Molecular biomarker-based screening for early detection of cervical cancer

Knowledge about Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer: Predictors of HPV Vaccination among Dental Students

Background: The objective of this study is to determine the influence of dental students’ knowledge and attitude regarding human papillomavirus infection of cervical cancer on willingness to pay for vaccination. Basic research design: A convenience sampling method was used. The minimal sample size of 136 was calculated using the Raosoft calculator with a 5 % margin of error and 95% confidence level. Participants: The study population were all final year dental students from the School of Dentistry. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure knowledge levels and attitudes regarding human papillomavirus vaccination. Contingent valuation was conducted for willingness to pay for vaccination. Main outcome measures: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that human papillomavirus are associated with oropharynx cancer and the American Dental Association insist on expanding public awareness of the oncogenic potential of some HPV infections. Thus, as future dental practitioners, dental students should be aware of human papillomavirus and their links with cancer and the benefits of vaccination. Results: Knowledge on HPV and cervical cancer did not impact on attitudes towards vaccines. However, significant correlation existed between knowledge and willingness to pay for vaccination. Conclusions: Dental students’ knowledge on HPV and cervical cancer has no influence on their attitude towards HPV vaccines. However, their willingness to pay for HPV vaccination is influenced by their knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination.

Determination of liquid-based cervical cytology specimen adequacy using cellular light scatter and flow cytometry

BACKGROUND

The majority of cervical cytology specimens are being collected in liquid-based preservatives (LBP). However, the assessment of specimen adequacy, as mandated by The Bethesda System (TBS), is still being performed at the time of slide review. We present a rapid, flow cytometric method for assessing specimen adequacy.

METHODS

Three LBPs were compared for cell-surface antigen preservation. A three-color antibody panel was used to confirm the light scatter profile of specific cells in a liquid-based cervical cytology specimen. Using forward and orthogonal light scatter alone, we were able to assess the adequacy of liquid-based cytology specimens in all LBPs tested.

RESULTS

The number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), endocervical (columnar) cells, ectocervical (squamous) cells, and debris in 120 liquid-based cervical cytology samples was quantified in less than 10 min. Using cutoffs of > 20% PMNs, < 1.0% endocervical cells, < 1.0% ectocervical cells, and < 500 total cells per milliliter, light scatter correlated with microscopic determination of adequacy with a correlation coefficient of 0.99.

CONCLUSIONS

This rapid method allows the quantitative determination of cervical cytology adequacy in liquid-based cytology preparations prior to the preparation of slides for morphologic assessment.