Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia recurrence after conization in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women

A retrospective study for long-term oncologic and obstetric outcomes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treated with loop electrosurgical excision procedure: focus on surgical margin and human papillomavirus

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term oncological and obstetric outcomes following the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and investigate the risk factors for recurrence and preterm birth.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent LEEP for CIN 2-3 between 2011 and 2019. Demographic information, histopathological findings, postoperative cytology, and human papillomavirus (HPV) status were collected and analyzed. The Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test were used for risk factor analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 385 patients treated with the LEEP were analyzed. Treatment failure, including recurrence or residual disease following surgery, was observed in 13.5% of the patients. Positive surgical margins and postoperative HPV detection were independent risk factors for CIN1 + recurrence or residual disease (HR 1.948 [95%CI 1.020-3.720], p = 0.043, and HR 6.848 [95%CI 3.652-12.840], p-value < 0.001, respectively). Thirty-one patients subsequently delivered after LEEP, and the duration between LEEP and delivery was significantly associated with preterm-related complications, such as a short cervix, preterm labor, and preterm premature rupture of the membrane (p = 0.009). However, only a history of preterm birth was associated with preterm delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive HPV status after LEEP and margin status were identified as independent risk factors for treatment failure in patients with CIN who underwent LEEP. However, combining these two factors did not improve the prediction accuracy for recurrence.

The characteristics of the residual disease after cervical conization: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary gynecological cancer center

Background

Patients with a biopsy-confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and 3 have an increased risk of disease progression to invasive cancer and should be treated with an excisional method. However, after treatment with an excisional method, a high-grade residual lesion may remain in patients with positive surgical margins. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for a residual lesion in patients with a positive surgical margin after cervical cold knife conization.

Methods

Records of 1008 patients who underwent conization at a tertiary gynecological cancer center were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and thirteen patients with a positive surgical margin after cold knife conization were included in the study. We have retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of the patients treated with re-conization or hysterectomy.

Results

Residual disease was identified in 57 (50.4%) patients. The mean age of the patients with residual disease was 42.47 ± 8.75 years. Age greater than 35 years (P = 0.002; OR, 4.926; 95%CI [Confidence Interval] - 1.681-14.441), more than one involved quadrant (P = 0.003; OR, 3.200; 95% CI - 1.466-6.987), and glandular involvement (P = 0.002; OR, 3.348; 95% CI - 1.544-7.263) were risk factors for residual disease. The rate of high-grade lesion positivity in post-conization endocervical biopsy at initial conization was similar between patients with and without residual disease (P = 0.16). The final pathology of the residual disease was microinvasive cancer in four patients (3.5%) and invasive cancer in one patient (0.9%).

Conclusion

In conclusion, residual disease is found in about half of the patients with a positive surgical margin. In particular, we found that age greater than 35 years, glandular involvement, and more than 1 involved quadrant were associated with the residual disease.

Cervical cancer prevention and control in women living with human immunodeficiency virus

Despite being highly preventable, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer and cause of cancer death in women globally. In low-income countries, cervical cancer is often the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are at a particularly high risk of cervical cancer because of an impaired immune response to human papillomavirus, the obligate cause of virtually all cervical cancers. Globally, approximately 1 in 20 cervical cancers is attributable to HIV; in sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 1 in 5 cervical cancers is due to HIV. Here, the authors provide a critical appraisal of the evidence to date on the impact of HIV disease on cervical cancer risk, describe key methodologic issues, and frame the key outstanding research questions, especially as they apply to ongoing global efforts for prevention and control of cervical cancer. Expanded efforts to integrate HIV care with cervical cancer prevention and control, and vice versa, could assist the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure Treats Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2/3 Among HIV- and HIV+ Women in Kenya

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) as treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 in HIV- versus HIV+ women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five HIV- and 75 HIV+ women at 6 months or more after LEEP for CIN 2/3 were enrolled between September 2013 and November 2014 in this prospective cohort study at the cervical cancer screening clinic in Eldoret, Kenya. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), followed by cervical cytology with conventional cytology, was performed on all women. Women with positive VIA or abnormal cervical cytology underwent colposcopy/biopsy. Lesion progression, persistence, and regression were assessed to quantify the efficacy of LEEP.

RESULTS

Post-loop electrosurgical excision procedure screening test showed both a negative VIA and normal cervical cytology in 64 (85%) of HIV- and 57 (77%) HIV+ women (risk difference = 8.3%, CI = -4.2% to 21%, p = .20). Eleven (15%) HIV- and 17 (23%) HIV+ (p = .20) women had positive VIA, abnormal cervical cytology, or both and were referred for colposcopy/biopsy. Twenty-one (8 HIV-, 13 HIV+) women were biopsied. Of the 8 HIV- women, 4 (50%) had CIN lesions that regressed, 3 (38.0%) persisted, and 1 (12%) progressed to invasive cancer after LEEP. Of the 13 HIV+ women, 6 (46%) had CIN lesions that regressed, 7 (54%) had CIN lesions that persisted, and no HIV+ women had CIN lesions that progressed after LEEP. There was no difference in estimated efficacies of LEEP for HIV- and HIV+ women (92.7% versus 89.4%, risk difference = 3.3%, CI = -4.8% to 15.3%, p = .85).

CONCLUSIONS

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure for CIN 2/3 is effective treatment for HIV- and HIV+ women in low-resource settings. Future efforts should improve follow-up after treatment.

Residual or Recurrent Precancerous Lesions After Treatment of Cervical Lesions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Treatment Failure

BACKGROUND

Screening and treating premalignant cervical lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ [CIN2+]) is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer, and recommendations exist for the monitoring of treatment success. Yet, there is no specific recommendation for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women, who are at a known, increased risk of cervical cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies published from January 1980 through May 2018. Eligible studies described the prevalence of histologically- and/or cytologically-defined lesions in HIV-infected women at least 6 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint was treatment failure, defined as the presence of residual and/or recurrent high-grade CIN2+/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions post-treatment. The pooled prevalence in HIV-infected women and the odds ratios (ORs) for HIV-infected compared to HIV-uninfected women were estimated using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Among 40 eligible studies, the pooled prevalence of treatment failure in HIV-infected women was 21.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8-27.0). There was no significant difference in the treatment failure prevalence for cryotherapy (13.9%, 95% CI 6.1-21.6) versus loop electrosurgical excision procedure (13.8%, 95% CI 8.9-18.7; P = .9), but the treatment failure prevalence was significantly higher in women with positive (47.2%, 95% CI 22.0-74.0) than with negative (19.4%, 95% CI 11.8-30.2) excision margin (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.5-7.7). Treatment failure was significantly increased in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected women, both overall (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.5) and in all sub-group analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

There is strong evidence for an increased risk of treatment failure in HIV-infected women, in comparison to their HIV-negative counterparts. The only significant predictor of treatment failure in HIV-infected women was a positive margin status, but further data is needed on long-term outcomes after ablative treatment in HIV-infected women.

Predicting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia recurrence in HIV-infected and -noninfected women by detecting aberrant promoter methylation in the CDH1, TIMP3, and MGMT genes

PURPOSE

Aberrant DNA methylation is present in virtually all types of human cancer. There is no clear evidence that methylation status can predict bad prognosis in patients with CIN recurrence in HIV infected. This study evaluates the relationship between aberrant methylation of CpG islands of CDH1, TIMP3 and MGMT genes and CIN recurrence in HIV-infected and -noninfected women.

METHODS

This is a nested case-control study involving 33 cases with CIN recurrence and 114 controls without recurrence, HIV infected and noninfected, treated with LEEP, between 1999 and 2004. Recurrence diagnosis was established after biopsy. Genes methylation profile was assessed by MSP-PCR technique in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cone specimens. Statistical analysis was performed to compare categorical variables, using χ2 test with Yates correction and Fisher's exact test. Multivariate analysis was carried out using logistic regression.

RESULTS

CIN recurrence was more frequent in women with glandular involvement (OR 11.6; 95% CI 2.93-45.89) and compromised surgical margins (OR 2.5; 95% CI 0.87-7.27) in the cervical cone and in HIV-infected women (OR 2.47; 95% CI 0.87-7.05). One methylated allele of CDH1, TIMP3 and MGMT genes was present in 87.9% women with CIN recurrence. Promoter hypermethylation of TIMP3 and MGMT was detected in women with CIN recurrence and without CIN recurrence independent of HIV infection with significant difference between groups (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

CIN recurrence was associated with glandular involvement and compromised margins in cone biopsy and HIV infection. The presence of CpG islands hemimethylation in TIMP3 and MGMT genes is a promising triage method in CIN recurrence.

The risk factors of residual lesions and recurrence of the high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) patients with positive-margin after conization

The aim of this study was to illuminate risks factors of residual lesions, and recurrence of the high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) patients with positive margin who underwent cervical conization.A retrospective cohort study of 218 patients with positive margin after conization, including cold knife conization (CKC) and loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP), and follow-up from 2013 through 2016. The diagnosis of residual disease and recurrence were established and confirmed by biopsy. We evaluate the correlations among residual rate, recurrence rate, and clinical parameters, such as age, menopausal status, gravity, parity, glandular involvement, thinprep cytologic test (TCT), and human papillomavirus (HPV) results. We also detect the difference between CKC and LEEP.There was statistical difference between the positive margin rate of CKC group and LEEP regarding the surgery methods (5.8% and 12.09% separately, P < .001). Residual disease was found in 53.66% cases where 41 patients received second surgery after conization. Besides, age (P = .027), menopausal status (P = .006), and HPV infection (P = 0.018) were significantly associated with residual lesion. Among 177 cases with histopathologic follow-up, 15.91% women relapsed from 4 to 27 months. As for recurrence we found it was more frequent with HPV infection and glandular involvement (P < .001). TCT was also an independent factor in patients with recurrence of lesion. No evidence shows difference between CKC and LEEP for recurrence rate (P = .918).The factors related to rate of residual lesion were age, menopausal status, and HPV infection. HPV infection, TCT, and glandular involvement were associated with HSIL recurrence. LEEP was as effective as CKC with regard to recurrence rate. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Efficacy of thermoablation in treating cervical precancerous lesions in a low-resource setting

Introduction

Treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 2 and 3 is the recommended strategy for preventing invasive carcinoma in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our objective was to assess the efficacy of thermoablation in the treatment of CIN2 and CIN3 in a screen-and-treat approach.

Methods

Women aged 30-49 years in Dschang, Cameroon, were invited to undergo vaginal sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV), samples being assessed by an Xpert HPV Assay. HPV-positive women underwent visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VILI), cervical biopsy, and endocervical curettage. Women positive for HPV-16/18/45 or other HPV types with abnormal VIA/VILI were treated by thermoablation on the same day. The primary outcome was persistence of high-grade disease on cytologic examination at 12 months.

Results

Of a total of 1,012 recruited women, 188 were HPV-positive, 121 patients required thermoablation, and 99 had a CIN of grade <2, making the overtreatment rate 9.9%. The cure rate for CIN2 and CIN3 at 12 months was 70.6%. Failure (higher risk of persistent disease) was associated with the presence of occult endocervical lesions at baseline diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] =128.97 [95% confidence interval [CI], 8.80-1,890.95]; p<0.0001). First sexual intercourse before the age of 15 was also a risk factor (aOR =0.003 [95% CI, 0.001-0.61]; p=0.023).

Conclusion

In LMICs, use of thermoablation in a screen-and-treat approach is a valuable treatment option for CIN2 and CIN3. Studies comparing thermoablation with cryotherapy are needed to determine the most appropriate treatment for cervical precancer in such countries.

The Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Recurrence of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prognostic significance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). METHODS: We evaluated the NLR as a prognostic marker in the entire cohort of 230 patients who had undergone surgical resection and were diagnosed with CIN. Subjects were categorized into two different groups based on the NLR (NLR-high and NLR-low) using cutoff values determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The primary research objective for this study was to validate the impact of the NLR on recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with CIN. The secondary objective was to evaluate the impact of other hematologic parameters on RFS in CIN patients. RESULTS: Using the entire cohort, the most appropriate NLR cut-off value for CIN recurrence selected on the ROC curve was 2.1. The NLR-low and NLR-high groups included 167 (72.6%) and 63 patients (27.4%), respectively. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, RFS rates during the entire follow-up period were considerably lower in the NLR-high group than in the NLR-low group (P = 0.0125). In multivariate survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard model, we identified the NLR, absolute eosinophil count (AEC), hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) as valuable prognostic factors that impact RFS. CONCLUSIONS: The NLR is an independent prognosticator for RFS following surgical resection in CIN patients. We also found that the AEC, hemoglobin level, and MCV were strongly associated with RFS, as determined by multivariate analysis using a Cox model. These hematological parameters might provide additional prognostic value beyond that offered by standard clinicopathologic parameters.

Risk factors of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia recurrence in HIV-infected MSM

OBJECTIVE

To assess risk factors of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN) recurrence in a cohort of HIV-infected MSM.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Consecutive HIV-infected 100 MSM with a history of successfully treated intra-anal HGAIN with electrocautery were followed with anal cytology, human papillomavirus (HPV) determination, and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) at 3-6-month intervals. HGAIN recurrence was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Risk factors of recurrence were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression. The value of different tests for detecting recurrence was also assessed.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 17.6 months, 39 of the 100 patients [39%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 29-49] developed recurrent HGAIN, 24 at the previously treated site, and 15 at a different site. The probability of recurrence was 23.5% at 12 months (95% CI: 13.9-33.1) and 53.3% at 24 months (95% CI: 34.3-72.7). Risk factors of recurrence were presence of hepatitis C antibodies (hazard ratio 2.79; 95% CI: 1.04-7.53), nadir CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl (hazard ratio 2.61; 95% CI: 1.06-6.44), and HGAIN lesions affecting at least two octants of anal circumference (hazard ratio 8.27; 95% CI: 1.1-62). Infection by at least two HPV oncogenic strains increased the risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 2.3; 95% CI: 0.98-5.42). HRA, anal cytology, and oncogenic HPV determination test showed a sensitivity of 100, 79.4, and 86.7%, and a specificity of 57.7, 36.6, and 34.7%, respectively, for detecting HGAIN recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The risk of HGAIN recurrence in HIV-infected MSM is high. Regular posttreatment follow-up of these patients is mandatory, and performing direct HRA appears to be the best strategy.

Age-related changes in pre- and post-conization HPV genotype distribution among women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of age on pre- and post-conization HPV genotype distribution.

METHODS

The present retrospective observational study included consecutive women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia who underwent conization at the Cervical Cancer Screening Centre of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and University Hospital of Modena, Italy, between February 1, 2012, and October 31, 2014. Pre-conization and 6-month post-conization HPV genotyping results were compared between four age groups (<30, 30-39, 40-49, and ≥50 years) and age-related changes in the HPV genotypes present were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 162 patients included. The lowest occurrence of pre-conization high-risk and probable high-risk HPV genotypes was observed among patients aged at least 50 years when compared with younger patients (P=0.017). Conversely, women aged at least 50 years exhibited the highest level of post-conization high-risk and probable high-risk HPV genotypes (P=0.043). Additionally, an increasing incidence of recording identical pre- and post-conization HPV genotypes was associated with increasing age (P=0.024), as was increasing post-treatment recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (P=0.030).

CONCLUSION

The presence of high-risk and probable high-risk HPV genotypes was lowest among older patients before conization and was highest among these patients post-conization; post-treatment HPV clearance decreased with age and increasing age could be a risk factor for post-conization recurrence.

Recurrence of cervical intraepithelial lesions after thermo-coagulation in HIV-positive and HIV-negative Nigerian women

BACKGROUND

The burden of cervical cancer remains huge globally, more so in sub-Saharan Africa. Effectiveness of screening, rates of recurrence following treatment and factors driving these in Africans have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate factors associated with recurrence of cervical intraepithelial lesions following thermo-coagulation in HIV-positive and HIV-negative Nigerian women using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) or Lugol's Iodine (VILI) for diagnosis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, recruiting participants from the cervical cancer "see and treat" program of IHVN. Data from 6 sites collected over a 4-year period was used. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years, baseline HIV status known, VIA or VILI positive and thermo-coagulation done. Logistic regression was performed to examine the proportion of women with recurrence and to examine factors associated with recurrence.

RESULTS

Out of 177 women included in study, 67.8 % (120/177) were HIV-positive and 32.2 % (57/177) were HIV-negative. Recurrence occurred in 16.4 % (29/177) of participants; this was 18.3 % (22/120) in HIV-positive women compared to 12.3 % (7/57) in HIV-negative women but this difference was not statistically significant (p-value 0.31). Women aged ≥30 years were much less likely to develop recurrence, adjusted OR = 0.34 (95 % CI = 0.13, 0.92). Among HIV-positive women, CD4 count <200cells/mm(3) was associated with recurrence, adjusted OR = 5.47 (95 % CI = 1.24, 24.18).

CONCLUSION

Recurrence of VIA or VILI positive lesions after thermo-coagulation occurs in a significant proportion of women. HIV-positive women with low CD4 counts are at increased risk of recurrent lesions and may be related to immunosuppression.

Positive Surgical Margin, HPV Persistence, and Expression of Both TPX2 and PD-L1 Are Associated with Persistence/Recurrence of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia after Cervical Conization

Objective

To determine the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical predictors of the persistence/recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) after cervical conization.

Methods

Medical records of 502 patients who received cervical conization treatment of CIN between 2005 and 2012 were reviewed. The clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed using Cox hazard regression. Fifty patients with CIN persistence/recurrence were matched to 50 cases without CIN persistence/recurrence. These 100 cervical specimens were assessed for expression of insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA (mRNA)-binding protein 3 (IMP3), targeting protein for xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2), and programmed cell death-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) using immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Multivariate analysis found that the independent predictors of CIN persistence/recurrence were positive surgical margin (hazard ratio 5.777, 95% confidence interval 2.334–14.301, p < 0.001) and human papilloma virus persistence for 6 months (hazard ratio 20.685, 95% confidence interval 7.350–57.657, p < 0.001). Co-expression of TPX2 and PD-L1 was significantly higher in CIN persistence/recurrence group than the group without CIN persistence/recurrence (p = 0.013). The depth of glandular involvement (GI) was less than 3mm in about 86.8% (59/68) CIN2-3 lesions, However, No statistically significant associations between GI and persistence/recurrence were observed (P = 0.58).

Conclusion

Positive surgical margin, HPV persistence, and expression of both TPX2 and PD-L1 are associated with persistence/recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after cervical conization.

Evaluation of T, B and natural killer lymphocyte in the cervical stroma of HIV-positive and negative patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) are closely associated with oncogenic subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV). In the presence of this virus, it is known that the activation or suppression of immune system is the key to the development, progression and/or regression of cervical lesions. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the local immune response among HIV-seropositive and seronegative patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia regarding the expression of T lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+), B lymphocytes (CD20+) and natural killers cells (CD56+) in the cervical stroma. A cross-sectional study of paraffin blocks containing cervical tissue after conization by the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) from 47 HIV-seropositive and 38 seronegative patients with CIN. Cervical stroma immunohistochemistry was performed in the CIN area. The Fisher's exact test was used for the statistical analysis. When HIV-seropositive and seronegative women were compared, the seropositive women had a higher count of CD8+ T lymphocytes (52.1% versus 28.9%, P<0.04). Considering CIN degree (CIN 1 and CIN 2/3), the HIV-seronegative patients with CIN 1 had a low count of CD20+B-lymphocytes (7.1%) in comparison with CIN 1 HIV seropositive and with CIN 2/3 HIV-seronegative patients, respectively 50% (P<0.018) and 54.5% (P<0.0048). The HIV infection and degree of CIN influenced the cytotoxic lymphocytes inducing an increase in the number of cells high count of CD20+ lymphocytes with CIN 1.

Prevalence and predictors of Pap smear cervical epithelial cell abnormality among HIV-positive and negative women attending gynecological examination in cervical cancer screening center at Debre Markos referral hospital, East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death among women in developing countries. Cervical cancer is preceded by cervical surface epithelial cell abnormalities (ECA) which can be detected by Pap smear test. Simultaneous human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases cervical cancer. Data on the prevalence and predictors of ECA among women in Ethiopia is limited. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ECA among women.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV+ and HIV- women attending gynecological examination in cervical cancer screening center at the Debre Markos referral hospital. The study subjects were stratified by HIV status and systematic random sampling method was used to recruit study participants. Cervical smears were collected for Pap smear examination. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the possible risk factors of cervical ECA.

RESULTS

A total of 197 HIV+ and 194 HIV- women were enrolled in the study. The overall prevalence of cervical ECA was 14.1 % of which the prevalence of atypical squamous cells undetermined significance (ASCUS), low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), high grade SIL, squamous cell carcinoma and ASC, cannot exclude high grade SIL (ASCH) were 5.1, 3.8, 4.1 and 1.0 %, 0.0 % respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of ECA (17.8 %) was observed among HIV+ women (COR 1.9, 95 % CI: 1.1 - 3.4, p = 0.036) as compared to HIV-women (10.3 %). Multiple sexual partnership (AOR 3.2, 95 % CI: 1.1 - 10.0, p = 0.04), early ages of first sexual contact (<15 years) (AOR 5.2, 95 % CI: 1.5 - 17.9, p = 0.009), parity greater than three (AOR 10.9, 95 % CI: 4.2 - 16.8, p < 0.001) and long term oral contraceptive pills (OCP) use (AOR 11.9, 95 % CI: 2.1 - 16.7, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of prevalence of ECA.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical ECA is a major problem among HIV-infected women. Lower CD4+ T-cell counts of below 350 cells/μl, HIV infection, multiple sexual partnership, early age at first sexual contact, parity greater than three and long term OCP use were significant predictors of prevalence of ECA. Strengthening screening program in HIV+ women should be considered.

Outcomes Up to 12 Months After Treatment With Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Among HIV-Infected Women

INTRODUCTION

HIV-infected women may have higher rates of recurrent cervical precancer after treatment. Knowledge about rates and predictors of recurrence could impact guidelines and program planning, especially in low-resource settings.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study in Western Kenya, we followed HIV-infected women at 6 and 12 months after treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or greater (CIN2+) after treatment with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). All women underwent follow-up colposcopy with biopsy as indicated for the diagnosis of CIN2+. We calculated the incidence and predictors of primary disease recurrence after treatment.

RESULTS

Among the 284 women who underwent LEEP and had at least 1 follow-up visit, there were 37 (13%) cases of CIN2+ detected by 12-month follow-up. Four (10.8%) of the recurrences were invasive cancer, all stage IA1. The 6- and 12-month rates of recurrence were 13.7 and 12.8 cases per 100 person-years of follow-up, respectively. Antiretroviral therapy use did not significantly impact the rate of recurrence (hazard ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 0.59 to 2.79). The only significant predictor of recurrence in the multivariate analysis was CD4(+) nadir <200 cells per cubic millimeter (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.22 to 8.08).

DISCUSSION

The overall rate of treatment failure within a year of LEEP was low in this cohort of HIV-infected women. Among the women with recurrence, there was a significant amount of invasive cancer. The relatively high rate of cancer after treatment suggests that HIV-infected women merit continued close follow-up after treatment.

Factors associated with the persistence/recurrence of CIN2/3 in women submitted to loop electrosurgical excision procedure in a teaching hospital in northeastern Brazil: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the persistence/recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 in women submitted to loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in a hospital in northeastern Brazil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case-control study included 50 women with and 50 women without persistence/recurrence of CIN2/3 after LEEP at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) between 2004 and 2011. Data were collected from June to December 2011. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of CIN2/3 during follow-up (cases) and women free of CIN2/3 after a follow-up of 2 years or longer (controls). Exclusion criteria (cases/controls) were LEEP performed at another hospital, LEEP performed for persistent CIN1, invasive carcinoma in the cone specimen or at cytology, and/or histopathology within a 2-year follow-up period. Persistence was defined as residual disease detected in the first year after LEEP, and recurrence was defined as the reappearance of a lesion more than 1 year after surgery. Bivariate analysis was performed for biological, sociodemographic, sexual, reproductive, lifestyle, and clinical variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to control for potential confounding factors. The study was approved by IMIP's internal review board.

RESULTS

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between persistence/recurrence of CIN2/3 and living outside the capital city (OR=3.11, 95% CI=1.14-8.41), smoking (OR=4.22, 95% CI=1.18-15.05), and positive endocervical margins (OR=6.58, 95% CI=2.37-18.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with persistence/recurrence of CIN2/3 are more likely to live outside the state capital, be smokers, and have positive endocervical margins, so these women should be followed up more closely.

A systematic review of the effects of visual inspection with acetic acid, cryotherapy, and loop electrosurgical excision procedures for cervical dysplasia in HIV-infected women in low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer, almost all of which is caused by human papillomavirus, accounts for 12% of female cancers worldwide and is more common among HIV-infected women. Nine of 10 deaths from cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Simple screening methods and outpatient treatment of precursor lesions save lives but the benefit of these interventions among HIV-infected women is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed evidence of the effects of screening with visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), and outpatient treatment for cervical precancer among HIV-infected women in LMIC.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles published from January 1995 through July 2013 was conducted using key terms for VIA cervical screening, cervical precancer treatment with cryotherapy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure, HIV-infected women, low-resource settings, and outcomes, including morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 2159 articles screened, 14 met inclusion criteria; all considered only morbidity outcomes. No articles dealt with the long-term impact of screening/treatment on cervical cancer incidence or mortality among HIV-infected women. Articles reported on performance of VIA, prevalence of cervical dysplasia, and complications and rates of recurrent dysplasia after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysplasia prevalence and recurrence were higher among HIV-infected compared with HIV-uninfected women but morbidity from treatment was similar. Few data exist on long-term outcomes of VIA, cryotherapy, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure interventions among HIV-infected women in LMIC; longer-term outcomes research is needed to assess the effects of VIA or other screening modalities and outpatient treatment on prevention of cervical cancer among HIV-infected women.

Quality evaluation of cone biopsy specimens obtained by large loop excision of the transformation zone

Background

Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) has been used for the diagnosis and treatment of precancerous cervical lesions, and it is the first choice of treatment in the majority of cervical pathology services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of thermal artifacts, the need for serial sections, the percentage of clear and involved resection margins and the relationship between endocervical gland involvement and the severity of the lesion in samples resected using LLETZ.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed at Santa Casa de Misericordia School of Science (HSCMV), Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil with a sample of 52 histopathology slides from patients submitted to conization because of abnormal cytology findings and a biopsy result of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2, CIN 3 and adenocarcinoma in situ. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test.

Results

Serial sections were required to confirm diagnosis in four of 52 cases. Thermal artifacts were present in all cases, with grade I being the most common (94.2% of cases). Clear margins were found in 96.2% of cases. No association was found between glandular involvement and CIN 1 (P > 0.05); however, there was an association with CIN 2 and CIN 3 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The amount of excised tissue was sufficient, thermal artifacts were slight, resection margins were clear in most of cases, and a possible association was found between glandular involvement and the severity of the lesion.

Cytokine expression in the cervical stroma of HIV-positive and HIV-negative women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs) are a major public health issue. The prevalence of CINs is higher in women with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective of this study was to determine whether there are differences in the immune responses in the cervical stroma of HIV-infected and -uninfected women with CIN. The responses were assessed according to the immunohistochemical expression of cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-12, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor growth factor beta (TGF-β). In addition, we determined whether there were differences in the local immune responses between patients with CIN1 and CIN 2/3. A cross-sectional study was performed using material collected by cervical conization in HIV-infected and -uninfected women with CIN. The conization was performed using loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP) from January 1999 to May 2004. The evaluation of cytokines in the cervical stroma was based on immunohistochemistry. No differences were found between the two groups of women regarding HIV status. However, the associations between IL-12 expression and CIN 2/3 (p=0.016) in HIV-infected women and between IL-4 expression and CIN 1 (p=0.0456) in HIV-infected women were significant when the interaction between HIV infection and lesion grade was assessed. Additionally, a significant association between TGF-β expression and CIN 2/3 in both groups was observed regardless of HIV infection (p=0.000). An interaction between HIV infection and CIN grade was detected because IL-12 and IL-4 expression increased in the presence of HIV infection. Regarding the CIN grade, there was a high prevalence of TGF-β in CIN 2/3 lesions, which reflected the predominance of an immunoregulatory environment.

Factors influencing decisions about surgical treatment of cervical precancerous lesions

Cervical precancerous lesions represented by cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia may progress to invasive cancer. The principle treatment of CIN is eradication of the transformation zone. However, all eradication methods are associated with some adverse events, particularly with perinatal consequences. It is therefore necessary to identify which women have CIN that has a low risk of transformation into invasive cancer. The presence of modifying factors can help to stratify CIN lesions according to their malignant potential. The evaluation of HPV genotype in particular holds great promise for defining patients at greater risk. Tailoring treatment to the individual patient is going to become a major consideration in the management of cervical precancerous lesions.

Prevalence and risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among HIV-infected women

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence and the risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among HIV-infected women.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 494 HIV-infected women in Brazil, between 1998 and 2008. Gynecologic exam was performed, and samples were collected for cervical cytology and for HPV DNA detection. Cervical biopsy was carried out when indicated. HPV infection, CD4 T-lymphocyte count and HIV viral load were compared with cervical histopathology. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the statistical association of several risk factors.

RESULTS

CIN prevalence detected by histopathology was 23.4% (6% of CIN2/3 and 17.4% cases of CIN1). Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent association of CIN with CD4 T-lymphocyte count below 200 cells/mm³ (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.5-10.1), with a positive detection of HPV DNA (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.5), and with age < 34 years old (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.4). HIV viral load and antiretroviral use were not independent risk factors for CIN.

CONCLUSIONS

Severity of immunosuppression, presence of HPV infection and younger age are strong predictors of CIN among HIV-infected women.

Sexual and reproductive health and HIV services: integrating HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer prevention and control

People living with HIV are at an increased risk of acquiring HPV and of developing evolutive cervical cancers (women) and penile and anal cancers (men). Low-cost screening-visual inspection with acetic acid, HPV DNA diagnostics and primary care level treatment, cryotherapy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2), and primary prevention through HPV vaccination of girls aged 9-13 years-makes the goal of eliminating cervical cancer possible in the long term. Integration of cervical cancer screening and treatment into a sexual and reproductive health service package raises programmatic questions and calls for a continuum of care. The latter is only possible when adequate cytopathology skills and treatment for advanced cancer conditions are available. The present paper highlights the role of member societies of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) in developing the base for an integrated package that responds to women's sexual and reproductive health needs.

Risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia recurrence after conization: a 10-year study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk factors potentially involved in the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) recurrence after cervical conization in a long-term follow-up period.

STUDY DESIGN

Consecutive patients with histologically proven CIN who had undergone either cold knife conization or a loop electrosurgical excision procedure were enrolled and scheduled for serial follow-up examinations over a 10-year period. Data were stored in a digital database. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

Between January 1999 and December 2009, 282 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final statistical analysis. After a median follow-up of 26.7 months (range 6-100), 64 (22.7%) women developed histologically confirmed recurrence. The 2-year recurrence-free survival was 83.7% and 66.7% for women with negative and positive margins, respectively (p=0.008). The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 75.4% and 50.3% for patients with negative and positive margins, respectively (p=0.0004). Positive surgical margin was the most important independent predictor of recurrence [HR 2.5 (95%CI 1.5-4.5), p=0.0007; Wald 11.338]. After multinomial logistic regression the indication for conization based on persistent CIN1 was the only independent predictor for negative margin [OR 0.3 (95%CI 0.1-0.7), p=0.008].

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that the surgical margin status represents the most important predictor for CIN recurrence after conization. After excisional therapy, close follow-up is mandatory for the early detection of recurrent disease. The identification of risk factors for recurrence may guide clinical decision-making on expectant management versus re-intervention.

Prevalence and multiplicity of HPV in HIV women in Minas Gerais, Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To detect the frequency and subtypes of HPV in the uterine cervix of HIV-infected women.

METHODS

Sample consisted of 288 HIV-infected women, recruited from the public health system of five cities of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Women were seen from August 2003 to August 2008. Cervical samples were collected for cytological analysis and for HPV DNA detection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HPV DNA was classified according to its oncogenic potential in low risk (types 6, 11) and high risk (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35). Colposcopy was performed, followed by cervical biopsy when necessary. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-squared test, with a significance level established at the 5% level.

RESULTS

HPV prevalence was 78.8%. Most frequent genotypes were HPV-6 (63.9%) and HPV-16 (48.5%). High-risk HPV were observed in 70.5% of the women; low-risk in 71.4%; both high and low-risk HPV were detected in 55.1% of the patients. Multiple HPV genotypes were detected in 64.8% of the patients; two genotypes in 23.8%, and three in 18.9%.

CONCLUSION

HPV prevalence was high among HIV-infected women. Multiple HPV genotypes were common in samples from the uterine cervix of HIV-infected women.

Lopinavir up-regulates expression of the antiviral protein ribonuclease L in human papillomavirus-positive cervical carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that the HIV protease inhibitor lopinavir has selective toxicity against human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cervical carcinoma cells via an unknown mechanism.

METHODS

SiHa cervical carcinoma cells were stably transfected with the proteasome sensor vector pZsProSensor-1 to confirm lopinavir inhibits the proteasome in these cells. The Panorama Xpress profiler 725 antibody array was then used to analyse specific changes in protein expression in lopinavir-treated versus control untreated SiHa cells followed by PCR and western blotting. Colorimetric growth assays of lopinavir-treated E6/E7 immortalised versus control human keratinocytes were performed. Targeted small interfering RNA gene silencing followed by growth assay comparison of lopinavir-treated/untreated SiHa cells was also used.

RESULTS

Lopinavir induced an increase in the fluorescence of pZsProSensor-1 transfected SiHa cells, indicative of proteasomal inhibition. Ribonuclease L (RNASEL) protein was shown to be up-regulated in lopinavir-treated SiHa cells, which was confirmed by PCR and western blot. Targeted silencing of RNASEL reduced the sensitivity of SiHa cells to lopinavir. Selective toxicity against E6/E7 immortalised keratinocytes versus control cells was also seen with lopinavir and was associated with up-regulated RNASEL expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These data are consistent with the toxicity of lopinavir against HPV-positive cervical carcinoma cells being related to its ability to block viral proteasome activation and induce an up-regulation of the antiviral protein RNASEL. This is supported by the drug's selective toxicity and up-regulation of RNASEL in E6/E7 immortalised keratinocytes combined with the increased resistance to lopinavir observed in SiHa cells following silencing of RNASEL gene expression.

See-and-treat approaches to cervical cancer prevention for HIV-infected women

Cervical cancer remains the second commonest cancer among women worldwide, and more than 85% of the global burden of this disease occurs in the developing world. HIV-infected women have a higher likelihood of developing persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, precancer, and invasive cervical cancer than seronegative women. Although highly effective primary and secondary prevention strategies are currently available, they remain inaccessible to the vast majority of women. Because of their simplicity and affordability, see-and-treat cervical cancer screening modalities have the potential to substantially improve women's access to cancer prevention, as well as to create much needed infrastructure for future molecular-based cervical screening and HPV vaccination programs. Additional data addressing the effectiveness of see-and-treat approaches for HIV-infected women are urgently needed. Studies informing best practice guidelines on when to start, when to stop, and how frequently to screen HIV-infected women within the see-and-treat paradigm would be of great value.

Outcomes after an excisional procedure for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women

OBJECTIVE

To determine predictors of treatment failure and recurrence after surgical excisional procedures for CIN in HIV-infected women.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in which 136 eligible HIV-infected women treated for CIN between 1999 and 2005 were included. Data were abstracted from charts and computer databases. Treatment failures were defined as the presence of CIN 1+ at initial follow-up. Recurrences were defined as the presence of CIN 1+ subsequent to initial normal follow-up.

RESULTS

Treatment failure at initial follow-up was common, occurring in 51% of CIN 1 and 55% of CIN 2+. Most lesions detected at treatment failure were high grade (>70%), regardless of the grade of initial lesion. Significant risk factors for treatment failure were loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) compared to cold knife conization (RR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.15-2.64), and low CD4+ count (p=0.04). Among those with an initial normal clinical evaluation, 55% eventually recurred. As with treatment failure, most lesions detected at recurrence were high grade. Risk factors for recurrence included use of LEEP (hazard ratio [HR]=3.38; 95% CI: 1.55-7.39), higher HIV RNA level, and the presence of positive margins at treatment (HR=6.12; 95% CI: 1.90-19.73).

CONCLUSIONS

Most CIN treatment of HIV-infected women studied either failed or resulted in recurrence. Of particular concern, many of these subsequent lesions were high grade. Conization, however, was associated with significantly less failure/recurrence than LEEP. Clinicians treating CIN in HIV-infected women should avoid raising expectations of cure and instead focus on the achievable goal of cancer prevention until there are better therapies for this patient population.