Real-world data on cervical cancer risk stratification by cytology and HPV genotype to inform the management of HPV-positive women in routine cervical screening

Human papillomavirus genotypes and risk of persistence and progression in women undergoing active surveillance for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2

BACKGROUND

In recent years, active surveillance has been introduced as an alternative to excisional treatment in younger women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 because regression rates are high and excisional treatment is associated with increased risk of preterm birth. However, early identification of women at increased risk of persistence/progression is important to ensure timely treatment. Evidence is limited on biomarkers that may be used to identify women at increased risk of persistence/progression.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe human papillomavirus HPV type-specific persistence/progression in women undergoing active surveillance for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a historical cohort study of women aged 23 to 40 years diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 at Aarhus University Hospital from 2000 to 2010. Women were identified through the Danish Pathology Data Bank (DPDB) and were considered as undergoing active surveillance if they had a first record of a cervical biopsy within 2 years after index diagnosis and no loop electrosurgical excision procedure before this. Human papillomavirus genotyping was performed on archived tissue samples using the HPV SPF10-DEIA-LiPA25 system (DNA ELISA [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay] HPV SPF10 kit and RHA HPV SPF10-LiPA25 kit). Persistence/progression was defined as having a record of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade ≥2 in the DPDB determined on the last and worst diagnosis on a biopsy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure specimen during follow-up. We estimated the relative risk (95% confidence interval) of persistence/progression using a modified Poisson model.

RESULTS

A total of 455 women were included. Two-thirds were aged ≤30 years (73.8%) at index diagnosis, and nearly half had a high-grade index cytology (48.8%). Overall, 52.2% of all women had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade ≥2 during follow-up; 70.5% were human papillomavirus-16-positive and 29.5% were positive for other human papillomavirus types. Human papillomavirus-16 was associated with a significantly higher risk of persistence/progression (relative risk, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-1.95) compared with non-human papillomavirus-16. The risk of persistence/progression was highest in human papillomavirus-16-positive women with a high-grade index cytology compared with human papillomavirus-16-positive women with a low-grade cytology (relative risk, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.61), whereas no differences were observed across age groups.

CONCLUSION

The highest risk of persistence/progression was observed among human papillomavirus-16-positive women, particularly those with associated high-grade cytology. These findings suggest that early excisional treatment should be considered in this group of women.

Assessing the performance and utility of targeted next-generation sequencing for screening and genotyping of human papillomaviruses

A next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based Ezplex HPV NGS kit (SML Genetree, Seoul, Korea) was used for human papillomavirus (HPV) screening. Of 885 cervical swab samples, HPV was detected in 162 samples. High-risk HPVs were detected in 82 samples, and other types of HPV were detected in 13 samples (HPV86, 71, 102, 91, and 114). At the read depth ≥ 500, NGS results exhibited 100 % agreement among repeated tests. HPV NGS results were compared with those of real-time PCR assays, Anyplex HPV28 (Seegene, Seoul, Korea) (n = 383) and Cobas HPV (Roche, Mannheim, Germany) (n = 64); concordances were 92.4 % and 95.0 %, respectively. Sanger sequencing of discordant results (n = 13) produced compatible results with those of HPV NGS. Pap smear abnormalities were detected in 31 patients (3.5 %), and 19 patients had high-risk HPV. Using HPV NGS for screening, rare HPV subtypes were detected, and quantitative values were obtained as read depth.

Preliminary outcomes of the Cervical Cancer Screening Program of Northern Portugal: A snapshot

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer screening remains an essential preventive tool worldwide. First line high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HrHPV) genotyping became gold standard for cervical cancer screening, and has been adopted by several countries, including Portugal. Herein, we aimed to assess the early outcomes of the regional Cervical Cancer Screening Program of Northern Portugal.

METHODS

The analysis of a representative set of cases evaluated during a one-month period (January 2020), with adequate follow-up was performed. Descriptive analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 7278 samples were received, of which 15.2% were HrHPV positive, most of these disclosing a negative result in subsequent liquid-based cytology. Nearly half of the HrHPV-positive women were referred to colposcopy. Within this group, HPV16/18+ cases depicted the higher frequency of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or worse, compared with abnormal cytology or persistent HrHPV infection. Among women with non-HPV16/18 HrHPV infection and negative cytology, which are eligible for repeat sampling in one year, 65% were re-tested. Importantly, nearly half of these cleared HrHPV infection. Furthermore, referral to colposcopy due to HPV16/18 infection and/or abnormal cytology results were associated with > 40% risk for HSIL or worse lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed the reliability and effectiveness of first line HrHPV genotyping in the Cervical Cancer Screening Program of Northern Portugal. Nonetheless, it also raised concerns about excessive referral to colposcopy, with the inherent human and financial costs. Thus, further improvement and optimization are key to ensure the sustainability of the program.

Predicting the recurrence of usual-type cervical adenocarcinoma using a nomogram based on clinical and pathological factors: a retrospective observational study

Background

Usual-type cervical adenocarcinoma is the most frequent type of adenocarcinoma, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Tumor recurrence is the leading cause of mortality; therefore, recognizing the risk factors for cervical cancer recurrence and providing effective therapy for recurrent cervical cancer are critical steps in increasing patient survival rates. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinicopathological data of patients with usual-type cervical adenocarcinoma by combining the diagnosis and treatment records after the initial treatment and recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with usual-type cervical adenocarcinoma who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University between June 2013 and June 2022. We constructed a nomogram-based postoperative recurrence prediction model, internally evaluated its efficacy, and performed internal validation.

Results

This study included 395 participants, including 87 individuals with recurrence. At a 7:3 ratio, the 395 patients were divided into two groups: a training set (n = 276) and a validation set (n = 119). The training set was subjected to univariate analysis, and the risk variables for recurrence included smoking, ovarian metastasis, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging, lymphovascular space invasion, perineural invasion, depth of muscular invasion, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and postoperative HPV infection months. The aforementioned components were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, and the results showed that the postoperative HPV infection month, tumor size, perineural invasion, and FIGO stage were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence (p<0.05). The aforementioned model was represented as a nomogram. The training and validation set consistency indices, calculated using the bootstrap method of internal validation, were 0.88 and 0.86, respectively. The model constructed in this study predicted the postoperative recurrence of usual-type cervical cancer, as indicated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. The model demonstrated good performance, as evidenced by the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity values of 0.90, 0.859, and 0.844, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on the FIGO staging, peripheral nerve invasion, tumor size, and months of postoperative HPV infection, the predictive model and nomogram for postoperative recurrence of usual-type cervical adenocarcinoma are precise and effective. More extensive stratified evaluations of the risk of cervical adenocarcinoma recurrence are still required, as is a thorough assessment of postoperative recurrence in the future.

Community Screening for High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus Infection using Self-Sampling and 'Point-Of-Care' Test

OBJECTIVE

HR-HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for pre-invasive and invasive lesions of the cervix, accounting for 70-80% of the total subtypes. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of high-risk HPV subtypes 16 and 18 in self-collected vaginal samples using real-time micro-PCR and to study the acceptability of self-sampling.

METHODS

Eligible women (30-65 years) were screened from a semi-urban area of Uttarakhand (India) using self-sampling. High-risk HPV genotypes (16/31 and 18/45) were tested using real-time micro-PCR technique with results available in one hour. The positive results were validated by standard RT-PCR for high-risk HPV 16, 18, separately and for 12 other high-risk genotypes, combined. Ease of the procedure, level of comfort, and recommendation to other women were studied and the acceptability of self-sampling was analyzed using the Likert scale.

RESULT

Of 975 eligible women screened, 45 participants tested positive for HR-HPV (16/31,18/45) using real-time micro-PCR with a prevalence of 4.6%. Positive samples were further tested through routine RT-PCR and 60% were found to be HR-HPV 16 and 18 positive. For self-sampling, 96.72% (n=943) participants were 'very satisfied' and 94.15% (n=918) found self-sampling to be 'very comfortable' and 88.51% (n=863) stated that they will strongly recommend this test to other eligible women in the community.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that HR-HPV testing with limited genotyping showed a prevalence of 4.6%, 60% of these were HPV 16/18 positive. Point of care testing was feasible in the community and self-sampling was acceptable.

Factors associated with failed 'test of cure' in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine predictive factors associated with failed 'test of cure' (TOC) in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of all patients treated by large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) between 1st April 2014 and 1st April 2019. Those with no documented HPV genotype on referral, no TOC outcome, those having a hysterectomy, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were excluded from final analysis.

RESULTS

Patients referred with a singular HPV genotype of HPV 16, HPV 18, or HPV Other types (HPV O) were significantly more likely to pass TOC than those referred with multiple HPV genotypes (p < 0.0001). Those with HPV genotypes including HPV O were significantly more likely to fail TOC as compared to those with genotypes of solely HPV 16 and/or 18 (p < 0.0001). Patients aged ≥51 years were significantly more likely to fail TOC when compared to all other age groups (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Age >51 yrs. and infection with multiple hr-HPV types were predictors of post treatment hr-HPV persistence. Knowledge of HPV genotype both at referral, and following treatment, could allow a more individualised, and patient-centred, approach to both the management and follow up of CIN. HPV genotype should be reported as standard on all cervical screening sample results. The term HPV O should not be utilised and instead actual HPV genotype should be reported. This would enable us to optimise not only future research but would also allow future monitoring of the efficacy of vaccination programmes.

Detection of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and assessing diagnostic performance of colposcopy among women with oncogenic HPV

BACKGROUND

HPV screening tests may improve cervical cancer risk stratification and better guide decisions about follow-up with colposcopy/biopsy. This study aimed to estimate the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) among women with oncogenic HPV types and evaluate the performance of colposcopy in the diagnosis of histologic CIN2 + at Putuo Hospital, Shanghai, China.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2020 to December 2022 among women who were referred to colposcopy. Women with high-risk (HR) HPV-positive, cytology testing and colposcopy-directed biopsy were included.

RESULTS

Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that high-grade colposcopic impression ((OR, 17.61%, 95%CI: 11.54-26.85%) was associated with the highest risk for detecting CIN2+, followed by HSIL + cytology (OR, 6.90%, 95%CI: 3.56-13.37%) and HPV16/18 positive (OR, 2.91%, 95%CI: 2.12-3.99%). Overall, CIN2 + was detected in 14.6% of 2007 women. HPV16/18 had higher CIN2 + risks than other HR-HPV genotypes (30.1% vs. 10.2%, P<0.001). Among women with low-grade cytology, 24.1% had CIN2+, and the risks for HPV16/18 (58.2%) were higher than for other HR-HPV(16.8%). For those with high-grade cytology, there was no significant difference between HPV groups ( 75.0% vs. 72.9%, P > 0.05). The diagnostic performance of colposcopy in diagnosis of CIN2 + by senior and junior colposcopists was comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that referral to colposcopy is recommended in managing women with HR-HPV positive, and colposcopic impressions provide key clues for identification CIN2+.

Age-specific and genotype-specific carcinogenic human papillomavirus prevalence in a country with a high cervical cancer burden: results of a cross-sectional study in Estonia

OBJECTIVES

To describe age-specific and type-specific carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence prior to large-scale effect of HPV vaccines in Estonia and to analyse the risk factors associated with carcinogenic HPV.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaire and self-collected vaginal swabs for detection of HPV infection.

SETTING

Estonian Biobank database.

PARTICIPANTS

Stratified random sample of women aged 30-33, 57-60 and 67-70 years living in one of the three largest counties in Estonia. Of 3065 women approached, 1347 (43.9%) returned questionnaires and specimens for HPV DNA detection.

OUTCOME MEASURES

HPV prevalence and fully adjusted ORs with 95% CIs for risk factors.

RESULTS

HPV prevalence was highest among women aged 30-33 years (18.7%; 95% CI 15.8 to 21.9) followed by those aged 67-70 years (16.7%; 95% CI 12.4 to 22.0) and 57-60 years (10.2%; 95% CI 7.8 to 13.3). HPV16 and HPV56 were the most common among women aged 30-33 years (both 4.0%; 95% CI 2.7 to 5.9), and HPV68 was the most common among women aged 57-60 years (2.8%; 95% CI 1.5 to 4.7) and 67-70 years (6.4%; 95% CI 3.6 to 10.4). Vaccination with nonavalent vaccine would have halved the carcinogenic HPV prevalence among women aged 30-33 years. The odds of infection with carcinogenic HPV were higher among women with six or more sexual partners among younger (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.54 to 5.81) and older (OR 3.80; 95% CI 1.25 to 11.55) women and lower (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.72) among younger married women.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated U-shaped age-specific genotype profile of carcinogenic HPV prevalence, indicating that public health providers should focus on developing exit strategies for the cervical cancer screening programme in Estonia with a possible extension of HPV testing beyond the current screening age of 65 years. Generalisability of the findings of this study may be affected by the low response rate.

Clinical efficacy of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) screening with partial genotyping for HPV-16 and HPV-18 subtypes in women from 25 years old

Introduction

Cervical screening programmes differ in the age of women recommended for primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. This study aims to determine the clinical efficacy and impact of 14-high-risk HPV DNA testing for women from 25 years old.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively from women 25 years or older who attended hospital-based gynaecology clinics for cervical screening. Women with history of cervical neoplasia or abnormal cytology were excluded. High-risk HPV DNA testing with partial genotyping for HPV-16 and HPV-18 were performed on cobas 4800 System (Roche Diagnostics International AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland). Women tested positive for the 12 other high-risk HPV subtypes (HPV-12 other) had a reflex cytology test. Positive screening included positive for HPV-16 and/or HPV-18, HPV-12 other with cytology abnormalities equal to or greater than atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, and repeated positive HPV at 12 months. HPV detection and colposcopy referral rates, and detection of high-grade neoplasia were determined.

Results

Of 10,967 women studied, 822 (7.50%) were HPV DNA positive. The overall discharge rate to routine screening according to screening protocol was 93.1%. Colposcopy referral rate was 4.4%. The screening detected 41 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) (0.37%) and 31 (0.28%) CIN3+. The number of colposcopies needed per case of CIN2+ was 9.5, similar for women below and above 30 years old. The number of colposcopies needed per case of CIN3+ for HPV-16 positivity was 8.5, compared to 17.0 for other categories (P=0.040). Colposcopy efficacy was similar for HPV-18 and HPV-12 other positivity with abnormal cytology.

Conclusion

Taking CIN2+ detection and colposcopy referral rate as endpoints, HPV testing in Singapore can be extended to include women from 25 years old.

Triaging HPV-Positive Cervical Samples with p16 and Ki-67 Dual Stained Cytology within an Organized Screening Program-A Prospective Observational Study from Western Norway

The implementation of high-risk human papillomavirus testing (hrHPV testing) as a screening method in substitute for cytology has evoked the need for more sensitive and less objective tests for the triage of HPV-positive women. In a cohort of 1763 HPV-positive women, the potential of immunocytochemical p16 and Ki-67 dual staining as compared to cytology, alone or in combination with HPV partial genotyping, was tested for triage of women attending a cervical cancer screening program. Performance was measured using sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Comparisons were assessed using logistic regression models and the McNemar test. Dual staining was evaluated in a prospectively collected study cohort of 1763 HPV-screened women. For triage of CIN2+ and CIN3+, NPV and sensitivity, 91.8% and 94.2% versus 87.9% and 89.7%, respectively, were significantly higher using dual staining together with HPV 16/18 positive, as compared to cytology (p < 0.001). The specificities, however, were lower for dual staining as compared to cytology. Conclusions: Dual staining is safer for decision-making regarding HPV-positive women's need for follow-up with colposcopy and biopsy, as compared to cytology.

HPV-negative high-grade cervical precancerous lesions or invasive cancer in China: A post hoc analysis of a multicentric clinical study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate HPV-negative cervical high-grade precancerous lesions or cancer in China.

METHODS

Histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) were searched in a multicentric clinical study. All patients underwent cobas HPV testing, liquid-based cytology, DNA ploidy analysis, and colposcopy-guided biopsy. According to clinical practice, patients underwent p16^ink4a staining and cone biopsy. Comparisons were made between HPV-negative and -positive patients for clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The study found 61 cases of cobas HPV-negative CIN2+ among 797 cases of histologically confirmed CIN2+, including 38 CIN2, 20 CIN3, and 3 invasive cancers. The prevalence of HPV-negative CIN2+ and CIN3+ was 7.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.8-9.5) and 5.7% (95% CI 3.5-8.0), respectively. Among 24 cases with p16 staining, 20 showed p16 positivity. The proportions of normal or minor abnormalities in terms of colposcopy, cytology, and DNA ploidy were higher in HPV-negative cases than in HPV-positive cases. When adding cytology to the screening of symptomatic or previously HPV-positive women, the prevalence of HPV-negative CIN2+ or CIN3 would decrease by approximately 50%.

CONCLUSION

Less than one-tenth of CIN2+ are missed by HPV-only screening, and they have smaller lesions than HPV-positive cases. Colposcopy should be considered for symptomatic or previously HPV-positive women with HPV-negative results.

Performance of a 7-Type HPV mRNA Test in Triage of HPV DNA Primary Screen Positive Women Compared to Liquid-Based Cytology

Background: A plethora of data supports HPV-based screening to be the preferred strategy for cervical cancer prevention. The shift to a more sensitive first-line test brings the need of effective triage up for discussion. Currently, most algorithms apply cytology as a triage of HPV-DNA positive women. This study compared the performance of a 7-type HPV-mRNA test to cytology. Methods: From 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2021, cervical samples from 58,029 women were examined at the University Hospital of North Norway. A total of 30.5% (17,684/58,029) fulfilled the criteria for HPV-DNA primary screening. All positive samples were triaged by cytology and followed-up according to national guidelines through 2022. Additionally, a 7-type HPV-mRNA test was applied. The study endpoint was a histologically confirmed high-grade lesion (CIN2+). Results: A total of 5.6% (990/17,684) had positive HPV-DNA test, 97.2% (962/990) with valid HPV-mRNA results. A total of 55.5% (534/962) had abnormal cytology (ASC-US+), and 35.1% (338/962) had a positive HPV-mRNA test. A total of 13.9% (134/962) had CIN2+. The sensitivity (CIN2+) of cytology versus the HPV-mRNA test was 76.1% (102/134) versus 73.1% (98/134), p = 0.67. The specificity was 47.8% (396/828) versus 71.0% (588/624), p < 0.001. PPV was 19.1% (102/534) and 29.0% (98/338), p < 0.001, respectively. The number of colposcopies per CIN2+ detected by cytology and HPV-mRNA test was 5.2 and 3.1. Conclusion: The 7-type HPV mRNA test was significantly more specific than cervical cytology in a triage of HPV-DNA positive women. Using this biomarker as the threshold for colposcopy may better balance the benefits and harms of screening.

CIN2 + detection in high-risk HPV patients with no or minor cervical cytologic abnormalities: a clinical approach validated by machine learning

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic value of the combination of colposcopy, cytology and hrHPV (high-risk human papilloma virus) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing in patients with no or minor cytologic abnormalities and HPV high risk infection and to find the best predictors for the presence of CIN2 + in this patient collective.

METHODS

Three hundred and thirty-four hrHPV patients with normal cytology or minor cytologic abnormalities who had a colposcopic examination at the center of colposcopy at the university hospital Aachen in 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort analysis. Multivariate logistic regression and a machine-learning technique (random forests, leave-one-out analysis) were used.

RESULTS

The overall risk for CIN2 + in hrHPV-positive patients with normal cytology was 7.7% (N = 18) (5% for CIN3 +), 18% (N = 16) (10.1% for CIN3 +) in patients with PAP IIp (ASC-US) and 62.5% (N = 5) (25% for CIN3 +) in patients with PAP IIg (AGC). Variables that show a statistically significant influence for the CIN-status are 'major change' as the result of colposcopy, transformation zone type T1, PAP IIg upon referral (AGC) and hrHPV category 1a (HPV 16/18) detection. Using machine learning (random forests) techniques, the main influencing variables were confirmed. A monotonously decreasing risk for CIN2 + from hrHPV category 1a to 3 (in accordance to the IACR guidelines) was found.

CONCLUSION

In the collective of hrHPV patients with no or minor cytologic abnormalities, the result of colposcopy and HPV PCR status are key predictors for the detection of CIN2 + with a monotonously decreasing risk for CIN2 + from hrHPV category 1a to 3.

Risk stratification for cervical precancer and cancer by DH3-HPV partial genotyping and cytology in women attending cervical screening: A retrospective cohort study

To evaluate the effect of DH3-human papillomavirus (HPV) partial genotyping for risk stratification in cervical cancer screening, we conducted a post hoc analysis within a retrospective cohort of 7263 Chinese women aged 21-71 years who participated in population-based screening. The residual cytological samples at baseline were retested with DH3-HPV and Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) assay after 3-year follow-up. Risk values with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3/2 or worse (CIN3+/CIN2+) were estimated based on HPV and cytology results. The report complies with the STROBE statement. Across every cytological result, risk estimates obtained from DH3-HPV and HC2 were similar or almost identical. By DH3-HPV partial genotyping, risks of CIN3+/CIN2+ were invariably higher for HPV16/18 than other high-risk HPV (hrHPV). Among women with normal cytology, immediate CIN3+ risks were 8.16% (95% CI = 4.19%-15.28%) for HPV16/18 positive and 0.48% (95% CI = 0.13%-1.73%) for other hrHPV positive. Among women with any abnormal cytology, immediate CIN3+ risks were 33.33% (95% CI = 22.24%-46.64%) for HPV16/18, and 13.33% (95% CI = 8.37%-20.56%) for other hrHPV. Among 5840 women completed 3-year follow-up, the cumulative CIN3+ risk was 25.56% (95% CI = 18.91%-33.59%) for HPV16/18 and 8.22% (95% CI = 6.02%-11.13%) for other hrHPV. Women with an HPV-negative result with DH3-HPV or HC2 test had very low cumulative 3-year CIN3+ risk (0.06%, 95% CI = 0.02%-0.17%), which was about one-tenth of women with normal cytology at baseline (0.62%, 95% CI = 0.45%-0.86%). Similar patterns were observed for the endpoint of CIN2+. These findings suggest that partial genotyping of DH3-HPV performs well in risk stratification, which can better balance the benefits and harms of cervical cancer screening.

Cervicovaginal-Microbiome Analysis by 16S Sequencing and Real-Time PCR in Patients from Novosibirsk (Russia) with Cervical Lesions and Several Years after Cancer Treatment

Disturbed cervicovaginal-microbiome (CVM) structure promotes human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence and reflects risks of cervical lesions and cancer onset and recurrence. Therefore, microbiomic biomarkers may be useful for cervical disease screening and patient management. Here, by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and commercial PCR-based diagnostic kits, we profiled CVM in cytological preparations from 140 HPV-tested women (from Novosibirsk, Russia) with normal cytological findings, cervical lesions, or cancer and from 101 women who had recently received different cancer therapies. An increase in lesion severity was accompanied by higher HPV prevalence and elevated CVM biodiversity. Post-treatment CVM was found to be enriched with well-known microbial biomarkers of dysbiosis, just as in cervical disease. Nonetheless, concentrations of some skin-borne and environmental species (which gradually increased with increasing lesion severity)-especially Cutibacterium spp., Achromobacter spp., and Ralstonia pickettii-was low in post-treatment patients and depended on treatment types. Frequency of Lactobacillus iners dominance was high in all groups and depended on treatment types in post-treatment patients. Microbiome analysis via PCR-based kits revealed statistically significant differences among all groups of patients. Thus, microbiome profiling may help to find diagnostic and prognostic markers for management of cervical lesions; quantitative PCR-based kits may be suitable for these purposes.

Histologıcal results of HPV genotyping from a colposcopy center

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of partial human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping tests in predicting the diagnosis of high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesion and cancer (HSIL +) as a result of colposcopic histopathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 2872 patients who presented at our colposcopy unit between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019 and underwent colposcopy for the first time. The patients were compared in terms of HSIL + results as HPV 16/18 and HPV other type positive groups.

RESULTS

HSIL + was determined at the rate of 22.3% in the HPV 16/18 group and at 7.0% in the HPV Other group, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.000). HPV 16/18 types were found to be responsible for 84.8% of cervical cancers and 83.5% of HSIL and worse cases.

CONCLUSION

Partial HPV 16/18 genotyping is an effective strategy in the triage of HPV-positive women. HPV type identification consistent with the epidemiology of HPV types in HSIL + cases in the screened population, and the age-appropriate use of primary HPV tests will determine the sensitivity and cost effectiveness of screening.

Real-world impact and effectiveness of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine: an updated systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which poses significant disease burden, is decreasing following implementation of vaccination programs. Synthesized evidence on HPV vaccine real-world benefit was published in 2016. However, long-term impact of vaccination, and how vaccination programs influence infection rates and disease outcomes, requires further examination.

AREAS COVERED

We systematically reviewed observational studies on HPV vaccination within MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from 2016 to 2020, involving 14 years of follow-up data. We identified 138 peer-reviewed publications reporting HPV vaccine impact or effectiveness. Outcomes of interest included rates of infection at different anatomical sites and incidence of several HPV-related disease endpoints.

EXPERT OPINION

The expansion of HPV vaccination programs worldwide has led to a reduction in genital infection and significant decreases in incidence of HPV-related disease outcomes. Therefore, the WHO has set goals for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health concern. To track progress toward this requires an understanding of the effectiveness of different vaccination initiatives. However, the impact on males, and potential benefit of gender-neutral vaccination programs have not been fully explored. To present an accurate commentary on the current outlook of vaccination and to help shape policy therefore requires a systematic review of available data.

Impact of HPV mRNA types 16, 18, 45 detection on the risk of CIN3+ in young women with normal cervical cytology

BACKGROUND

Despite a well-established cervical cancer (CC) screening program in Norway, the incidence of CC in young women is increasing, peaking at 35 years of age. 25 percent of all women diagnosed with CC had normal cytology within 3 years prior to cancer diagnosis, addressing the need to improve the screening programme to further reduce cancer incidences missed by cytology.

OBJECTIVE

We wanted to investigate the detection rate of CIN3+ in women 25-39 years with normal cytology by using a 3-type HPV mRNA test as a targeted quality assurance measure. The control group is women with normal cytology.

METHODS

During 2014-2017, samples from 13,021 women 25-39 years of age attending cervical cancer screening were analysed at Nordlandssykehuset, Bodø, Norway, including 1,896 women with normal cytology and HPV mRNA test (intervention group), and 11,125 women with cytology only (control group). The HPV mRNA testing was performed using a 3-type HPV E6/E7 mRNA test (PreTect SEE; direct genotyping 16, 18 and 45). The women were followed-up according to national guidelines throughout December 2021.

RESULTS

Of the 13,021 women, 429 women (3.3%) had CIN3+ confirmed by biopsy in the follow-up, including 13 cases of invasive cervical cancer. Of the 1,896 women with normal cytology and HPV mRNA test (intervention group), 49 women (2.6%) had a positive test. The risks of CIN3+ among women with either a positive or negative HPV mRNA test were 28.6% (14/49) and 0.8% (14/1847). None of the women in the intervention group developed cervical cancer during follow-up. Of the 11,125 women with cytology only (control group), 712 women (6.4%) had abnormal cytology (ASC-US+). The risks of CIN3+ among women with abnormal and normal cytology were 17.7% (126/712) and 2.6% (275/10,413).

CONCLUSION

By testing women 25-39 years of age with a normal cytology result using a specific 3-type HPV mRNA test, an increase in screening programme sensitivity can be achieved without an excessive additional workload. Women with normal cytology and a negative HPV mRNA test have a very low risk of cervical cancer.

Randomized Implementation of a Primary Human Papillomavirus Testing-based Cervical Cancer Screening Protocol for Women 34 to 69 Years in Norway

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer screening programs are facing a programmatic shift where screening protocol based on human papillomavirus testing (HPV-Screening protocol) is replacing the liquid-based cytology (LBC-Screening protocol). For safe technology transfer within the nationwide screening programme in Norway, HPV-Screening protocol was implemented randomized to compare the real-world effectiveness of HPV-Screening protocol and LBC-Screening protocol at the first screening round.

METHODS

Among 302,295 women ages 34 to 69 years scheduled to attend screening from February 2015 to June 2017, 157,447 attended. A total of 77,207 were randomly allocated to the HPV-Screening protocol and 80,240 were allocated to the LBC-Screening protocol. All women were followed up for 18 months.

RESULTS

The HPV-Screening protocol resulted in a relative increase of 60% in the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse [risk ratio (RR) = 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5-1.7], 40% in CIN grade 3 or worse (RR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.3-1.6), 40% in cancer (RR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-2.1), and 60% in colposcopy referrals (RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.5-1.6) compared with LBC-Screening. The performance of both protocols was age dependent, being more effective in women ages under 50 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The HPV-Screening protocol was well accepted by women in Norway and detected more CIN2, CIN3, and cancers compared with the LBC-Screening protocol.

IMPACT

A randomized implementation of the HPV-Screening protocol with real-world assessment enabled a gradual, quality assured, and safe technology transition. HPV-based screening protocol may further be improved by using HPV genotyping and age-specific referral algorithms.

HPV self-sampling among long-term non-attenders to cervical cancer screening in Norway: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer screening participation is suboptimal in most settings. We assessed whether human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling may increase screening participation among long-term non-attenders in Norway.

METHODS

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial with participation as the primary outcome was initiated in the national cervical screening programme in March 2019. A random sample of 6000 women aged 35-69 years who had not attended screening for at least 10 years were randomised 1:1:1 to receive either (i) a reminder to attend regular screening (control), (ii) an offer to order a self-sampling kit (opt-in) for HPV testing or (iii) a self-sampling kit unsolicited (send-to-all) for HPV testing.

RESULTS

Total participation was 4.8%, 17.0% and 27.7% among control, opt-in and send-to-all (P < 0.0001; participation difference (%) send-to-all vs. control: 22.9 (95%CI: 20.7, 25.2); opt-in vs. control: 12.3 (95%CI: 10.3, 14.2); send-to-all vs. opt-in: 10.7 (95% CI: 8.0, 13.3)). High-risk HPV was detected in 11.5% of self-samples and 9.2% of clinician-collected samples (P = 0.40). Most women (92.5%) who returned a positive self-sample attended the clinic for triage testing. Of the 933 women screened, 33 (3.5%) had CIN2 + (1.1%, 3.7%, 3.8% among control, opt-in, and send-to-all, respectively), and 11 (1.2%) had cervical cancer (0%, 1.2%, 1.3% among control, opt-in, send-to-all, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Opt-in and send-to-all self-sampling increased screening participation among long-term, higher-risk non-attenders.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03873376.

Clinical Performance of Triage Strategies for Hr-HPV-Positive Women; A Longitudinal Evaluation of Cytology, p16/K-67 Dual Stain Cytology, and HPV16/18 Genotyping

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the longitudinal performance of three options: HPV16/18 genotyping (HPV16/18), cytology (LBC), and p16/Ki-67 dual stain cytology (DS) for the triage of high-risk Human Papillomavirus-positive (Hr-HPV+) women within the cervical screening program in Scotland.

METHODS

Data were derived from a cohort of Hr-HPV+ women (n = 385) who participated in PaVDaG (Papillomavirus Dumfries and Galloway) study. Performance of triage strategies for detecting high-grade disease was assessed at 3 (in women <50 years) or 5 years (in women >50 years). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and cNPV of each triage test were calculated for CIN2+ and CIN3+ when used singly or sequentially.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of LBC (≥ borderline), DS, and HPV 16/18 genotyping for the detection of CIN2+ was 62.7% (50.7-73.3), 77.7% (63.1-83.7), and 62.7% (50.7-73.3) with corresponding cNPVs of 10.9%, 8.4%, and 11.9%. The option with the highest sensitivity and lowest cNPV was HPV 16/18 genotyping followed by LBC of Hr-HPV other+ and then DS of the LBC negatives. This yielded sensitivity of 94.7% (86.2-98.3) and cNPV 2.7% for CIN2+. Triage performance was similar if women had tested Hr-HPV+ positive by vaginal self-sampling.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-step triage with HPV 16/18 genotyping before LBC (or DS) for Hr-HPV other+ women was associated with a lower risk of significant disease at follow-up compared with single triage approaches.

IMPACT

This study provides longitudinal performance data on triage strategies in Hr-HPV+ women and will be informative for the evolution of cervical screening programs that increasingly rely on molecular technologies.

The prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus in 4267 Turkish women with or without cervical lesions: A hospital-based study

In the present study, it was aimed to screen the genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) retrospectively in women with gynecological symptoms who were admitted to a tertiary care university hospital in Ankara, Turkey. A total of 4267 cervical swab samples of women aged 18-79 years were sent to Medical Virology Laboratory from January 2017 to November 2020. Nucleic acid extraction and amplification of samples were done by an automated system. The test can detect 14 high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) types in a single analysis that performs a real-time polymerase chain reaction, by providing individual results on the highest-risk genotypes HPV 16 and HPV 18 and pooled results on other high-risk genotypes (OHR-HPV) (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68). HPV DNA positivity was detected in 14.2% (605/4267) of the samples. HPV type 16 and type 18 were detected in 2.4% and 0.7% of the samples, respectively. OHR-HPV types were found in 8.8% of the samples. Of the 1.9% and 0.4% samples had mixed types with type 16+ OHR-HPV and type 18+ OHR-HPV, respectively. The results of this study presented the rates of HR-HPV genotypes of a university hospital in Ankara, over a 4-year period. It was observed that the positivity rate of type 18 is decreasing and some OHR-HPV types are increasing. HPV vaccination is not in the national immunization program in Turkey yet, however, HPV vaccines are available and the vaccination rates for women are increasing.

National experience in the first two years of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening in an HPV vaccinated population in Australia: observational study

OBJECTIVE

To review the first two years of the primary human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening programme in an HPV vaccinated population.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

3 745 318 women with a primary HPV test between 1 December 2017 and 31 December 2019; most women aged <40 years had previously been offered vaccination against HPV16 and HPV18.

INTERVENTIONS

Primary HPV screening with referral if HPV16 or HPV18 (HPV16/18) positive and triage with liquid based cytology testing (threshold atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) for women who were positive for high risk HPV types other than 16/18. A 12 month follow-up HPV test was recommended in triaged women with a negative or low grade cytology result, with referral if they tested positive for any high risk HPV type at follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Proportion of women who had attended for their first HPV screening test, tested positive, and were referred for colposcopy; and short term risk of detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse, CIN grade 3 or worse, or cancer.

RESULTS

54.6% (n=3 507 281) of an estimated 6 428 677 eligible women aged 25-69 had undergone their first HPV test by the end of 2019. Among those attending for routine screening, positivity for HPV16/18 and for HPV types not 16/18 was, respectively, 2.0% and 6.6% in women aged 25-69 (n=3 045 844) and 2.2% and 13.3% in highly vaccinated cohorts of women aged 25-34 (n=768 362). Colposcopy referral (ages 25-69 years) was 3.5%, increasing to an estimated 6.2% after accounting for women who had not yet had a 12 month repeat test. Cervical cancer was detected in 0.98% (456/46 330) of women positive for HPV16/18 at baseline, including 0.32% (89/28 003) of women with HPV16/18 and negative cytology. Women with HPV types not 16/18 and negative or low grade cytology at both baseline and 12 months were at low risk of serious disease (3.4% CIN grade 3 or worse; 0.02% cancer; n=20 019) but estimated to account for 62.0% of referrals for this screening algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS

Colposcopy referral thresholds need to consider underlying cancer risk; on this basis, women with HPV16/18 in the first round of HPV screening were found to be at higher risk regardless of cytology result, even in a previously well screened population. Women with HPV types not 16/18 and negative or low grade cytology showed a low risk of serious abnormalities but constitute most referrals and could be managed safely with two rounds of repeat HPV testing rather than one. HPV16/18 driven referrals were low in HPV vaccinated cohorts.

Diagnostic value of colposcopy in patients with cytology-negative and HR-HPV-positive cervical lesions

PURPOSE

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-positive but cytology-negative cervical cancer screening results are not uncommon. This study aimed to investigate colposcopy's accuracy and diagnostic value in patients with cytology-negative HR-HPV-positive screening results.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with HR-HPV-positive cytology-negative screening results who underwent electronic colposcopy with acetic acid and multi-point cervical biopsy, HPV typing (24 HPV subtypes), and quantitative HPV detection.

RESULTS

Among 229 patients, 130 had chronic cervicitis, and 99 had cervical lesions (CIN1, n = 37; CIN2/3, n = 55; invasive carcinoma, n = 7). Using colposcopy as a reference, the cervical cytology false-negative rate was 43.2% (99/229). Colposcopy was more accurate in patients with HR-HPV16/18 or high viral loads. Multivariable analyses showed HPV viral load and childbearing history were the independent factors affecting the accuracy of colposcopy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Colposcopy in HR-HPV-positive cytology-negative patients has a moderate diagnostic accuracy. The type of cervical transformation zone and HPV viral load are independent factors affecting the accuracy of colposcopy-based diagnosis.

The Application of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Colposcopy in a Tertiary Care Hospital within a Cervical Pathology Diagnostic Unit

The rising global incidence of cervical cancer is estimated to have affected more than 600,000 women, and nearly 350,000 women are predicted to have died from the disease in 2020 alone. Novel advances in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment have all but reduced the burden of cervical cancer in developed nations. Unfortunately, cervical cancer is still the number one gynecological cancer globally. A limiting factor in managing cervical cancer globally is access to healthcare systems and trained medical personnel. Any methodology or procedure that may simplify or assist cervical cancer screening is desirable. Herein, we assess the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted colposcopy in a tertiary hospital cervical diagnostic pathology unit. The study group consisted of 48 women (mean age 34) who were referred to the clinic for a routine colposcopy by their gynecologist. Cervical images were taken by an EVA-Visualcheck ^TM colposcope and run through an AI algorithm that gave real-time binary results of the cervical images as being either normal or abnormal. The primary endpoint of the study assessed the AI algorithm’s ability to correctly identify histopathology results of CIN2+ as being abnormal. A secondary endpoint was a comparison between the AI algorithm and the clinical assessment results. Overall, we saw lower sensitivity of AI (66.7%; 12/18) compared with the clinical assessment (100%; 18/18), and histopathology results as the gold standard. The positive predictive value (PPV) was comparable between AI (42.9%; 12/28) and the clinical assessment (41.8%; 18/43). The specificity, however, was higher in the AI algorithm (46.7%; 14/30) compared to the clinical assessment (16.7%; 5/30). Comparing the congruence between the AI algorithm and histopathology results showed agreement 54.2% of the time and disagreement 45.8% of the time. A trained colposcopist was in agreement 47.9% and disagreement 52.1% of the time. Assessing these results, there is currently no added benefit of using the AI algorithm as a tool of speeding up diagnosis. However, given the steady improvements in the AI field, we believe that AI-assisted colposcopy may be of use in the future.

The frequency of infection with high-risk human papilloma virus types on the cervix uteri of women of reproductive age

Introduction: Human papilloma virus is the most important etiological factor that leads to the malignant alteration of cervical epithelium. More than 200 types of human papillomavirus are identified. Based on its oncogenic potential, human papillomavirus can be classified as low-oncogenic and high-oncogenic types. Aim: To determine the frequency of infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses in the cervical swabs of reproductively active women in our population. Material and methods: The research is designed as descriptive study. Data on the presence of HPV infections, as well as the virus genotype in 707 cervical swabs from the period from January 2019 to August 2020, together with the correlation with the woman's age and cytological status on the cervix, were analyzed. Results: Human papilloma virus infection was present in 223 out of 707 tested samples (31.54%). The highest frequency of HPV infection, as well as the highest number of HPV genotypes was in the group of women aged 25 - 34 years (36.32%). The frequency of HPV infection correlates with altered cytological status. The presence of 26 HPV genotypes was determined, 16 highly oncogenic and 10 low oncogenic types, of which the most common was highly oncogenic type 16 (25.11%). Conclusion: These findings showed a high frequency of highly oncogenic HPV genotypes, primarily type 16 in most groups of women of reproductive age. In addition, the frequency of infection correlates with cytological status, which indicates the great importance of prevention of genital HPV infection in our female population.

High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) Associates with Increased Proliferation and Attenuated Immune Signaling

Implementation of high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) screening and the increasing proportion of HPV vaccinated women in the screening program will reduce the percentage of HPV positive women with oncogenic potential. In search of more specific markers to identify women with high risk of cancer development, we used RNA sequencing to compare the transcriptomic immune-profile of 13 lesions with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) or adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and 14 normal biopsies from women with detected HPV infections. In CIN3/AIS lesions as compared to normal tissue, 27 differential expressed genes were identified. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significantly higher expression of a number of genes related to proliferation, (CDKN2A, MELK, CDK1, MKI67, CCNB2, BUB1, FOXM1, CDKN3), but significantly lower expression of genes related to a favorable immune response (NCAM1, ARG1, CD160, IL18, CX3CL1). Compared to the RNA sequencing results, good correlation was achieved with relative quantitative PCR analysis for NCAM1 and CDKN2A. Quantification of NCAM1 positive cells with immunohistochemistry showed epithelial reduction of NCAM1 in CIN3/AIS lesions. In conclusion, NCAM1 and CDKN2A are two promising candidates to distinguish whether women are at high risk of developing cervical cancer and in need of frequent follow-up.

Accuracy of combined molecular and morphology-based triage for HPV-positive women in routine cervical cancer screening services from Colombia

WHO cervical cancer elimination goals comprise 70% of highly-sensitive screening coverage and 90% treatment of precancerous lesions. Triage for HPV-positive women may challenge sensitivity of screening algorithms and women's follow-up, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where screening quality and protocol adherence are frequently deficient. We aimed to determine the accuracy of triage for HPV positive women in routine screening services from Colombia by a prospective cross-sectional study. Consecutively, HPV DNA-positive women underwent six triage strategies (conventional cytology, two methods of visual inspection, HPV16/18/45-genotyping, telomerase, and HPV mRNA). Positive triage results underwent regular colposcopy/biopsy in public hospitals. Adjusted sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for CIN2+/CIN3+ were estimated for stand-alone and combined tests. We explored the impact of triage strategies on referral rates and the complete screening algorithm (screening plus triage). Overall 16,242 women underwent HPV screening and 1789 (11.0%) were HPV-positive. In total, 20.1% of women were lost to follow-up. mRNA showed the highest positivity rate (0.64 among HPV-positive and 0.05 among the total screened cohort), the highest sensitivity (0.94 95%CI 0.75-0.96), and the lowest specificity (0.36 95%CI 0.29-0.43). Parallel testing with HPV-mRNA revealed the highest increase in sensitivity for all triage strategies. Accuracy of cytology and visual inspection differ between screening units but parallel testing with HPV16/18/45 genotyping significantly increased their sensitivity (over 0.80). Morphology-based triage for HPV-positive women remains a suitable alternative for routine practice in LMIC if combined with HPV16/18/45-genotyping; however, point-of-care triage would be preferable to reduce losses to follow-up. HPV-mRNA triage deserves cost-benefit analyses.

Prevalence of genotype-specific human papillomavirus in cytology specimens and cervical biopsies, and its implication in cervical cancer risk stratification: a retrospective study of 10647 cases

Objective: This study aimed to describe the risk stratification of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursor lesions based on HPV E6/E7 mRNA genotyping.

Methods: 10647 hrHPV+ women (mean age 40.8 years), who had concurrent cytology and follow-up biopsy results available between September 2016 and May 2020, met the inclusion criteria and were selected for immediate risk analysis.

Results: In this cohort, HPV-16 or 18/45+ women had significantly higher immediate risk of cervical cancer and precancer compared with other genotypes+ women. The relative immediate risk (RIR) of ASC-H+ was 2.0 (95% CI: 1.9-2.4) and SCC was 9.4 (95% CI: 5.5-15.6) for HPV-16 or 18/45+ women when compared with women positive for other 11 genotypes. Among follow-up biopsy cases, the RIR of CIN2+ was 2.7 (95% CI: 3.0-3.7) and SCC was 10.8 (95% CI: 7.2-17.4) for HPV-16 or 18/45+ women than women positive for other genotypes. Similarly, when compared with women positive for other genotypes, the RIR of CIN2+ was 2.9 (95% CI: 2.7-4.6) and SCC was 13.8 (95% CI: 3.0-66.2) for HPV-16 or 18/45+ women with ASC-US, and RIR of CIN2+ was 3.3 (95% CI: 3.1-4.6) and SCC was 22.3 (95% CI: 2.8-176.8) for HPV-16 or 18/45+ women with NILM.

Conclusions: This study supports that hrHPV mRNA genotyping can be an effective risk stratification tool to identify individual at higher risk for cervical cancer or precancer, and provides important evidences for the future modifications for current China cervical cancer screening guidelines.

Clinical evaluation of p16INK4a immunocytology in cervical cancer screening: A population-based cross-sectional study from rural China

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer screening with cytology suffers from low sensitivity, whereas the efficiency of human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening is limited by low specificity. The authors evaluated a novel p16^INK4a immunocytology approach in cervical cancer screening compared with HPV-based and cytology-based screening.

METHODS

In total, 2112 women aged 49 to 69 years from Shanxi, China were screened from March to July 2019. HPV testing, liquid-based cytology (LBC), and p16^INK4a immunocytology were performed on samples from all women. Any positive result triggered a referral to colposcopy with biopsy, if indicated. Screening performance for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and 3 or worse (CIN2+/CIN3+) was evaluated using multiple algorithms.

RESULTS

p16^INK4a had a lower positive rate (10.0%) than LBC abnormality (vs 12.1%; P = .004) and a high-risk HPV positivity (21.4%; P < .001). For the detection of CIN3+, the relative sensitivity of p16^INK4a compared with HPV and LBC was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.82-1.07) and 1.12 (95% CI, 0.95-1.32), respectively. The specificity of p16^INK4a was significantly higher than that for HPV and LBC, with a relative specificity of 1.13 (95% CI, 1.11-1.16) and 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01-1.04), respectively. In addition, p16^INK4a alone yielded a clinical performance very similar to that of the current mainstream strategy of using HPV16/18 with reflex cytology (ASC-US+, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse). The immediate risk of CIN3+ was 14.6% if p16^INK4a results were positive and 0.2% if p16^INK4a results were negative.

CONCLUSIONS

With minimal colposcopy referrals, p16^INK4a screening demonstrated promising utility for risk stratification and yielded a better balance between sensitivity and specificity compared with HPV and LBC primary screening. Moreover, with accuracy and efficiency similar to what is achieved using mainstream cotest algorithms, p16 may simplify the screening practice. More evidence will be required before clinical recommendation.

Clinical and analytical performance of the CLART HPV 4S assay with SurePath screening samples from the Danish cervical cancer screening program using the VALGENT framework

The CLART HPV4S (CLART4S) is a novel full genotyping assay, based on PCR/microarray technology. We assessed the clinical accuracy of the CLART4S assays under the fourth installment of the VALGENT framework. The VALGENT cohort comprised 998 consecutive cervical samples from women participating in the Danish screening programme enriched with 297 samples with abnormal cytology (100 ASCUS, 100 LSIL, 97 HSIL). The CLART4S assay detects 16 HPV genotypes individually: 14 oncogenic and two non-oncogenic HPV types. The GP5+/6+ PCR Enzyme-Immuno-Assay (GP-EIA) and GP5+/6+ PCR with Luminex genotyping (GP-LMNX) were used as comparator tests for clinical accuracy and HPV genotype concordance, respectively. The sensitivity for ≥ CIN2 for the CLART4S assay was 96.7 % (GP-EIA: 92.6 %) with a relative sensitivity of 1.04 (1.00-1.09). The sensitivity for ≥ CIN3 was 98.8 % (GP-EIA: 94.0 %), with relative sensitivity of 1.05 (1.00-1.10). The specificity for <CIN2 was 88.6 % (GP-EIA: 89.2 %) with a relative specificity of 0.99 (0.98-1.01). The CLART 4S was found to be non-inferior to that of GP-EIA for both sensitivity (p < 0.0001) and specificity (p = 0.0452). The overall oncogenic HPV concordance between CLART4S and GP-LMNX was high, however when looking at individual genotype agreement the concordance was more diverse, with the highest agreement found in the Screening population.

Benefits and potential harms of human papillomavirus (HPV)-based cervical cancer screening: A real-world comparison of HPV testing versus cytology

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary cervical cancer screening method is implemented in several countries. We report data from the first round of a large Danish pilot implementation of HPV-based screening. Our aim was to compare colposcopy referrals, detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer, and positive predictive value (PPV) of colposcopy referral in HPV vs cytology-based screening.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From May 2017 to October 2018, women aged 30-59 years attending cervical cancer screening in the uptake area of the Department of Pathology, Vejle Hospital, Region of Southern Denmark were screened by primary HPV testing (n = 16 067) or primary cytology (n = 23 981) depending on municipality of residence. In the HPV group, women with HPV16/18, or other high-risk HPV types and abnormal cytology, were referred to immediate colposcopy. Women with other high-risk HPV types and normal cytology were invited for repeat screening with HPV test and cytology after 12 months. From a nationwide pathology register, we obtained information on screening results and subsequent histological diagnoses during up to 2.9 years after the first screen. PPVs included diagnoses within 1 year after referral.

RESULTS

In the HPV group, 3.7% were referred to immediate colposcopy and 2.8% were referred at the 12-month repeat screening. The total referral to colposcopy was higher in the HPV (6.6%) than cytology group (2.1%) (age-adjusted relative referral = 3.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.75-3.38). The detection of CIN3+ was higher in the HPV (1.5%) than the cytology group (0.8%) (age-adjusted relative detection = 1.88, 95% CI 1.56-2.28). The probability of CIN3⁺ among women referred to colposcopy (= PPV) was lower in the HPV (21.1%; 95% CI 18.7%-23.7%) than the cytology group (34.6%; 95% CI 30.7%-38.9%). In the HPV group, the PPV was lower among women referred at repeat screening (12.1%) than among women referred immediately (27.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with cytology-based screening, HPV-based screening provided a 90% increased CIN3+ detection at the cost of a threefold increase in colposcopy referrals, when considering complete data from the prevalence round. Our findings support implementation of HPV-based screening in Denmark, but modifications of screening algorithms may be warranted to decrease unnecessary colposcopy referrals.

Comparison of cytology and human papillomavirus-based primary testing in cervical screening programs in the Nordic countries

OBJECTIVE

To compare primary test positivity in cytology and human papillomavirus-based screening between different Nordic cervical cancer screening programs using harmonized register data.

METHODS

This study utilized individual-level data available in national databases in Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Cervical test data from each country were converted to standard format and aggregated by calculating the number of test episodes for every test result for each calendar year and one-year age group and test method. Test positivity was estimated as the proportion of positive test results of all primary test episodes with a valid test result for "any positive" and "clearly positive" results.

RESULTS

The age-adjusted rate ratio for any positive test results in primary human papillomavirus-based screening compared to cytology was 1.66 (95% CI 1.64-1.68). The age-adjusted rate ratio for clearly positive test results was 1.02 (95% CI 1.00-1.05). A decreasing rate ratio by age was seen in both any positive and clearly positive test results. Test positivity increased over time in Iceland, Norway, and Sweden but slightly decreased in Finland.

CONCLUSIONS

The probability of any positive test result was higher in human papillomavirus testing than in primary cytology, even though the cross-sectional detection of a clearly positive test result was the same. Human papillomavirus testing can still lead to an improved longitudinal sensitivity through a larger number of follow-up tests and the opportunity to identify women with a persistent human papillomavirus infection. Further research on histologically verified precancerous lesions is needed in primary as well as repeat testing.

Reducing unnecessary referrals for colposcopy in hrHPV-positive women within the Dutch cervical cancer screening programme: A modelling study

BACKGROUND

With the implementation of primary high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) screening in the Netherlands, an increase was observed in the number of unnecessary referrals (≤Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) 1) to colposcopy. We aimed to investigate which alternative triage strategies safely reduce unnecessary referrals in HPV-based cervical cancer screening programmes.

METHODS

Microsimulation model MISCAN was used to simulate an unvaccinated cohort of ten million 30-year old Dutch women. We calculated unnecessary referrals, cervical cancer incidence, mortality, costs and QALYs for 24 triage strategies. Condition for direct referral (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), conditional on HPV-genotype 16/18/other high risk (OHR)), type of triage test (cytology alone or combined with hrHPV) and time to triage test (6 or 12 months) was varied.

RESULTS

The 24 triage strategies had varying effects on the number of unnecessary referrals ranging from -72% to +35%. Adjusting conditions for referral to 'HPV16/18+ and ASC-US+' and 'HPVOHR+ and HSIL+' and extending the interval between tests to 12 months resulted in a reduction in unnecessary referrals of 40% (incidence +0%, mortality -1%). Reduction in unnecessary referrals without genotyping was achieved by adjusting conditions for direct referral to LSIL (12 months to repeat test) (unnecessary referrals -37%, incidence +2%, mortality +0%).

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce the number of unnecessary referrals without increasing incidence and mortality by more than 2% in the Dutch cervical cancer screening programme, genotyping for HPV16 or HPV16/18 should be implemented with 12 months to repeat testing.

Effect of Sequential Rounds of Cervical Cancer Screening on Management of HPV-positive Women: A 15-year Population-based Cohort Study from China

Women are anticipated to go through more than two rounds of cervical screening in their lifetime. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is increasingly used as the primary cervical cancer screening test. However, triage strategies for HPV-positive women were usually evaluated at baseline screening. We assessed the effect of sequential rounds of cervical screening on several algorithms for HPV triage. A total of 1,997 women ages 35-45 years were enrolled in 1999 in Shanxi, P.R. China and followed up three times at approximately 5-year intervals. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) prevalence by prior HPV results and performance of 12 triage algorithms with cytology, genotyping, and prior HPV were examined among 229 HPV-positive women at the fourth round. CIN2+ prevalence varied from 56.5% (95% confidence interval, 36.8%-74.4%) following 15 years HPV persistence to 3.5% (1.2%-9.9%) with an incident HPV within 15 years. Triage with cytology (with threshold of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) yielded positive predictive value (PPV) of 21.4% (13.8%-29.0%), entailing immediate colposcopic referral, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.4% (94.6%-100%), permitting retesting at short intervals. Triage with genotyping (16/18/31/33/45/52/58) or prior HPV results showed comparable performance with cytology. Among 11 triage algorithms with similar NPV to cytology, triage with prior HPV results and reflex genotyping (16/18) achieved highest PPV of 28.9% (18.8%-39.1%) and lowest colposcopy referral of 33.2% (27.4%-39.5%). HPV persistence across rounds is an effective risk stratifier in HPV-positive women. Mainstream cytology and genotyping, with or without consideration of prior HPV results, remain effective for HPV triage at fourth round. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: The study highlights the sustained effectiveness of mainstream HPV triage methods, such as cytology and genotyping, after sequential rounds of cervical screening. It also suggests that use of HPV persistence across rounds can improve management of HPV-positive women in cervical cancer screening.

Human papillomavirus genotype-specific risks for cervical intraepithelial lesions

Prevalence of different HPV genotypes is changing after HPV vaccination. The associated risks are needed for optimizing cervical cancer screening.To estimate HPV type-specific prevalence, odds ratio (OR), and positive predictive value (PPV) for cervical cytological abnormalities, we determined 41 different HPV genotypes in cervical samples from a population-based sample of 8351 women aged 18-51 years before HPV vaccination era (V501-033; NCT01077856).Prevalence of HPV16 was 4.9% (95% CI: 4.4-5.5) with the PPV for high-grade cytology 11.2%, and OR 11.9 (95% CI: 8.5-16.5). Carcinogenic HPVs included in the nonavalent vaccine (HPV16,18,31,33,45,52,58) had a population prevalence of 14.4% (95% CI: 13.5-15.4), with PPV of 8.0% (95% CI: 6.8-9.3) and OR 23.7 (95% CI: 16.0-63.5) for high-grade cytology. HPV types currently included in most screening tests, but not vaccinated against (HPV35,39,51,56,59,66,68) had a joint prevalence of 8.5% (95% CI: 7.8-9.2) with PPV of 4.4% (95% CI: 3.3-5.7) and OR of 2.9 (95% CI: 2.0-4.0) for high-grade cytology. The other 27 non-carcinogenic genotypes had a prevalence of 11.8%, PPV of 2.9% (95% CI:2.1-3.9), and OR 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-2.2.) for high-grade cytology.These results suggest that HPV screening tests in the post-vaccination era might perform better if restricted to the HPV types in the nonavalent vaccine and screening for all 14 HPV types might result in suboptimal balance of harms and benefits.

The Triage Effectiveness of an Extended High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotyping Assay for Women with Cytology Showing Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance in China

Purpose

Little is known about the performance of extended high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genotyping triage of cytology showing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of triage with different HR-HPV genotype models among women with ASC-US.

Materials and Methods

In this study, all women who underwent cervical cytology and HR-HPV genotyping were enrolled from 2014 to 2017 in China, and those with cytology showing ASC-US were referred for colposcopy and/or biopsy. The endpoint was histological detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+). The outcome indicators were the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), negative predictive values (NPVs) and colposcopy referral rates.

Results

In all, 56,788 women were enrolled in this study, and 2658 (4.97%) women were reported to have ASC-US; 10.1% (242/2393) of women with ASC-US were identified as having CIN2+. The HR-HPV infection rate was 95.0% among all women with ASC-US who were identified as CIN2+, and the top five genotypes with prevalence and risk of CIN2+ were HPV16 (OR=26.38), HPV58 (OR=7.04), HPV18 (OR=4.44), HPV33 (OR=3.38), HPV31 (OR=2.97) and HPV52 (OR=2.96). The HPV16/18/31/33/52/58 model achieved higher sensitivity [91.3 (87.8-94.9)], specificity [70.0 (68.1-72.0)], PPV [25.5 (22.4-28.2)] and NPV [98.6 (97.3-98.7)] for the triage of ASC-US patients than the other HR-HPV-type combination models, but the colposcopy referral rate (36.2%) was significantly lower than that of the recommended HR-HPV nongenotyping model (47.6%).

Conclusion

This study confirms that the specific HR-HPV genotype HPV16/18/31/33/52/58 is an alternative strategy for ASC-US triage and can effectively reduce the high burden of colposcopy referrals in China.

Triage of HPV-positive women in Norway using cytology, HPV16/18 genotyping and HPV persistence

In a Norwegian pilot, triage of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-positive women with reflex cytology followed by hrHPV testing 12 months later, yielded 82% of women referred to colposcopy and 24% with CIN3+. A policy stratified by the presence of HPV16/18 would be more efficient (66% referred to colposcopy) at the expense of small losses in the detection of precancer.