Liquid-based cytology and human papillomavirus testing: a pooled analysis using the data from 13 population-based cervical cancer screening studies from China

Gynecol Oncol. 2014 May;133(2):172-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.03.008. Epub 2014 Mar 11.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of introducing HR-HPV testing in cytology regarding cervical cancer screening practice.

Methods: A pooled analysis of liquid-based cytology (LBC) and HR-HPV testing using data from 13 population-based cervical cancer screening studies conducted in China was performed. Participants (n=25,404) received LBC and HR-HPV testing. Women found to be positive on screening were referred for colposcopy and biopsy. The effectiveness of screening strategies that use: LBC with HR-HPV triage for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), HR-HPV testing with cytology triage for HPV positive tests, or LBC and HPV cotesting was compared with that of LBC screening alone.

Results: LBC with HR-HPV triage for ASC-US had similar sensitivity compared with LBC alone, but significantly increased specificity for both cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) and CIN3 or worse (CIN3+) endpoints, and had the best balance between sensitivity and specificity among the strategies. LBC and HR-HPV cotesting had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) and could permit a safe extension of screening intervals. Through the use of an immediate colposcopy threshold of ASC-US or worse for HR-HPV positive women and the use of a raised threshold of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or worse for HR-HPV negative women, LBC and HR-HPV cotesting could provide the same effectiveness as LBC testing with HR-HPV triage for ASC-US at baseline tests.

Conclusions: The results of the current study support the use of the cervical cancer screening guidelines in China.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; HR-HPV; Liquid-based cytology; Population-based; Screening.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / virology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology
  • China
  • Colposcopy
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Papillomaviridae / genetics*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / pathology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / virology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / virology
  • Vaginal Smears / methods*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DNA, Viral