

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3) or worse (including adenocarcinoma in situ [AIS] and invasive cervical cancer) associated with non-16/18 human papillomavirus (HPV) types (other HPV) among women with atypical glandular cells (AGC) in cervical cytology.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study evaluates the risk of CIN 3 or worse associated with other HPV types. Human papillomavirus genotyping was performed on Pap tests collected in Sweden from 341 women with AGC that were positive for other HPV types from February 17, 2014, to December 31, 2018. The women were followed for histopathologic outcomes using comprehensive registry linkages until December 31, 2019. Cumulative incidence proportions of CIN 3 or worse by specific HPV type were calculated using 1-minus Kaplan-Meier function. Hazard ratios (HRs) for CIN 3 or worse were generated using multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 341 women, 134 (39.3%) had CIN 3-AIS, but there were only five (1.5%) women in the cohort with invasive cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus 45 preceded 80.0% of invasive cervical cancer cases. Among women positive for HPV33, 82.9% (95% CI 58.0-97.3%) had CIN 3 or worse during follow-up. Positivity for HPV31 conferred the highest HR for CIN 3 or worse relative to other types, both in primary cytology and primary HPV screening (HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.47-5.00 and HR 3.41, 95% CI 1.95-5.96, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Among non-16/18 HPV types in AGC, HPV31 and 33 had the highest risk for CIN 3 or worse, whereas most of the women with invasive cancer were positive for HPV45. Extended HPV genotyping may be helpful for the management of AGC.

Atypical glandular cells and development of cervical cancer: Population-based cohort study

The effect of cervical screening on cervical adenocarcinoma has been variable, possibly because the risk associated with the precursor atypical glandular cells (AGC) is not well known. A cohort of all 885 women in the capital region of Sweden with AGC, a concomitant human papillomavirus (HPV) analysis, and a histopathology was followed until 2019. Cumulative incidence proportions of cervical intraepithelial lesion grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) by HPV type was determined by 1-Kaplan-Meier estimates. Hazard ratios (HR) for CIN3+ or for invasive cancer were estimated with Cox regression. After 2 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence proportions of CIN3+ were 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74-86%), 58% (95% CI: 50-60%) and 10% (95% CI: 5-18%) among HPV16/18 positive, "other HPV" positive and HPV-negative women, respectively. Among the 300 women with HPV16/18 positive AGC, 217 developed CIN3+ of which 35 were invasive cervical cancer. The 2-year cumulative invasive cancer risk for HPV16/18 positive AGC was 17% (95% CI: 12-24%). Primary HPV-screening had a similar yield of CIN3+ as cytology screening, albeit HPV-negative AGC is by design not detected by HPV screening. Among 241 women with HPV-negative AGC, 11 developed CIN3+ mostly after clinically indicated samples. We found no significant risk differences depending on age or sampling indication. The low CIN3+ risk after HPV-negative AGC implies safety of primary HPV screening. The high risk of invasive cervical cancer after HPV16/18 positive AGC implies that management of this finding is a priority in cervical screening.

Human Papillomavirus: Challenges and Opportunities for the Control of Cervical Cancer

Viruses are the most abundant and genetically diverse entities on the planet, infect all life forms and have evolved with their hosts. To date, 263 viral species have been identified that infect humans, of which only seven are considered type I oncogenic. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main virus associated with cancer and is responsible for practically all cases of cervical carcinoma. Screening tests for early detection have been available since the 1960s. Undoubtedly, the entailment between knowledge of HPV biology and the natural history of cervical cancer has contributed to the significant advances that have been made for its prevention since the 21^st century, with the development of prophylactic vaccines and improved screening strategies. Therefore, it is possible to eradicate invasive cervical cancer as a worldwide public health problem, as proposed by the WHO with the 90-70-90 initiative based on vaccination coverage, screening, and treatment, respectively. In addition, the emerging knowledge of viral biology generates opportunities that will contribute to strengthening prevention and treatment strategies in HPV-associated neoplasms.

Role of High-Risk HPV Testing in Papanicolaou Tests With Atypical Glandular Cells With and Without Concurrent Squamous Cell Abnormalities

OBJECTIVES

Data on Papanicolaou (Pap) tests with atypical glandular cells (AGCs) with concurrent squamous cell abnormalities (AGC + Sq) are limited. We evaluated histologic outcomes and the role of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing in this setting compared with AGCs without concurrent squamous cell abnormalities (AGC-alone).

METHODS

This study used a retrospective cohort of patients with Pap test diagnoses of AGC + Sq and AGC-alone between October 2013 and August 2021.

RESULTS

We included 287 Pap tests from 278 patients. The HR-HPV test was positive in 55% of AGC + Sq cases and 14% of AGC-alone cases (P < .0001). Most AGC + Sq cases displayed squamous lesions (41.5%) or were benign (41.5%) on histology, whereas AGC-alone cases were predominantly benign (72%) or extracervical neoplasms (18%). AGC + Sq cases showed higher rates of significant histologic lesions (P = .0001), which were associated with positive HR-HPV status (P = .0012). In AGC-alone cases, HR-HPV status was associated with significant histology only in patients 50 years of age or younger. In both groups, 20% or more of HR-HPV-negative patients harbored significant lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

AGC + Sq represents a distinct group of patients. HR-HPV testing and patient age provide useful information in the evaluation of AGC, but triage based on HR-HPV testing is not recommended because of the potential for missing significant lesions.

High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Testing, Genotyping, and Histopathologic Follow-up in Women With Abnormal Glandular Cells on Papanicolaou Tests

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the association of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) status and HPV genotype with histopathologic follow-ups in women with an atypical glandular cell (AGC) interpretation.

METHODS

Cases with AGC interpretation on a Papanicolaou (Pap) test were retrieved along with hrHPV testing, genotyping, and histologic follow-up results if available.

RESULTS

A total of 561 AGC cases were identified, with histologic follow-up available for 471 cases (84%). The follow-up diagnoses included benign or reactive changes (60% of cases), low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (18%), high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2-3; 7%), cervical carcinoma (5%), and other malignancies (10%). Tests for hrHPV were positive in 128 of 426 (30%) cases, including HPV16 (30%), HPV18 (14%) and other HPV subtypes (56%). A positive hrHPV result significantly increased the risk of developing CIN2-3 or cervical carcinoma (odds ratio, 24.6; 95% CI, 9.9-58.9) and HPV16 or HPV18 further increased the risk (odds ratio, 49.5; 95% CI, 17.7-123.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that in women with an AGC Pap interpretation, a positive hrHPV result, especially type 16 or 18, is associated with an increased risk of developing cervical CIN2-3 or higher lesions, suggesting potential implications of hrHPV testing for the management of patients with an AGC result on a Pap test.

Do High Rates of Atypical Glandular Cells Correlate With Higher Incidence of Disease in a Large Safety Net Hospital

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to describe the incidence and correlates of atypical glandular cell (AGC) Pap tests in a low socioeconomic status, underserved population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of patients with AGC Pap tests at a single institution were reviewed from January 2013 to August 2019. Baseline characteristics were extracted including age, body mass index, birth control, abnormal uterine bleeding, and human papillomavirus (HPV). All colposcopy and endometrial biopsies were classified into negative/low-risk (polyps, tubular metaplasia, microglandular hyperplasia, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1) and high-risk (HR) lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3, adenocarcinoma in situ, endometrial hyperplasia, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer). Logistic regression identified significant associations. Sixty-eight randomly selected AGC cytology slides from the cohort and 32 non-AGC slides outside the cohort were blindly reviewed by 6 pathologists. Fleiss κ interrater agreement was assessed.

RESULTS

Seven hundred forty patients with AGC Pap tests were identified (0.8% of all Pap tests performed during this time). After excluding for incomplete data, 478 patients were included. Sixty-three patients had HR lesions (13.3%). Patients with HR lesions had increased odds of abnormal uterine bleeding (odds ratio = 4.32, p < .001) and HPV positivity (odds ratio = 10.89, p < .001) when compared with patients with low-risk lesions. The κ agreement was 0.21 for all cases and 0.18 for AGC alone.

CONCLUSIONS

This population falls within the national averages for AGC Pap tests. There was an increased risk of HR lesions in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding and HPV positivity. The rate of HR lesions among AGC Pap tests was at the lower end of values in the literature. After blinded pathologist review, interobserver κ agreement was low for AGC Pap tests.

Coexisting cancers with atypical glandular abnormalities by liquid-based cytology: A retrospective study in tertiary hospital in a high cervical cancer incident country

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of coexisting cancers in women with glandular cell abnormalities detected from liquid-based cytology and to compare the detection rate of premalignant and malignant lesions among various subtypes of glandular cell abnormalities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2014 to December 2016, liquid-based cytology was performed in 85,517 women. Using the Bethesda system 2001 criteria, abnormal cervical cytology was diagnosed in 3650 women (4.3%). Glandular cell abnormalities were diagnosed in 110 women (0.13%). Ten women with pre-existing genital tract cancers and 13 women who lost to follow up were excluded. Clinical characteristic, colposcopic finding, and histopathological data were reviewed in 87 women.

RESULTS

High-grade premalignant and malignant lesions were diagnosed in 34 patients (39.1%). Co-existing cancer was diagnosed in 31 patients (35.6%); 15 cervical cancers (17.2%) and 16 endometrial cancers (18.4%). The detection rate of significant lesions (CIN2+ or malignant lesions) in patients with AGC-NOS was 14.9%, AGC-FN was 38.9% and AIS/adenocarcinoma was 90.9% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Glandular cell abnormalities associated with high incidence of coexisting endometrial and cervical cancers. Comprehensive genital tract screening to evaluate gynecologic malignancy is strongly recommended in all women with glandular cell abnormalities.

An audit of liquid-based cytology samples reported as high-risk human papillomavirus and borderline nuclear change in endocervical cells

INTRODUCTION

Primary human papillomavirus (HPV) screening, testing for the virus responsible for 99% of cervical cancers, was introduced in 2018-2020 in the UK. This was preceded by HPV triage of low-grade cytology from 2012. Much of the evidence incorporated into current National Health Service (NHS) colposcopy guidance assessed outcomes prior to this change in screening. The aim of this paper is to assess adherence to NHS cervical screening programme standards, determine the incidence of cases reported as high-risk HPV plus borderline nuclear change in endocervical cells, to calculate colposcopic accuracy and assess histological outcomes in this cohort.

METHOD

A retrospective audit of women referred to a colposcopy clinic in one NHS trust from 2016 to 2018. Data relating to histological outcomes, cytological follow-up and demographics were collected.

RESULTS

Of 2001 referrals, 22 data sets identifying HPV-positive borderline endocervical change were eligible for analysis (1.2% incidence). Median age was 29.5. Two-thirds (68.2%, n = 15) had high-grade dysplasia at diagnostic biopsy. Those women with reassuring histology had normal cytological follow-up. Colposcopic accuracy was moderate (positive predictive value 43.8%, negative predictive value 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Borderline nuclear change in endocervical cells is an uncommon condition but should be treated as a high-grade referral. All women should be offered a diagnostic biopsy at the initial colposcopy; if no histopathological abnormality is identified, alternative sources of pathology should be considered. Excisional treatment should be recommended to unreliable attenders, those with a complete family and inadequate colposcopy (TZ3) and considered in younger women with a TZ3.

Risk of Gynecologic Cancer after Atypical Glandular Cells Found on Cervical Cytology: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Atypical glandular cells (AGC) are rare abnormalities found on cervical cytology associated with a range of lesions of the female reproductive system. We compared the risk of cervical and other gynecologic cancers following AGC on cervical cytology with the risk following squamous cell abnormalities of comparable severity.

METHODS

We used data from the Dutch Pathology Archive (PALGA) from 2000 to 2015 to categorize cervical cytology tests into groups based on most severe cytologic abnormality and correlated follow-up advice (normal cytology and "no follow-up" advice, squamous-cell-based, AGC-based, and combined AGC/squamous-cell based each with either repeat testing or referral advice). Cancer data were linked from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were calculated stratified by age [younger (<50 years) and older (50+ years)], adjusted for number of previous primary cytology tests.

RESULTS

8,537,385 cytology smears and 9,061 cancers were included. When repeat cytology testing was advised, HRs of cervical cancer (younger women: HR, 6.91; 95% CI, 5.48-8.71; older women: HR, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.38-6.66) or other gynecologic cancer diagnosis in younger women (HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.39-5.74) were significantly higher after an AGC-based abnormality compared with squamous-based abnormalities. Hazards were also significantly higher for "referral" advice cytology, except for cervical cancer among older women (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.63-1.21).

CONCLUSIONS

AGC indicates an increased risk of gynecologic cancer compared with squamous-based abnormalities of comparable severity.

IMPACT

Gynecologists should be alert for cervical and endometrial cancers when examining women referred following AGC.

Comparison of women with possible endocervical and non-cervical glandular neoplasms detected in liquid-based cervical cytology- incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes: A cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence, demographics and clinical outcomes of women presenting with possible non-cervical (NC) and endocervical (EC) glandular neoplasms in their cervical smears.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde- the largest health organisation in Scotland, UK.

METHODS

Cases identified from the Scottish Cervical Call Recall System between January 2013 and December 2017. Incidence and clinical trajectories of NC and EC were reviewed.

RESULTS

Two-hundred-and-thirty cases (NC = 41; EC = 189) from 486,240 smears were evaluated. The incidence was 8.4 and 38.9 per 100,000 smear-year for NC and EC, respectively. Compared to women with EC, women with NC were significantly older (p < 0.0001), had higher body mass index (p < 0.0001), more likely to present with symptoms (58.5 % vs 10.5 %; p < 0.0001), had cancers (48.8 % vs 13.8 %; p < 0.0001) and died from their diseases (9.8 % vs 0.5 %; p < 0.0001). Even in the asymptomatic screen-detected NC group, almost a quarter (23.5 %) had endometrial cancer. Age was not associated with high-risk histology (p = 0.289). High-risk colposcopic appearance had good positive predictive value (90.0 %; 95 %CI: 81.2-95.6 %) for high-risk histology, but poor negative predictive value (41.3 %; 95 %CI: 29-54 %). Negative excision margin was associated with favourable outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

NC and EC are rare, but they are distinct and should be reported separately in future studies. The risks of malignancies are high, particularly in women with NC, even if they are asymptomatic. Thus, prompt and thorough investigations and treatments are required to prevent and treat malignancies.

The prevalence, genotype distribution of human papillomavirus and cervical cytology in Wenzhou, China: a retrospective research of 7391 cases

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main pathogen of precancerous transformation and finally progress to cervical cancer. It associated with cervical squamous and glandular lesions. However, the genotype distribution of HPV and the relationship between HPV infection and cervical disease are still remind unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 7391 abnormal cervical cytology cases with detailed histological reports and HPV genotypes were collected. The prevalence of HPV infection in squamous epithelial lesions and glandular epithelial lesions were statistically analyzed.

RESULT

Around 6958 cytological squamous epithelial lesions and 433 glandular epithelial lesions were enrolled. 79.72% of cytological squamous epithelial lesions and 26.56% of glandular epithelial lesions were HPV infected. The HPV infection rates in squamous cell carcinoma, cervical adenocarcinoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma were 66.67%, 54.17% and 19.72%, respectively. HVP16, 18 and 58 are the most common types in squamous and glandular epithelial lesions. Among the squamous epithelial lesions, women less than 25 years old had the highest HPV infection rate, and majority of multiple infections was found in women >55 years old. The total infection rate of HPV in glandular epithelial lesions was the highest in the 35 to 45 group. Multiple infections peaked in women around 55 years old.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HPV infection is divergent in different types of cervical cancer. The HPV infections in cervical squamous epithelial lesions tended to be younger. HPV detection is one of the necessary tests for cervical disease screening and should be individualized in an age manner.

Subcategorization of atypical glandular cells is useful to identify lesion site

BACKGROUND

In the subcategorization of atypical glandular cells (AGCs), origin of cells should be mentioned to estimate lesion sites for diagnosis. However, cases without subcategorization are often encountered due to limited reproducibility. We evaluated whether the subcategorization of AGC based on the Bethesda terminology can estimate lesion sites.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated cases whose cervical smears were interpreted as AGC and underwent pathological assessment at our institution between June 2009 and September 2017. AGC was subcategorized based on the Bethesda System. Not-otherwise-specified (NOS) was subcategorized into endocervical cells (NOS-EC), endometrial cells (NOS-EM), or glandular cells (NOS-G). Favor neoplastic (FN) was subcategorized into endocervical cells (FN-EC) or glandular cells (FN-G). FN-G was further subcategorized into endometrial cells (FN-EM) or unknown origin (FN-UO). Clinicopathological data were retrieved from the medical records.

RESULTS

Of 88 AGC cases, there were 30 NOS-EC (34.1%), 2 NOS-EM (2.3%), 25 FN-EC (28.4%), 22 FN-EM (25.0%), and 9 FN-UO (10.2%). A significantly higher proportion of neoplastic lesions occurred in FN than in NOS (P <.001). The concordance of AGC subclass and lesion site was 88.0%, 70.7%, and 77.3% in FN-EC, FN-G, and FN-EM, respectively. The concordance of FN-EM and lesion site increased to 88.9% in patients aged >50 years. Of nine cases of FN-UO, six experienced nonendometrioid endometrial cancer and extrauterine malignancy.

CONCLUSION

Subcategorization of NOS and FN would be useful in estimating neoplastic lesions. Further subcategorization into FN-EC, FN-EM, and FN-UO would similarly be beneficial in estimating the lesion site, especially for small endometrial and extrauterine lesions.

Clinicopathologic importance of atypical glandular cells in cervico-vaginal cytology

Objective:

To analyze the histopathologic outcomes of patients with atypical glandular cells (AGC) in cervicovaginal cytology examinations.

Material and Methods:

Patients with AGC in cervicovaginal cytology were included in this study between March 2011 and March 2018 and patient data were collected retrospectively among all cytology results. AGC classification of cervicovaginal cytology were based on the Bethesda 2001 classification system.

Results:

The total prevalence of cervical epithelial cell abnormality and AGC were found as 4.2% and 0.2%, respectively, in the study cohort. AGC-favor neoplasia (AGC-FN) was the subgroup of AGC with the highest malignancy rate with 62.5% (p=0.06). The incidence of malignancy in the postmenopausal group (33.3%) was detected higher than in the premenopausal group (8.3%) (p=0.07).

Conclusion:

The probability of malignancy in AGC-FN cytology is more commonly associated with malignancy in the postmenopausal group. Therefore, histopathologic examination is strongly recommended in these patients with AGC smears because of the high risk for malignancy in this group.

High-risk Human Papillomavirus Testing for Triage of Women with Previous Cytological Abnormalities from the Vale do Ribeira Region

OBJECTIVE

 To evaluate the performance of the hybrid capture 2 (HC2) high-risk papillomavirus (hrHPV) assay and cytological test in women with previous abnormalities, to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (≥ CIN 2).

METHODS

 A cytological test and HC2 (Qiagen, Gaithersburg, Maryland, EUA) for hrHPV were conducted in 359 liquid-based (Sure Path, Becton Dickinson, TriPath Imaging, Burlington, NC, USA) samples collected from women from the Vale do Ribeira Region, during July 2013 and September 2015 with previous cytology classified as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H), and atypical glandular cells (AGC). The histopathological examination was conducted in 179 women. The performance evaluations were calculated using the "exact" Clopper-Pearson 95% confidence interval (CI) test by MEDCALC (Medcalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium).

RESULTS

 The ≥ CIN 2 frequency was 11.7% (21/179). The HC2 for hrHPV and repeat cytology to detect ≥ CIN 2 obtained, respectively, a sensitivity of 90.5% (95%CI = 69.6-98.8) and 90.5%, (95%CI = 69.6-98.8), a specificity of 65.8% (95% CI = 57.9-73.2) and 43.7% (95%CI = 35.8-51.8), a positive predictive value of 26.0% (95% CI = 21.4-31.3) and 17.6%, (95%CI = 14.9-20.6), and a negative predictive value of 98.1% (95%CI = 93.3-99.5) and 97.2% (95% CI = 90.1-99.2).

CONCLUSION

 Hybrid capture 2 for hrHPV improves the performance of the detection of ≥ CIN 2, without compromising sensitivity, and provides a greater safety margin to return to the triennial screening of women undergoing follow-up due to previous abnormalities, without underlying ≥ CIN 2.

Atypical glandular lesions of the cervix and risk of cervical cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cytology screening has been effective in reducing risks for cervical squamous cell carcinoma but less so for adenocarcinoma. We explored the association of atypical glandular cells or absence of glandular cells in cytology, and subsequent histological diagnoses and cancer risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All women in Norway with atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS), adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS) and normal/benign cells, but absence of endocervical or metaplastic cells (NC-NEC) in their first cytology during 1992-2014 (NC-NEC; 2005-2014), recorded in the Cancer Registry of Norway, were included (n = 142 445). Histology diagnoses (stratified by age) within 1 and 3 years after cytology were examined. The Nelson-Aalen cumulative hazard function for gynecological cancer risk was displayed.

RESULTS

The majority of AGUS and particularly ACIS were followed with histology within 1 and 3 years. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions were more common in women <35 than in women ≥35 years. Cervical adenocarcinoma followed 13% of ACIS after 1 and 3 years. After ACIS and AGUS, cervical adenocarcinoma was the most frequent cancer subtype. Cumulative risks of cervical adenocarcinoma following ACIS, AGUS and NC-NEC were 3.5%, 0.9% and 0.05%, respectively, after 22, 22 and 9 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high-risk of glandular malignancies after AGUS and ACIS in cytology. If effective treatment of pre-cancer and early cancer is available, cytology screening provides some level of prevention of adenocarcinoma. Lack of glandular cells did not entail a higher cancer risk.

[Use of HPV virologic test for atypical glandular cells in Alsace between 2014 and 2016]

OBJECTIVES

The new recommendations by the National Institute of Cancer (January 2017) recommend the use of a complementary human papillomavirus (HPV) virologic test during the diagnosis of atypical glandular cells in pap smear. The aim of this study was the performance analysis of the HPV virologic test for the detection of significant histological cervical abnormalities (CIN2 or more) in case of atypical glandular cells before the new recommendations were published.

METHODS

We performed a descriptive and retrospective cohort study in Alsace between January 2014 and December 2016. We have included, from the EVE-association database, the patients with atypical glandular cells in pap smear.

RESULTS

In total, 1074 patients had a pap smear with atypical glandular cells ; 0.18% of total pap smears. This study included 152 patients who had a HPV test. We observed 6 cases of CIN2 (3.9%) and 12 cases of CIN3 (7.9%). No in situ adenocarcinoma nor invasive carcinoma were detected. The sensitivity of the HPV test was 88.9% (95% CI: [0.65; 0.99]), the specificity was 65.9% (95% CI: [0.55; 0.76]), the positive predictive value was 34% (95% CI: [0.21; 0.49]) and the negative predictive value was 96.8% (95% CI: [0.89; 0.99]).

CONCLUSION

The detection of HPV in atypical glandular cells seems to be powerful with an excellent negative predictive value but, because of moderate sensitivity and due to the risk of histologic lesion progression, the current recommendations should to be applied with care.

Adenocarcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix: Clinical practice guidelines from the Italian society of colposcopy and cervical pathology (SICPCV)

OBJECTIVE

to provide a practical tool for the evidenced-based management of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the uterine cervix, a challenging diagnosis encountered by colposcopists in their daily practice.

METHODS

the proposed recommendations were drafted by the Italian Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (SICPCV) based on comprehensive reviews of previous guidelines, large uncontrolled studies, metanalysis, and sytematic reviews. The quality Level and the strength of the recommendations were graded and respectively expressed in Roman numbers (I-VI) and letters (A-E).

RESULTS

Women with all subcategories of abnormal glandular cells and AIS on cervical citology should be offered colposcopy with endocervical sampling (Strength of recommendation: A). In women with cytological AIS and negative colposcopy or endocervical curettage, an excisional treatment under colposcopic guidance is recommended (Strength of recommendation: A). If immediate post-conization endocervical sampling is positive, further conization is indicated (Strength of recommendation: C). In women who desire to preserve fertility with positive cone margins, further conization should be performed (Strength of recommendation: B). If colposcopy is adequate, a cylindrical excision that includes the whole transformation zone and at least 1-1.5 cm of endocervix beyond the squamous-columnar junction should be performed (Strength of recommendation: B). If colposcopy is inadequate, it is recommended that conization includes the whole transformation zone with a depth of 20-25 mm (Strength of recommendation: B). Hysterectomy is the standard definitive treatment for AIS in women who do not wish to preserve fertility (Strength of recommendation: B).

CONCLUSION

the proposed recommendations should enable clinicians to correctly diagnose, treat and follow AIS patients, avoiding mismanagement.

The reporting rates of atypical glandular cells and their HPV testing and histologic follow-up results: a comparison between ThinPrep and SurePath preparations from a single academic institution

INTRODUCTION

The interpretation of atypical glandular cells (AGCs) remains a major challenge in gynecologic cytopathology using liquid-based cytology (LBC) (ThinPrep and SurePath). The comparison of performance of detecting glandular abnormalities using these 2 methods is lacking. We investigated the reporting rates of AGCs, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and histologic follow-up results in ThinPrep (TP) and SurePath (SP) samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our institution, both TP and SP were utilized during the period between January 2014 and June 2017. A retrospective search was conducted to identify patients with AGCs from 58,591 LBCs (27,041 TP and 31,550 SP). Roche (Pleasanton, CA) cobas HPV testing and histologic follow-up results were collected.

RESULTS

The reporting rates of AGCs for TP (0.7%) or SP (0.2%) were within the College of American Pathologists benchmark ranges, but the reporting for TP was significantly greater than that for SP (P < 0.0001). The HPV-positive rates were 26.0% and 19.4% in TP-AGCs and SP-AGCs, respectively, with no statistical significance. A total of 137 (74.9%) TP-AGCs and 54 (74%) SP-AGCs had histologic follow-up. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)/squamous cell carcinoma were identified in 8.8% (12 of 137) of TP-AGCs and 13% (7 of 54) of SP-AGCs. Adenocarcinomas including endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinomas were identified in 9.5% (13 of 137) of TP-AGCs and 13% (7 of 54) of SP-AGCs. Together, 18.2% (25 of 137) of TP-AGCs and 25.9% (14 of 54) of SP-AGCs showed either HSIL or carcinoma in histologic follow-up, but with no statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

TP preparation detected considerably more AGCs than SP preparation. There was no statistical significant difference in HPV-positive rates or histologic follow-up outcomes between TP-detected AGCs and SP-detected AGCs.

Risk of high-grade lesions after atypical glandular cells in cervical screening: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To determine how human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity of atypical glandular cells (AGCs) affects the predictive values for the presence of high-grade cervical lesions.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Stockholm-Gotland region, Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

Between 17 February 2014 and 30 June 2016, there were 562 women with AGC detected in a cervical sample. Registry linkages up to 30 June 2016 identified 392 women with an associated HPV test and a histopathological follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Presence of a high-grade cervical lesion in the cervical biopsy taken after the AGC smear, in relation to the HPV status of the AGC-containing index smear.

RESULTS

The proportion of HPV-positive AGC was 56% (n=222). In this group, there were six cases of invasive cervical adenocarcinoma, 33 cases of cervical adenocarcinoma in situ and 93 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), giving a positive predictive value (PPV) for a cervical high-grade lesion of 60% (132/222). Among the 170 women with HPV-negative AGC, there was one invasive cervical squamous cell cancer and four HSIL, giving an PPV for a cervical high-grade lesion of 2.9% (5/170). This group also contained five endometrial cancers and one breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV triaging of AGC will greatly increase the predictive ability for identifying cervical high-grade lesions (OR: 48.4 (95% CI 19.1 to122.6)) and the high sensitivity (96%; 132/137 women) implies safety of primary HPV screening strategies, with regard to this subset of patients. The measurable risk for endometrial cancer among women with HPV-negative AGC (2.9%) suggests that research on screening for endometrial cancer is needed.

Risk of invasive cervical cancer after atypical glandular cells in cervical screening: nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the risks of invasive cervical cancer after detection of atypical glandular cells (AGC) during cervical screening.

DESIGN

Nationwide population based cohort study.

SETTING

Cancer and population registries in Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

3,054,328 women living in Sweden at any time between 1 January 1980 and 1 July 2011 who had any record of cervical cytological testing at ages 23-59. Of these, 2,899,968 women had normal cytology results at the first screening record. The first recorded abnormal result was atypical glandular cells (AGC) in 14 625, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) in 65 633, and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in 244 168.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cumulative incidence of invasive cervical cancer over 15.5 years; proportion of invasive cervical cancer within six months of abnormality (prevalence); crude incidence rates for invasive cervical cancer over 0.5-15.5 years of follow-up; incidence rate ratios compared with women with normal cytology, estimated with Poisson regression adjusted for age and stratified by histopathology of cancer; distribution of clinical assessment within six months after the abnormality.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cervical cancer was 1.4% for women with AGC, which was lower than for women with HSIL (2.5%) but higher than for women with LSIL (0.2%); adenocarcinoma accounted for 73.2% of the prevalent cases associated with AGC. The incidence rate of invasive cervical cancer after AGC was significantly higher than for women with normal results on cytology for up to 15.5 years and higher than HSIL and LSIL for up to 6.5 years. The incidence rate of adenocarcinoma was 61 times higher than for women with normal results on cytology in the first screening round after AGC, and remained nine times higher for up to 15.5 years. Incidence and prevalence of invasive cervical cancer was highest when AGC was found at ages 30-39. Only 54% of women with AGC underwent histology assessment within six months, much less than after HSIL (86%). Among women with histology assessment within six months, the incidence rate of cervical cancer after AGC was significantly higher than that after HSIL for up to 6.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

AGC found at cervical screening is associated with a high and persistent risk of cervical cancer for up to 15 years, particularly for cervical adenocarcinoma and women with AGC at age 30-39. Compared with the reduction in risk of cancer seen after HSIL management, management of AGC seems to have been suboptimal in preventing cervical cancer. Research to optimise management is needed, and a more aggressive assessment strategy is warranted.