Medicine › Epidemiology

Cervical Cancer and HPV Research

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the epidemiology, burden, and prevention of cervical cancer associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It covers topics such as HPV vaccination, viral oncogenes, genotype distribution, cytology screening, and the global burden of HPV-related cancers.

Keywords

Human Papillomavirus; Cervical Cancer; HPV Vaccination; Epidemiology; Cancer Incidence; Cytology Screening; Viral Oncoproteins; Carcinogenicity; Genotype Distribution; Global Burden

DNA from one biopsy sample of invasive cancer of the cervix contained sequences hybridizing with human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11 DNA only under nonstringent conditions. This DNA was molecularly cloned … DNA from one biopsy sample of invasive cancer of the cervix contained sequences hybridizing with human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11 DNA only under nonstringent conditions. This DNA was molecularly cloned in lambda phage. Under stringent conditions of hybridization it cross-hybridized to a minor extent (less than 0.1%) with HPV types 10, 14, and 15 and showed no homology with DNA of other human HPV types. We therefore propose to designate it tentatively as HPV 16. HPV 16 DNA was used as a probe to test additional cancer biopsy samples from cervical, vulval, and penile cancer, as well as benign genital warts (condylomata acuminata) and cervical dysplasias for the presence of homologous sequences. In 61.1% (11/18) of cervical cancer samples from German patients sequences were found hybridizing with HPV 16 DNA under conditions of high stringency. In contrast, only 34.8% (8/23) of cancer biopsy samples from Kenya and Brazil revealed this DNA. Vulval and penile cancer biopsy samples hybridized to 28.6% (2/7) or 25% (1/4), respectively. Only 2 out of 33 condylomata acuminata contained HPV 16 DNA. Both positive tumors harbored in addition HPV 6 or HPV 11 DNA. The data thus indicate that HPV 16 DNA prevails in malignant tumors, rendering an accidental contamination with papillomavirus DNA from adjacent papillomas rather unlikely. The rare presence in benign genital papillomas in addition to common genital papillomaviruses suggests a dependence of HPV 16 replication on helper virus.
A recent report that 93 per cent of invasive cervical cancers worldwide contain human papillomavirus (HPV) may be an underestimate, due to sample inadequacy or integration events affecting the HPV … A recent report that 93 per cent of invasive cervical cancers worldwide contain human papillomavirus (HPV) may be an underestimate, due to sample inadequacy or integration events affecting the HPV L1 gene, which is the target of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test which was used. The formerly HPV-negative cases from this study have therefore been reanalysed for HPV serum antibodies and HPV DNA. Serology for HPV 16 VLPs, E6, and E7 antibodies was performed on 49 of the 66 cases which were HPV-negative and a sample of 48 of the 866 cases which were HPV-positive in the original study. Moreover, 55 of the 66 formerly HPV-negative biopsies were also reanalysed by a sandwich procedure in which the outer sections in a series of sections are used for histological review, while the inner sections are assayed by three different HPV PCR assays targeting different open reading frames (ORFs). No significant difference was found in serology for HPV 16 proteins between the cases that were originally HPV PCR-negative and -positive. Type-specific E7 PCR for 14 high-risk HPV types detected HPV DNA in 38 (69 per cent) of the 55 originally HPV-negative and amplifiable specimens. The HPV types detected were 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 52, and 58. Two (4 per cent) additional cases were only HPV DNA-positive by E1 and/or L1 consensus PCR. Histological analysis of the 55 specimens revealed that 21 were qualitatively inadequate. Only two of the 34 adequate samples were HPV-negative on all PCR tests, as against 13 of the 21 that were inadequate ( p< 0Ā·001). Combining the data from this and the previous study and excluding inadequate specimens, the worldwide HPV prevalence in cervical carcinomas is 99Ā·7 per cent. The presence of HPV in virtually all cervical cancers implies the highest worldwide attributable fraction so far reported for a specific cause of any major human cancer. The extreme rarity of HPV-negative cancers reinforces the rationale for HPV testing in addition to, or even instead of, cervical cytology in routine cervical screening. Copyright Ā© 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
This study investigated regional variations in the contribution made by different human papilloma (HPV) types to invasive cervical cancer (ICC). A total of 85 studies using polymerase chain reaction to … This study investigated regional variations in the contribution made by different human papilloma (HPV) types to invasive cervical cancer (ICC). A total of 85 studies using polymerase chain reaction to estimate HPV prevalence in ICC were identified. Data on HPV prevalence were extracted separately for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and for adeno- and adenosquamous-carcinoma (ADC). A total of 10 058 cases (8550 SCC, 1508 ADC) were included in pooled analyses. The most common HPV types in ICC were, in order of decreasing prevalence, HPV16, 18, 45, 31, 33, 58, 52, 35, 59, 56, 6, 51, 68, 39, 82, 73, 66 and 70. In SCC, HPV16 was the predominant type (46-63%) followed by HPV18 (10-14%), 45 (2-8%), 31 (2-7%) and 33 (3-5%) in all regions except Asia, where HPV types 58 (6%) and 52 (4%) were more frequently identified. In ADC, HPV prevalence was significantly lower (76.4%) than in SCC (87.3%), and HPV18 was the predominant type in every region (37-41%), followed by 16 (26-36%) and 45 (5-7%). The overall detection of HPV DNA was similar in different regions (83-89%). A majority of ICC was associated with HPV16 or 18 in all regions, but approximately a quarter of all ICC cases were associated with one of 16 other HPV types, their distribution varying by region.
From the Departments of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York From the Departments of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
We present an expansion of the classification of the family Papillomaviridae, which now contains 29 genera formed by 189 papillomavirus (PV) types isolated from humans (120 types), non-human mammals, birds … We present an expansion of the classification of the family Papillomaviridae, which now contains 29 genera formed by 189 papillomavirus (PV) types isolated from humans (120 types), non-human mammals, birds and reptiles (64, 3 and 2 types, respectively). To accommodate the number of PV genera exceeding the Greek alphabet, the prefix "dyo" is used, continuing after the Omega-PVs with Dyodelta-PVs. The current set of human PVs is contained within five genera, whereas mammalian, avian and reptile PVs are contained within 20, 3 and 1 genera, respectively. We propose standardizations to the names of a number of animal PVs. As prerequisite for a coherent nomenclature of animal PVs, we propose founding a reference center for animal PVs. We discuss that based on emerging species concepts derived from genome sequences, PV types could be promoted to the taxonomic level of species, but we do not recommend implementing this change at the current time.
Emmanuela Gakidou and colleagues find that coverage of cervical cancer screening in developing countries is on average 19% compared to 63% in developed countries. Emmanuela Gakidou and colleagues find that coverage of cervical cancer screening in developing countries is on average 19% compared to 63% in developed countries.
Data on human papillomavirus (HPV) type distribution in invasive and pre-invasive cervical cancer is essential to predict the future impact of HPV16/18 vaccines and HPV-based screening tests. A meta-analyses of … Data on human papillomavirus (HPV) type distribution in invasive and pre-invasive cervical cancer is essential to predict the future impact of HPV16/18 vaccines and HPV-based screening tests. A meta-analyses of HPV type distribution in invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) identified a total of 14,595 and 7,094 cases, respectively. In ICC, HPV16 was the most common, and HPV18 the second most common, type in all continents. Combined HPV16/18 prevalence among ICC cases was slightly higher in Europe, North America and Australia (74-77%) than in Africa, Asia and South/Central America (65-70%). The next most common HPV types were the same in each continent, namely HPV31, 33, 35, 45, 52 and 58, although their relative importance differed somewhat by region. HPV18 was significantly more prevalent in adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma than in squamous cell carcinoma, with the reverse being true for HPV16, 31, 33, 52 and 58. Among HSIL cases, HPV16/18 prevalence was 52%. However, HPV 16, 18 and 45 were significantly under-represented, and other high-risk HPV types significantly over-represented in HSIL compared to ICC, suggesting differences in type-specific risks for progression. Data on HPV-typed ICC and HSIL cases were particularly scarce from large regions of Africa and Central Asia.
Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) is a DNA tumor virus that is associated with human anogenital cancers and encodes two transforming proteins, E6 and E7. The E7 protein has been … Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) is a DNA tumor virus that is associated with human anogenital cancers and encodes two transforming proteins, E6 and E7. The E7 protein has been shown to bind to the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product, pRB. This study shows that the E6 protein of HPV-16 is capable of binding to the cellular p53 protein. The ability of the E6 proteins from different human papillomaviruses to form complexes with p53 was assayed and found to correlate with the in vivo clinical behavior and the in vitro transforming activity of these different papillomaviruses. The wild-type p53 protein has tumor suppressor properties and has also been found in association with large T antigen and the E1B 55-kilodalton protein in cells transformed by SV40 and by adenovirus type 5, respectively, providing further evidence that the human papillomaviruses, the adenoviruses, and SV40 may effect similar cellular pathways in transformation.
Approximately 20 percent of adults become infected with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16). Although most infections are benign, some progress to anogenital cancer. A vaccine that reduces the incidence of … Approximately 20 percent of adults become infected with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16). Although most infections are benign, some progress to anogenital cancer. A vaccine that reduces the incidence of HPV-16 infection may provide important public health benefits.
Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, but the risk associated with the various HPV types has not been adequately assessed.We pooled data from … Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, but the risk associated with the various HPV types has not been adequately assessed.We pooled data from 11 case-control studies from nine countries involving 1918 women with histologically confirmed squamous-cell cervical cancer and 1928 control women. A common protocol and questionnaire were used. Information on risk factors was obtained by personal interviews, and cervical cells were collected for detection of HPV DNA and typing in a central laboratory by polymerase-chain-reaction-based assays (with MY09/MY11 and GP5+/6+ primers).HPV DNA was detected in 1739 of the 1918 patients with cervical cancer (90.7 percent) and in 259 of the 1928 control women (13.4 percent). With the GP5+/6+ primer, HPV DNA was detected in 96.6 percent of the patients and 15.6 percent of the controls. The most common HPV types in patients, in descending order of frequency, were types 16, 18, 45, 31, 33, 52, 58, and 35. Among control women, types 16, 18, 45, 31, 6, 58, 35, and 33 were the most common. For studies using the GP5+/6+ primer, the pooled odds ratio for cervical cancer associated with the presence of any HPV was 158.2 (95 percent confidence interval, 113.4 to 220.6). The odds ratios were over 45 for the most common and least common HPV types. Fifteen HPV types were classified as high-risk types (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73, and 82); 3 were classified as probable high-risk types (26, 53, and 66); and 12 were classified as low-risk types (6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81, and CP6108). There was good agreement between our epidemiologic classification and the classification based on phylogenetic grouping.In addition to HPV types 16 and 18, types 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73, and 82 should be considered carcinogenic, or high-risk, types, and types 26, 53, and 66 should be considered probably carcinogenic.
Baseline information on human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and type distribution is highly desirable to evaluate the impact of prophylactic HPV vaccines in the near future.A meta-analysis was performed of studies … Baseline information on human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and type distribution is highly desirable to evaluate the impact of prophylactic HPV vaccines in the near future.A meta-analysis was performed of studies published between 1995 and 2009 that used polymerase chain reaction or Hybrid Capture 2 for HPV detection in women with normal cytological findings.The analysis included 194 studies comprising 1,016,719 women with normal cytological findings. The estimated global HPV prevalence was 11.7% (95% confidence interval, 11.6%-11.7%). Sub-Saharan Africa (24.0%), Eastern Europe (21.4%), and Latin America (16.1%) showed the highest prevalences. Age-specific HPV distribution presented with a first peak at younger ages (<25 years) and, in the Americas and Africa, a rebound at older ages (≄45 years). Among the women with type-specific HPV data (n = 215,568), the 5 most common types worldwide were HPV-16 (3.2%), HPV-18 (1.4%), HPV-52 (0.9%), HPV-31 (0.8%), and HPV-58 (0.7%).Although the prevalence of HPV in women with normal cytological findings is high and variable across world regions, HPV types 16, 18, 31, 52, and 58 are consistently found among the 10 most common types in all of them. These results represent the most comprehensive assessment of HPV burden among women with normal cytological findings in the pre-HPV vaccination era worldwide.
papillomavirus infections in cervical cancer has been documented beyond reasonable doubt.The association is present in virtually all cervical cancer cases worldwide.It is the right time for medical societies and public … papillomavirus infections in cervical cancer has been documented beyond reasonable doubt.The association is present in virtually all cervical cancer cases worldwide.It is the right time for medical societies and public health regulators to consider this evidence and to define its preventive and clinical implications.A comprehensive review of key studies and results is presented. . . . . . . . .
Mucosal human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the cause of cervical cancer and likely a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), yet the global prevalence and type distribution of … Mucosal human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the cause of cervical cancer and likely a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), yet the global prevalence and type distribution of HPV in HNSCC remains unclear. We systematically reviewed published studies of HNSCC biopsies that employed PCR-based methods to detect and genotype HPV to describe the prevalence and type distribution of HPV by anatomic cancer site. Geographic location and study size were investigated as possible sources of variability. In the 5,046 HNSCC cancer specimens from 60 studies, the overall HPV prevalence was 25.9% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 24.7-27.2]. HPV prevalence was significantly higher in oropharyngeal SCCs (35.6% of 969; 95% CI, 32.6-38.7) than oral SCCs (23.5% of 2,642; 95% CI, 21.9-25.1) or laryngeal SCCs (24.0% of 1,435; 95% CI, 21.8-26.3). HPV16 accounted for a larger majority of HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCCs (86.7%; 95% CI, 82.6-90.1) compared with HPV-positive oral SCCs (68.2%; 95% CI, 64.4-71.9) and laryngeal SCCs (69.2%; 95% CI, 64.0-74.0). Conversely, HPV18 was rare in HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCCs (2.8%; 95% CI, 1.3-5.3) compared with other head and neck sites [34.1% (95% CI, 30.4-38.0) of oral SCCs and 17.0% (95% CI, 13.0-21.6) of laryngeal SCCs]. Aside from HPV16 and HPV18, other oncogenic HPVs were rarely detected in HNSCC. Tumor site-specific HPV prevalence was higher among studies from North America compared with Europe and Asia. The high HPV16 prevalence and the lack of HPV18 in oropharyngeal compared with other HNSCCs may point to specific virus-tissue interactions. Small sample size and publication bias complicate the assessment of the prevalence of HPV in head and neck sites beyond the oropharynx.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is estimated to be the most common sexually transmitted infection. Baseline population prevalence data for HPV infection in the United States before widespread availability of a … Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is estimated to be the most common sexually transmitted infection. Baseline population prevalence data for HPV infection in the United States before widespread availability of a prophylactic HPV vaccine would be useful.To determine the prevalence of HPV among females in the United States.The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) uses a representative sample of the US noninstitutionalized civilian population. Females aged 14 to 59 years who were interviewed at home for NHANES 2003-2004 were examined in a mobile examination center and provided a self-collected vaginal swab specimen. Swabs were analyzed for HPV DNA by L1 consensus polymerase chain reaction followed by type-specific hybridization. Demographic and sexual behavior information was obtained from all participants.HPV prevalence by polymerase chain reaction.The overall HPV prevalence was 26.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.3%-30.9%) among US females aged 14 to 59 years (n = 1921). HPV prevalence was 24.5% (95% CI, 19.6%-30.5%) among females aged 14 to 19 years, 44.8% (95% CI, 36.3%-55.3%) among women aged 20 to 24 years, 27.4% (95% CI, 21.9%-34.2%) among women aged 25 to 29 years, 27.5% (95% CI, 20.8%-36.4%) among women aged 30 to 39 years, 25.2% (95% CI, 19.7%-32.2%) among women aged 40 to 49 years, and 19.6% (95% CI, 14.3%-26.8%) among women aged 50 to 59 years. There was a statistically significant trend for increasing HPV prevalence with each year of age from 14 to 24 years (P<.001), followed by a gradual decline in prevalence through 59 years (P = .06). HPV vaccine types 6 and 11 (low-risk types) and 16 and 18 (high-risk types) were detected in 3.4% of female participants; HPV-6 was detected in 1.3% (95% CI, 0.8%-2.3%), HPV-11 in 0.1% (95% CI, 0.03%-0.3%), HPV-16 in 1.5% (95% CI, 0.9%-2.6%), and HPV-18 in 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4%-1.5%) of female participants. Independent risk factors for HPV detection were age, marital status, and increasing numbers of lifetime and recent sex partners.HPV is common among females in the United States. Our data indicate that the burden of prevalent HPV infection among females was greater than previous estimates and was highest among those aged 20 to 24 years. However, the prevalence of HPV vaccine types was relatively low.
A phase 3 trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a prophylactic quadrivalent vaccine in preventing anogenital diseases associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18.In … A phase 3 trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a prophylactic quadrivalent vaccine in preventing anogenital diseases associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18.In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial involving 5455 women between the ages of 16 and 24 years, we assigned 2723 women to receive vaccine and 2732 to receive placebo at day 1, month 2, and month 6. The coprimary composite end points were the incidence of genital warts, vulvar or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, or cancer and the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, adenocarcinoma in situ, or cancer associated with HPV type 6, 11, 16, or 18. Data for the primary analysis were collected for a per-protocol susceptible population of women who had no virologic evidence of HPV type 6, 11, 16, or 18 through 1 month after administration of the third dose.The women were followed for an average of 3 years after administration of the first dose. In the per-protocol population, those followed for vulvar, vaginal, or perianal disease included 2261 women (83%) in the vaccine group and 2279 (83%) in the placebo group. Those followed for cervical disease included 2241 women (82%) in the vaccine group and 2258 (83%) in the placebo group. Vaccine efficacy was 100% for each of the coprimary end points. In an intention-to-treat analysis, including those with prevalent infection or disease caused by vaccine-type and non-vaccine-type HPV, vaccination reduced the rate of any vulvar or vaginal perianal lesions regardless of the causal HPV type by 34% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15 to 49), and the rate of cervical lesions regardless of the causal HPV type by 20% (95% CI, 8 to 31).The quadrivalent vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of HPV-associated anogenital diseases in young women. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00092521 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).
Human papillomavirus types 16 (HPV-16) and 18 (HPV-18) cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. A phase 3 trial was conducted to evaluate a quadrivalent vaccine against HPV types 6, … Human papillomavirus types 16 (HPV-16) and 18 (HPV-18) cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. A phase 3 trial was conducted to evaluate a quadrivalent vaccine against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (HPV-6/11/16/18) for the prevention of high-grade cervical lesions associated with HPV-16 and HPV-18.
Sequence analysis of human papillomavirus (HPV) general primer GP5/6 mediated PCR products revealed the presence of short highly conserved sequences adjacent to the 3′ ends of both primers. Part of … Sequence analysis of human papillomavirus (HPV) general primer GP5/6 mediated PCR products revealed the presence of short highly conserved sequences adjacent to the 3′ ends of both primers. Part of these sequences was used to elongate GP5 and GP6 at their 3′ ends to generate the primers GP5+ and GP6+, respectively. Compared with the GP5/6 PCR, GP5+/6+ specific PCR on 22 cloned mucosotropic HPVs revealed an improved HPV detection, reflected by a 10- to 100-fold higher sensitivity and a markedly increased signal to background ratio, especially at the gel level. As determined on purified DNA, the sensitivity of this GP5+/6+ based assay was at the femtogram level for those HPV genotypes which match strongly with the primers (e.g. HPV-16) and at the picogram level for HPV types (e.g. HPV-39 and -51) having four or more mismatches with one or both primers. Application of both methods on 264 cervical scrapes of a cohort of women participating in a prospective follow-up study revealed an increase of total HPV positivity from 39% (GP5/6 PCR) to 43% (GP5+/6+PCR) of the scrapes. Additional HPV typing by PCR specific for the HPV-6, -11, -16, -18, -31 and -33 revealed that all GP5+/6+ PCR positive cases which were negative by GP5/6 PCR (n = 12) contained HPV types different from these six types. These data indicate that the GP5+/6+ PCR method provides an increased detection level mainly of uncommon, apparently poorly matched HPV types in cervical scrapes and most likely in the enlargement of the spectrum of HPVs detectable by this assay.
SUMMARY Of the many types of human papillomavirus (HPV), more than 30 infect the genital tract. The association between certain oncogenic (high-risk) strains of HPV and cervical cancer is well … SUMMARY Of the many types of human papillomavirus (HPV), more than 30 infect the genital tract. The association between certain oncogenic (high-risk) strains of HPV and cervical cancer is well established. Although HPV is essential to the transformation of cervical epithelial cells, it is not sufficient, and a variety of cofactors and molecular events influence whether cervical cancer will develop. Early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions can prevent progression to cervical cancer. Identification of precancerous lesions has been primarily by cytologic screening of cervical cells. Cellular abnormalities, however, may be missed or may not be sufficiently distinct, and a portion of patients with borderline or mildly dyskaryotic cytomorphology will have higher-grade disease identified by subsequent colposcopy and biopsy. Sensitive and specific molecular techniques that detect HPV DNA and distinguish high-risk HPV types from low-risk HPV types have been introduced as an adjunct to cytology. Earlier detection of high-risk HPV types may improve triage, treatment, and follow-up in infected patients. Currently, the clearest role for HPV DNA testing is to improve diagnostic accuracy and limit unnecessary colposcopy in patients with borderline or mildly abnormal cytologic test results.
ObjectivesThe Bethesda 2001 Workshop was convened to evaluate and update the 1991 Bethesda System terminology for reporting the results of cervical cytology. A primary objective was to develop a new … ObjectivesThe Bethesda 2001 Workshop was convened to evaluate and update the 1991 Bethesda System terminology for reporting the results of cervical cytology. A primary objective was to develop a new approach to broaden participation in the consensus process.ParticipantsForum groups composed of 6 to 10 individuals were responsible for developing recommendations for discussion at the workshop. Each forum group included at least 1 cytopathologist, cytotechnologist, clinician, and international representative to ensure a broad range of views and interests. More than 400 cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, histopathologists, family practitioners, gynecologists, public health physicians, epidemiologists, patient advocates, and attorneys participated in the workshop, which was convened by the National Cancer Institute and cosponsored by 44 professional societies. More than 20 countries were represented.EvidenceLiterature review, expert opinion, and input from an Internet bulletin board were all considered in developing recommendations. The strength of evidence of the scientific data was considered of paramount importance.Consensus ProcessBethesda 2001 was a year-long iterative review process. An Internet bulletin board was used for discussion of issues and drafts of recommendations. More than 1000 comments were posted to the bulletin board over the course of 6 months. The Bethesda Workshop, held April 30-May 2, 2001, was open to the public. Postworkshop recommendations were posted on the bulletin board for a last round of critical review prior to finalizing the terminology.ConclusionsBethesda 2001 was developed with broad participation in the consensus process. The 2001 Bethesda System terminology reflects important advances in biological understanding of cervical neoplasia and cervical screening technology.
Epidemiologic studies have shown that the association of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) with cervical cancer is strong, independent of other risk factors, and consistent in several countries. There are more … Epidemiologic studies have shown that the association of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) with cervical cancer is strong, independent of other risk factors, and consistent in several countries. There are more than 20 different cancer-associated HPV types, but little is known about their geographic variation.Our aim was to determine whether the association between HPV infection and cervical cancer is consistent worldwide and to investigate geographic variation in the distribution of HPV types.More than 1000 specimens from sequential patients with invasive cervical cancer were collected and stored frozen at 32 hospitals in 22 countries. Slides from all patients were submitted for central histologic review to confirm the diagnosis and to assess histologic characteristics. We used polymerase chain reaction-based assays capable of detecting more than 25 different HPV types. A generalized linear Poisson model was fitted to the data on viral type and geographic region to assess geographic heterogeneity.HPV DNA was detected in 93% of the tumors, with no significant variation in HPV positivity among countries. HPV 16 was present in 50% of the specimens, HPV 18 in 14%, HPV 45 in 8%, and HPV 31 in 5%. HPV 16 was the predominant type in all countries except Indonesia, where HPV 18 was more common. There was significant geographic variation in the prevalence of some less common virus types. A clustering of HPV 45 was apparent in western Africa, while HPV 39 and HPV 59 were almost entirely confined to Central and South America. In squamous cell tumors, HPV 16 predominated (51% of such specimens), but HPV 18 predominated in adenocarcinomas (56% of such tumors) and adenosquamous tumors (39% of such tumors).Our results confirm the role of genital HPVs, which are transmitted sexually, as the central etiologic factor in cervical cancer worldwide. They also suggest that most genital HPVs are associated with cancer, at least occasionally.The demonstration that more than 20 different genital HPV types are associated with cervical cancer has important implications for cervical cancer-prevention strategies that include the development of vaccines targeted to genital HPVs.
During the past 20 years, several types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified that cause specific types of cancers. The etiology of cancer of the cervix has been linked … During the past 20 years, several types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified that cause specific types of cancers. The etiology of cancer of the cervix has been linked to several types of HPV, with a high preponderance of HPV16. The role of these virus infections has been established 1) by the regular presence of HPV DNA in the respective tumor biopsy specimens, 2) by the demonstration of viral oncogene expression (E6 and E7) in tumor material, 3) by the identification of transforming properties of these genes, 4) by the requirement for E6 and E7 expression for maintaining the malignant phenotype of cervical carcinoma cell lines, 5) by the interaction of viral oncoproteins with growth-regulating host-cell proteins, and 6) by epidemiologic studies pointing to these HPV infections as the major risk factor for cervical cancer development. In addition to cancer of the cervix, a major proportion of anal, perianal, vulvar, and penile cancers appears to be linked to the same HPV infections. In addition, close to 20% of oropharyngeal cancers contain DNA from the same types of HPV. Recent evidence also points to a possible role of other HPV infections in squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. This review covers recent developments in understanding molecular mechanisms of HPV carcinogenesis, mainly discussing functions of viral oncoproteins and the regulation of viral oncogenes by host-cell factors. Modifications in host-cell genes, most likely engaged in the control of HPV gene expression in proliferating cells, emerge as important events in HPV-mediated carcinogenesis.
An update to the American Cancer Society (ACS) guideline regarding screening for the early detection of cervical precancerous lesions and cancer is presented. The guidelines are based on a systematic … An update to the American Cancer Society (ACS) guideline regarding screening for the early detection of cervical precancerous lesions and cancer is presented. The guidelines are based on a systematic evidence review, contributions from 6 working groups, and a recent symposium cosponsored by the ACS, the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology, which was attended by 25 organizations. The new screening recommendations address age-appropriate screening strategies, including the use of cytology and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, follow-up (eg, the management of screen positives and screening intervals for screen negatives) of women after screening, the age at which to exit screening, future considerations regarding HPV testing alone as a primary screening approach, and screening strategies for women vaccinated against HPV16 and HPV18 infections.
BackgroundInfections with certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites are strong risk factors for specific cancers. As new cancer statistics and epidemiological findings have accumulated in the past 5 years, we aimed … BackgroundInfections with certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites are strong risk factors for specific cancers. As new cancer statistics and epidemiological findings have accumulated in the past 5 years, we aimed to assess the causal involvement of the main carcinogenic agents in different cancer types for the year 2012.MethodsWe considered ten infectious agents classified as carcinogenic to human beings by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. We calculated the number of new cancer cases in 2012 attributable to infections by country, by combining cancer incidence estimates (from GLOBOCAN 2012) with estimates of attributable fraction (AF) for the infectious agents. AF estimates were calculated from the prevalence of infection in cancer cases and the relative risk for the infection (for some sites). Estimates of infection prevalence, relative risk, and corresponding 95% CIs for AF were obtained from systematic reviews and pooled analyses.FindingsOf 14 million new cancer cases in 2012, 2Ā·2 million (15Ā·4%) were attributable to carcinogenic infections. The most important infectious agents worldwide were Helicobacter pylori (770 000 cases), human papillomavirus (640 000), hepatitis B virus (420 000), hepatitis C virus (170 000), and Epstein-Barr virus (120 000). Kaposi's sarcoma was the second largest contributor to the cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The AFs for infection varied by country and development status—from less than 5% in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some countries in western and northern Europe to more than 50% in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa.InterpretationA large potential exists for reducing the burden of cancer caused by infections. Socioeconomic development is associated with a decrease in infection-associated cancers; however, to reduce the incidence of these cancers without delay, population-based vaccination and screen-and-treat programmes should be made accessible and available.FundingFondation de France.
HPV is the cause of almost all cervical cancer and is responsible for a substantial fraction of other anogenital cancers and oropharyngeal cancers. Understanding the HPV‐attributable cancer burden can boost … HPV is the cause of almost all cervical cancer and is responsible for a substantial fraction of other anogenital cancers and oropharyngeal cancers. Understanding the HPV‐attributable cancer burden can boost programs of HPV vaccination and HPV‐based cervical screening. Attributable fractions (AFs) and the relative contributions of different HPV types were derived from published studies reporting on the prevalence of transforming HPV infection in cancer tissue. Maps of age‐standardized incidence rates of HPV‐attributable cancers by country from GLOBOCAN 2012 data are shown separately for the cervix, other anogenital tract and head and neck cancers. The relative contribution of HPV16/18 and HPV6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 was also estimated. 4.5% of all cancers worldwide (630,000 new cancer cases per year) are attributable to HPV: 8.6% in women and 0.8% in men. AF in women ranges from &lt;3% in Australia/New Zealand and the USA to &gt;20% in India and sub‐Saharan Africa. Cervix accounts for 83% of HPV‐attributable cancer, two‐thirds of which occur in less developed countries. Other HPV‐attributable anogenital cancer includes 8,500 vulva; 12,000 vagina; 35,000 anus (half occurring in men) and 13,000 penis. In the head and neck, HPV‐attributable cancers represent 38,000 cases of which 21,000 are oropharyngeal cancers occurring in more developed countries. The relative contributions of HPV16/18 and HPV6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 are 73% and 90%, respectively. Universal access to vaccination is the key to avoiding most cases of HPV‐attributable cancer. The preponderant burden of HPV16/18 and the possibility of cross‐protection emphasize the importance of the introduction of more affordable vaccines in less developed countries.
These recommendations represent the first statement by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on the use of a quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and … These recommendations represent the first statement by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on the use of a quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on June 8, 2006. This report summarizes the epidemiology of HPV and associated diseases, describes the licensed HPV vaccine, and provides recommendations for its use for vaccination among females aged 9-26 years in the United States. Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States; an estimated 6.2 million persons are newly infected every year. Although the majority of infections cause no clinical symptoms and are self-limited, persistent infection with oncogenic types can cause cervical cancer in women. HPV infection also is the cause of genital warts and is associated with other anogenital cancers. Cervical cancer rates have decreased in the United States because of widespread use of Papanicolaou testing, which can detect precancerous lesions of the cervix before they develop into cancer; nevertheless, during 2007, an estimated 11,100 new cases will be diagnosed and approximately 3,700 women will die from cervical cancer. In certain countries where cervical cancer screening is not routine, cervical cancer is a common cancer in women. The licensed HPV vaccine is composed of the HPV L1 protein, the major capsid protein of HPV. Expression of the L1 protein in yeast using recombinant DNA technology produces noninfectious virus-like particles (VLP) that resemble HPV virions. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine is a mixture of four HPV type-specific VLPs prepared from the L1 proteins of HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 combined with an aluminum adjuvant. Clinical trials indicate that the vaccine has high efficacy in preventing persistent HPV infection, cervical cancer precursor lesions, vaginal and vulvar cancer precursor lesions, and genital warts caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, or 18 among females who have not already been infected with the respective HPV type. No evidence exists of protection against disease caused by HPV types with which females are infected at the time of vaccination. However, females infected with one or more vaccine HPV types before vaccination would be protected against disease caused by the other vaccine HPV types. The vaccine is administered by intramuscular injection, and the recommended schedule is a 3-dose series with the second and third doses administered 2 and 6 months after the first dose. The recommended age for vaccination of females is 11-12 years. Vaccine can be administered as young as age 9 years. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for females aged 13--26 years who have not been previously vaccinated. Vaccination is not a substitute for routine cervical cancer screening, and vaccinated females should have cervical cancer screening as recommended.
The knowledge that persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer has resulted in the development of prophylactic vaccines to prevent HPV infection and HPV assays … The knowledge that persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer has resulted in the development of prophylactic vaccines to prevent HPV infection and HPV assays that detect nucleic acids of the virus. WHO has launched a Global Initiative to scale up preventive, screening, and treatment interventions to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem during the 21st century. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the existing burden of cervical cancer as a baseline from which to assess the effect of this initiative.
Cervical cancer continues to be a major global public health problem, with 661,021 estimated new cases and 348,189 deaths reported in 2022. Approximately 53% of women in Jordan reported not … Cervical cancer continues to be a major global public health problem, with 661,021 estimated new cases and 348,189 deaths reported in 2022. Approximately 53% of women in Jordan reported not being screened for CC in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the determinants associated with not being screened for CC amongst Jordanian women of child-bearing age. This was a cross-sectional study derived from the 2023 Jordanian Demographic Health Survey (JDHS) with 12,580 women aged 15–49 years. The study employed a non-informative Bayesian binary logistic regression approach to identify the factors that are associated with not being screened for CC. Results showed that the prevalence of not being screened for CC was 83.8% (95% CI: 83.3–84.3). The determinants identified in this study were women’s age group (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.34–0.62), education level (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34–0.91), smoking status (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.63–0.91), women’s nationality (OR = 4.30; 95% CI: 1.03–27.74), breastfeeding status (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.31–2.07), wealth index (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.53–0.71), self-reported health status (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.64–0.87), marital status (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.08–1.96), and HIV testing status (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40–0.75). The prevalence of not being screened for CC amongst Jordanian women of child-bearing age was found to be very high: a red flag for attention. There is a need for interventions such as community awareness campaigns and education programmes focusing on women younger than 25 years, especially women living in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, incorporating policy interventions into public health facilities and having easy accessibility to tools or screening tests may improve rates of CC screening, and thus reduce the prevalence of CC.
Abstract Background The detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in cervical samples through molecular assays plays a pivotal role in preventing cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence … Abstract Background The detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in cervical samples through molecular assays plays a pivotal role in preventing cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and age-specific distribution of HR-HPV infection in the NorthEast Indian female population. A total of 570 cervical samples from female patients aged 18–70 years were tested using the COBAS 4800 system. Results HR-HPV was positive in 59 (10.3%, 95% CI 8.0–13.2) samples. Of these, 52 were single infections (88.1%, 95% CI 76.4–94.6) and of HPV16 positive patients, 21.8% (7/32, 95% CI 9.9–40.4) were co-infected with other high-risk types. Among HR-HPVs, the prevalence of HPV 16, HPV 18, and other HR-HPVs was 54.2% (95% CI 40.8–67.1), 5.1% (95% CI 1.7–14.0), and 52.5% (95% CI 39.2–65.5), respectively. About age, the highest HPV prevalence (43.5%) was found in the 30–40-year-old group and the lowest (19%) in the 60–70-year old group ( p value &gt; 0.72). In older patients (60 and older), HPV 16 was the only HR-HPV detected ( p value &lt; 0.02). Conclusion Our investigation explored women exhibit the highest prevalence of HPV 16, followed by other HR-HPV genotypes. In contrast, the prevalence of HPV 18 was considerably lower. The only HR-HPV detected in elderly patients was HPV 16 (≤ 60). This study provides important epidemiological data on the prevalence of cervical HPV infection, which can serve as a useful reference for cervical cancer screening programs and developing nationwide HPV vaccination.
Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of both cervical and non-cervical cancers, including anal, oropharyngeal, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. While most HPV vaccination impact assessments have focused on … Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of both cervical and non-cervical cancers, including anal, oropharyngeal, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. While most HPV vaccination impact assessments have focused on preventing cervical cancer among women, the broader benefits of vaccination against other HPV-attributable cancers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain less explored. Methods: We used a static cohort model to assess the potential health impact of bivalent HPV vaccination on HPV-attributable female non-cervical cancers in 117 LMICs from 2030 to 2100. The model incorporated country-specific data on cancer mortality, HPV type distribution, demographic projections, and vaccine coverage. Sensitivity analyses were performed to account for uncertainties in cancer incidence and mortality, HPV type distribution, and cancer stage distribution. Results: Our projections suggest that HPV vaccination could contribute to prevention of approximately 0.59 million cases of anal, 0.88 million oropharyngeal, 1.27 million vaginal, and 2.18 million vulvar cancers over the analytic period. In total, 3.0 million deaths from these non-cervical cancers could be averted by 2100. The African Region is expected to see the largest relative reductions in both cases and deaths, while the European region showed the smallest gains. By the end of the century, 58 countries are projected to reach at least a 25% reduction in anal cancer mortality, compared to just 25 countries for oropharyngeal cancer. These findings reflect substantial regional disparities in both burden and vaccination impact. Conclusion: HPV vaccination holds considerable promise in reducing the burden of non-cervical cancers among women in LMICs, especially in regions with high incidence and limited access to care. Recognizing and harnessing these broader benefits can strengthen the public health case for scaling up vaccine access, implementing region-specific strategies, and investing in equitable healthcare systems to decrease global disparities.
Cervical cancer ranks among the leading causes of cancer incidence and mortality among women. The persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as the primary etiological factor in the development … Cervical cancer ranks among the leading causes of cancer incidence and mortality among women. The persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as the primary etiological factor in the development of this pathology. Currently, HPV vaccination is considered a highly effective preventive measure, with its efficacy in preventing cervical cancer well-documented. This review analyzes contemporary scientific data on algorithms for organizing and implementing immunization within the framework of cervical cancer prevention. It explores the experience of introducing immunization programs in various countries, identifies target age groups, and evaluates the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Furthermore, the review examines epidemiological and social barriers to integrating vaccination into healthcare systems. Based on the analysis of the literature, optimal organizational and methodological approaches aimed at improving the effectiveness of immunization programs have been identified.
ABSTRACT Persistent high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, with co‐factors such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) playing a role in oncogenic progression. This study … ABSTRACT Persistent high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, with co‐factors such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) playing a role in oncogenic progression. This study investigates the interaction of HPV and HBV coinfection with cervical cancer risk. A total of 4488 women undergoing cervical cancer screening and HPV and HBV testing were included in this study, employing multinomial regression to analyze associations between viral infections and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer, while interaction analysis assessed synergistic effects on cervical carcinogenesis and examined the mediating role of ki67 in co‐infections. Co‐infection significantly increases the risk of all levels of cervical lesions compared to the reference group, with odds ratios for LSIL, HSIL, and cervical cancer demonstrating substantial elevation (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 2.25–4.35; OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.55–4.81; and OR = 11.49, 95% CI: 5.85–22.57; respectively). On the additive scale, significant positive interactions were observed between HPV and HBV. Specifically, for cervical cancer, there was an attributable proportion (AP) due to interaction of 0.43 ( p = 0.01), and a synergy index (SI) of 1.88 ( p &lt; 0.001). Similarly, for HSIL, significant positive interactions were noted with AP = 0.28 ( p = 0.01) and SI = 1.65 ( p &lt; 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that Ki67+ accounted for 49.39%, 70.44%, and 78.81% of the total effect of HPV and HBV co‐infection on cervical cancer, HSIL, and LSIL, respectively (all p &lt; 0.05). HPV and HBV coinfection significantly impacts cervical lesions, enhancing cervical oncogenesis synergistically. Ki67 may be involved in mediating the process of cancer progression caused by viral co‐infection, stressing comprehensive screening and molecular interaction research.
Cervical screening rates are dropping in the UK, with non-attendance rates remaining higher in those from minoritised ethnicities. Amongst barriers to attendance includes a lack of awareness of risk of … Cervical screening rates are dropping in the UK, with non-attendance rates remaining higher in those from minoritised ethnicities. Amongst barriers to attendance includes a lack of awareness of risk of cervical cancer and understanding of the role of screening. Information leaflets given with invitations to screening could address this, but these are generally seen as difficult to understand. This study explored the perception of women from minoritised ethnicities of two versions of a cervical screening information leaflet. Forty-two women from minoritised ethnicities completed an online qualitative survey. Half the participants were asked questions about the UK NHS cervical screening leaflet, whilst half were asked about a version that had been redesigned with patient and public involvement. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Six themes describe participants’ experience of holding concerns about screening, whilst being unable to discuss this with family members. The current leaflet was perceived as containing abundant information but is hard to navigate and intimidating. The redesign was perceived to address concerns about screening and was viewed as consoling readers into attendance. Redesigning the current UK NHS leaflet may help encourage people from minoritised ethnicities to attend cervical screening. Future research could investigate where people who are not engaging with cervical screening can go to have conversations about their concerns.
Introduction: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge despite being largely preventable through early screening and treatment and is one of the largest causes of cancer-related deaths among women … Introduction: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge despite being largely preventable through early screening and treatment and is one of the largest causes of cancer-related deaths among women aged 20-39. New York State, with its diverse population, may have unique differences and disparities that can impact cervical cancer screening rates. Methods: Using the 2022 NYS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we analyzed data from 3,968 participants. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression assessed the associations between demographic, general health, economic, and health behavior with cervical cancer screening. Results: Among the predictors of screening, we found that younger women were significantly less likely to screen compared with older women (aOR: 2.03; confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-2.46). Disparities were also observed by race (aOR: 1.55; CI: 1.27-1.89), income (aOR: 1.81; CI: 1.33-2.47), as well as type of insurance (aOR: 0.71; CI: 0.56-0.89). Health behaviors, such as having a prior checkup (aOR: 1.42; CI: 1.13-1.79) or flu vaccination (aOR: 1.32; CI: 1.10-1.57), were strongly associated with adherence, whereas personal economic barriers and general health challenges were largely not significant. Discussion: This study highlights health behaviors and engagement with the medical system as a significant predictor, suggesting that promoting trust in health care may enhance screening rates. The study also identified systemic barriers, such as insurance type and provider access, as determinants of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: Addressing cervical cancer screening disparities in NYS requires interventions that consider behavioral and systemic factors. In particular, emphasizing trust in health care systems. These findings highlight areas of improvement in screening.
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with low screening uptake despite established programs. Patient-centered care (PCC) has emerged as an effective approach to enhancing screening services. … Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with low screening uptake despite established programs. Patient-centered care (PCC) has emerged as an effective approach to enhancing screening services. This study aims to explore the integration of PCC into cervical cancer screening services in Sagamu LGA, Ogun State. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and patients. Data were collected from three healthcare facilities, analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework version 2022, and guided by the PCC approach. Ethical approval was obtained from the OOUTH Health and Research Ethics Committee (Approval No: OOUTH-HREC/2024/011). Five key themes were analyzed: holistic care and patient limitations, factors influencing screening uptake, quality of care perception, barriers to screening uptake, and strategies to enhance screening. Patient perspectives highlighted the importance of culturally sensitive communication, while healthcare providers emphasized integrated care models. Incorporating PCC in cervical cancer screening is essential for improving uptake. Addressing socio-cultural barriers and fostering collaborative care practices can significantly impact public health outcomes.
This study assessed the acceptability of CITOBOT, a device for early cervical cancer screening in a real-world pilot setting as part of a translational research project aimed at designing and … This study assessed the acceptability of CITOBOT, a device for early cervical cancer screening in a real-world pilot setting as part of a translational research project aimed at designing and clinically validating a portable, cost-effective device supported by artificial intelligence. The authors adopted the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability for its utility in evaluating patient acceptability within complex interventions’ development, piloting, and feasibility phases. We employed a mixed-method study, with 20 consecutive participants recruited from a specialized cancer healthcare center in Cali, Colombia. Data collection included a sociodemographic, gynecological-obstetric, behavioral survey, a validated patient acceptability scale, alongside open-ended interview questions. No adverse effects were reported seven days post-testing. The findings were promising, with all participants expressing high overall acceptability. Retrospective acceptability, focusing on the evaluation after device pilot testing, revealed that participants felt comfortable with the device, found it coherent with the purpose of early cervical cancer detection, and did not perceive the test as an additional burden compared to conventional cytology screening. Regarding prospective acceptability, which assesses anticipated acceptability before full implementation, three results stand out: i) All participants stated that they would intend to attend their health service if called for testing with CITOBOT; ii) they perceived opportunity costs, such as timely delivery of results, expedited diagnosis and treatment, and improved accessibility for women with limited resources or geographical barriers to healthcare access; and iii) participants viewed CITOBOT as highly effective in preventing cervical cancer deaths, indicating a strong belief in its potential to impact public health outcomes positively. Addressing concerns related to discomfort, inconvenience, and timely delivery of results, CITOBOT shows promise in enhancing cervical cancer screening participation and adherence, especially among underserved populations.
Introduction Cervical cancer is strongly associated with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. While most infections are cleared naturally, co-infections with non-HPV STIs … Introduction Cervical cancer is strongly associated with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. While most infections are cleared naturally, co-infections with non-HPV STIs may contribute to HPV persistence and disease progression. Unlike cervical cancer, which has a national screening program in Brazil, STI screening remains unstructured, with prevalence varying across regions. Objective To evaluate the prevalence of HPV co-infections with Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma urealyticum , and Trichomonas vaginalis in patients diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with histologically confirmed precancerous cervical lesions attending a referral outpatient clinic. Between October 2022 and December 2023, 159 patients were enrolled and screened for the presence of non-HPV STI co-infections through cervical secretion DNA-qPCR testing. Results Most (64.8%) participants were diagnosed with CIN II or III. Among all patients analyzed, nearly 60% had at least one non-HPV STI co-infection associated with low- or high-grade cervical lesions. The most prevalent pathogen was U. urealyticum (44%), followed by M. hominis (16.3%) and C. trachomatis (10.1%). Conclusion A high prevalence of non-HPV STI co-infections was observed in asymptomatic women with CIN, particularly U. urealyticum, which has been identified as a potential cofactor in HPV-related carcinogenesis. Our findings contribute to the growing body of national and international literature supporting the need for integrating STI screening into cervical cancer prevention strategies for sexually active women in Brazil.
Background and aims Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, and more than 90% of all cervical cancer-related deaths worldwide are recorded in resource-limited countries. The … Background and aims Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, and more than 90% of all cervical cancer-related deaths worldwide are recorded in resource-limited countries. The present review investigated the uptake rate of cervical cancer screening and identified the factors associated with screening service utilisation in the female populations of least developed countries (LDCs). Methods Five electronic databases (EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and PubMed) and grey literature were searched for relevant literature using the keywords of the included studies. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included. Three reviewers performed critical appraisals using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Meta-analysis was performed to pool the quantitative results from comparable studies. Results A total of twenty-five studies were included in the review. The cervical cancer screening uptake rate in LDCs ranged from 4% to 21%. Multiple factors were associated with screening service utilisation among women in the LDCs, namely socio-demographic characteristics, including employment status (odds ratio (OR): 2.72; 95% CI: 1.97–3.76; p &lt; 0.001); knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening (OR: 3.39; 95% CI: 2.00–5.75; p &lt; 0.001); sexual and reproductive health-related factors such as parity status (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.61–4.64; p = 0.002); healthcare providers’ recommendations (OR: 5.32; 95% CI: 2.44–11.58; p &lt; 0.001); perceived risk of developing cervical cancer (OR: 3.76; 95% CI: 2.62–5.38; p &lt; 0.001); use of media for cervical cancer screening promotion, including radio; cultural factors; and myths and misconceptions about cervical cancer and its screening. Conclusions The uptake of cervical cancer screening among eligible women in the LDCs was notably low. The governments of these countries are advised to invest and allocate additional resources to advance policies and develop cervical cancer prevention programmes that are accessible, affordable, and acceptable.
Background: Cervical cancer is the most common female cancer in the developing countries. Worldwide, about half a million women acquire the disease annually and about two-third are from the developing … Background: Cervical cancer is the most common female cancer in the developing countries. Worldwide, about half a million women acquire the disease annually and about two-third are from the developing countries. The high rate of prevalence with its associated morbidity and mortality in our environment has made cervical cancer a public health problem. Fortunately, it is a preventable cancer and screening can lead to detection of premalignant lesion and early stage of the disease thus preventing its occurrence and reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with the condition. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and acceptance of cervical cancer screening among women attending antenatal clinic at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey of 345 among women attending antenatal clinic at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. The Knowledge and willingness to accept cervical screening by these women were assessed using a self- administered structured questionnaire.7 Results:Three hundred and forty five (345) women answered the questionnaire and majority of respondents were between the ages of 25-29. Majority, 87(25.2%) were housewives. 176(51.0%) had secondary education while 105(30.4%) had tertiary education. This study revealed that majority of the respondents has a substantial awareness and knowledge of Cervical Cancer screening (68.4%). While 47.5% were ready to undergo Cervical Cancer screening and 66.1% will tell their family members to go for screening. Conclusion: As the knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening was high, more facilities could be made available, accessible, and affordable. Also, health education to improve awareness of cervical cancer screening among antenatal women can improve awareness and uptake of the screening procedure.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite the proven effectiveness of HPV vaccination, uptake remains low, particularly among males and specific demographic groups. … Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite the proven effectiveness of HPV vaccination, uptake remains low, particularly among males and specific demographic groups. In Italy, national HPV vaccination coverage stagnated at 38.8% in 2022, with significant regional disparities. While previous studies have explored individual and cultural barriers, organizational challenges within academic institutions remain underexamined. The aim of this cross-sectional study was assessing the uptake of HPV vaccination among Health Sciences students at the University of Naples Federico II. An anonymous online survey collected data on demographics, vaccination status, and institutional barriers. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of vaccination, adjusting for demographic factors, institutional communication, and knowledge-attitude scores. Among 354 participants, 55.1% reported receiving at least one HPV vaccine dose. Female students had significantly higher vaccination rates (aOR: 7.95; 95% CI: 4.24-14.90), while older age was associated with lower uptake (aOR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73-0.91). Institutional vaccination invitations increased the likelihood of vaccination nearly threefold (aOR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.48-5.33). Attitudes toward vaccination strongly predicted uptake, whereas knowledge scores showed no significant association. These findings highlight the need for structured institutional interventions, including targeted education, proactive vaccination invitations, and improved access to on-campus vaccination services. Strengthening university-led initiatives could significantly enhance HPV vaccine uptake among future healthcare professionals, contributing to broader public health efforts in HPV-related cancer prevention.
Background/Objectives: Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) is a significant risk factor for the development of invasive cancer, and the histological detection of High-Grade CIN (CIN2+) during screening generally indicates the need … Background/Objectives: Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) is a significant risk factor for the development of invasive cancer, and the histological detection of High-Grade CIN (CIN2+) during screening generally indicates the need for surgical removal of the lesion; cervical conization is the current gold standard of treatment. The recurrence risk for disease is reported to be up to 30%, based on data in the literature. Follow-up protocols mainly rely on High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) detection at six months post-treatment; if negative, this is considered the test of cure. This approach assumes that all patients have an equal risk of disease recurrence, regardless of individual characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the individual recurrence risk using a mathematical model, analyzing the weight of various parameters and their associations in terms of recurrence development. Methods: We retrospectively examined 428 patients treated for CIN2+ at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan between January 2010 and April 2019. Clinical and pathological data were recorded and correlated with disease recurrence; three different variables, known to behave as significant prognostic factors, were analyzed: hrHPV persistence, the surgical margin status, Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), along with their relative associations. Data were used to engineer a mathematical model for the identification of different risk classes, allowing for the risk stratification of cases. Results: Surgical margins status, hrHPV persistence, and a high NLR index were demonstrated to act as independent and significant risk factors for disease recurrence, and their different associations significantly correlated with different recurrence rates. The mathematical model identified eight classes of recurrence probability, with Odds Ratios (ORs) ranging from 7.48% to 69.4%. Conclusions: The developed mathematical model may allow risk stratification for recurrence in a hierarchical fashion, potentially supporting the tailored management of follow-up, and improving the current protocols. This study represents the first attempt to integrate these factors into a mathematical model for post-treatment risk stratification.
Objective: To analyze the changing trend of cervical cancer epidemiological characteristics and disease burden in cancer registration areas of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi) from 2010 to 2017, and to … Objective: To analyze the changing trend of cervical cancer epidemiological characteristics and disease burden in cancer registration areas of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi) from 2010 to 2017, and to provide scientific basis for the development of cervical cancer prevention and control strategies in Guangxi. Methods: Using descriptive analysis method, based on the incidence and death data of cervical cancer in the tumor registration areas of Guangxi from 2010 to 2017, Crude morbidity, crude mortality, age-standardized morbidity and mortality (referred to as the winning rate), disability adjusted life years (DALYs) rate and the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) of the above indicators were calculated, and stratified analysis was conducted for urban and rural areas and different age groups. Results: From 2010 to 2017, the crude incidence rate of cervical cancer in Guangxi showed a significant upward trend, rising from 10.31/105 in 2010 to 19.94/105 in 2017, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9% (P<0.05). However, after age standardization, the trend of the age-standardized incidence rate of cervical cancer was not statistically significant (Pļ¼ž0.05). During the same period, the crude mortality rate of cervical cancer increased from 2.69/105 to 6.21/105, with an average annual growth rate of 13.1% (P<0.05), and the trend of the age-standardized mortality rate was basically consistent with that of the crude mortality rate. The analysis of urban-rural differences showed that the growth rates of the crude incidence rate and crude mortality rate of cervical cancer in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas from 2010 to 2017 (AAPC incidence rate: 21.3% vs. 2.3%; AAPC mortality rate: 20.1% vs. 8.4%). The analysis of age differences showed that the crude incidence rate and crude mortality rate of cervical cancer in all age groups increased to varying degrees, among which the growth rate of the incidence rate (AAPC=16.2%, P<0.05) and mortality rate (AAPC=14.7%, P<0.05) of cervical cancer in women aged 65 and above was the fastest. In addition, the DALYs rate of cervical cancer in Guangxi increased from 50.6/105 in 2010 to 111.0/105 in 2017, with an average annual increase of 11.9% (P<0.05). The growth rate of the DALYs rate in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas, and the growth rate of the DALYs rate in the 50-59 age group was higher than those in other age groups. Conclusions: From 2010 to 2017, the incidence rate, mortality rate and DALYs rate of cervical cancer in Guangxi showed an upward trend. Comprehensive prevention and control measures for cervical cancer, such as improving the early diagnosis and treatment system, promoting the popularization of HPV vaccination and strengthening health education, should be taken to reduce the disease burden of cervical cancer.
Background &amp; objectives Screening for cervical cancer by self-sampling appears more acceptable to women and has the potential to boost screening uptake, which is dismal at present in India. Studies … Background &amp; objectives Screening for cervical cancer by self-sampling appears more acceptable to women and has the potential to boost screening uptake, which is dismal at present in India. Studies have shown that menstrual blood (MB) provides equivalent results to cervical smear for Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, but sample collection needs standardization. This study explored the feasibility and acceptance of self-sampling using ā€˜M-strip’ for high-risk HPV DNA (hr-HPV DNA) testing from MB. Methods One hundred and eleven women aged 30-50 yr without a previous diagnosis of pre-cancer or cancer used the M-strip to collect the MB sample. The strip was peeled off the sanitary pad after use, sent in a zip-lock pouch, and tested for high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR). Instructions were provided verbally, in video illustration, and print. Feedback from participants regarding acceptance and comfort in sampling was documented, and from women who refused to participate. Results Seventy-seven women provided MB samples, all of which were evaluable. Six tested positive for hr-HPV DNA, and all six had direct cervical smears obtained subsequently. Randomly selected HPV DNA-negative MB samples were also tested by direct cervical smear. Positive and negative MB samples were 100 per cent in concordance with the findings from direct cervical smears. Participants expressed a high level of acceptance and preference for this method. Interpretation &amp; conclusions Women could successfully collect adequate samples with the M-strip for hr-HPV DNA testing. Using M-strip with their sanitary pads was preferred by and highly acceptable to women in this study.
Precision prevention strategies for cervical cancer that integrate genetic biomarkers provide opportunities for personalized risk assessment and optimized preventive measures. An HPV infection–Precancerous–Cancer risk assessment model incorporating genetic polymorphisms and … Precision prevention strategies for cervical cancer that integrate genetic biomarkers provide opportunities for personalized risk assessment and optimized preventive measures. An HPV infection–Precancerous–Cancer risk assessment model incorporating genetic polymorphisms and DNA methylation was developed to better understand the regression and progression of cervical lesions by HPV infection status. Utilizing a virtual cohort of 300,000 Taiwanese women aged 30 years and older, our model simulated the natural history of cervical cancer, capturing transitions from a healthy state through precancerous lesions (LSILs and HSILs) to invasive carcinoma and incorporating the possibility of regression between states. Genetic and epigenetic markers significantly influenced disease transitions, demonstrating heterogeneous risks among women with distinct molecular biomarker profiles. Guided by these individual risk profiles, tailored preventive strategies including varying intervals for Pap smear screening, HPV DNA testing, and HPV vaccination showed improved efficiency and effectiveness in reducing cervical cancer incidence compared to uniform approaches. The proposed dynamic transition model of cervical neoplasms incorporating genetic biomarkers can facilitate the development of an individualized risk-based approach for guiding precision prevention towards the goal of cervical cancer elimination.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection of the 21st century, infecting an estimated 630 million people worldwide and contributing to approximately 4.5% to 5% of … The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection of the 21st century, infecting an estimated 630 million people worldwide and contributing to approximately 4.5% to 5% of all cancers. The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is increasing. Yet, population screening for oral HPV infection is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration due to the low prevalence and lack of a universally accepted screening strategy or tool. The study aims to evaluate the link between cervical and oral HPV infection in women and identify high-risk groups. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023477695). The systematic search was performed in 3 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) on January 3, 2025. Forty-one analytical observational studies reporting on oral HPV status in women with and without cervical HPV positivity were included. Effect sizes, including proportions and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were analyzed using a random-effects model. Location, population characteristics, and sampling methods were used to perform the subgroup analyses. The meta-analysis revealed an odds ratio of 2.22 (CI: 1.52–3.25) for oral HPV in women with cervical HPV positivity compared with those without it. The prevalence of oral HPV was significantly higher in cervical HPV-positive women (13%, CI: 8%–20%) than in HPV-negative women (4%, CI: 2%–7%). In addition, the prevalence of oral HPV was even higher in cervical HPV-positive women with positive cytology (17%, CI: 6%–39%). Risk-of-bias assessment indicated low risk among all studies using Quality in Prognosis Studies and moderate to low risk among studies assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Our findings support the association between cervical HPV positivity and elevated risk for oral HPV infection. Moreover, the highest prevalence of oral HPV carriage was observed in women with positive cytology. As 1 in 8 women with cervical HPV carries oral HPV, screening should be considered for this at-risk population.
We performed a population based study in densely populated areas of the largest city of Pakistan (Karachi) to determine the overall type- and age-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in … We performed a population based study in densely populated areas of the largest city of Pakistan (Karachi) to determine the overall type- and age-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the setting of an unscreened and non vaccinated female population between May 2022 and November 2023. Women (n=3,119) were invited to participate in the study from whom a total of 497 women gave consent and provided cervical samples. HPV positivity was determined and specific HPV genotypes were identified using the INNO LiPa Extra II line probe assay. Total HPV positivity among all age groups was 16.7%. High risk HPV types (groups 1 and 2) were found in 11.9% whereas low risk types and unclassified types were 4.8% in all samples. Fourteen HR types were detected as single infections (8.4%), highest prevalent types are HPV31 and HPV53 (each 1.2%) followed by HPV68 (1.0%), HPV-16 (0.8%), HPV33, HPV39 and HPV51 (each 0.6%). While HPV35, HPV52, HPV70, HPV73 and HPV82 were the least prevalent types. The most prevalent (1.2%) low risk HPV type detected was HPV 6 of all samples. The highest HPV prevalence (21.3%) was observed in subjects aged 25 to 34 years (n=220), whereas in the age group above 54 years (n=24) we detected HPV in 12.5% of samples tested. Single HR HPV infections were observed in 8.4%, while multiple HR infections were detected in 4.02% of the 497 women tested. Extrapolating this data to the total female population of Pakistan allows to estimate that about 20 million women are HPV positive. This rough estimation forms a strong basis of an organized cervical cancer screening program using high precision HPV tests for early detection of HPV infections and related diseases including cervical cancer. In addition, this also establish the need of implementation of immunization program with the recently licensed nonavalent human papillomavirus vaccine. This can significantly reduce the future morbidity and mortality from cervical and oral cancer, pre-cancerous lesions and other HPV related cancers in the female and male population of Pakistan. The current study, therefore, provide a credible basis of further research, and follow up action on HPV related disease burden.
Background: Globally, the concurrence of diabetes mellitus and cervical cancer among women is compounded and increasing health burden. Furthermore, the incidence and prevalence of both diseases are increasing, particularly in … Background: Globally, the concurrence of diabetes mellitus and cervical cancer among women is compounded and increasing health burden. Furthermore, the incidence and prevalence of both diseases are increasing, particularly in Middle and Low-income countries. In Kenya, 19.7 % of new cancer cases among women is attributed to cervical cancer. While diabetes causes metabolic disorders and immune alterations that may promote persistent high-risk Human Papilloma virus infection, the magnitude of cervical cytomorphological abnormalities among diabetes women in Kenya remains unclear. Aim: To determine the cytomorphological characteristics of cervical scrape samples obtained from patients with controlled and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who visited the Kitale County Hospital, Kenya. Methodology: This prospective, hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2023 and June 2024. A total of 156 patients with diabetes (n=156) between the ages of 18 and 65 years were enrolled. Alcohol fixed cervical smears were processed using Papanicolaou staining method. The findings were reported using the 2014 Bethesda system for reporting cervical cytology. Images were captured for cytomorphological abnormalities using X20 mobile camera. Rstudio 4.2.2 (2024-10-31 ucrt) software was used to analyze data. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare distributions of laboratory characteristics between controlled and uncontrolled diabetes. Fisher’s exact test was performed to explore associations between diabetes control and cytomorphological abnormalities. Chi-square tests were performed to determine relationship between diabetes control and presence of cervical abnormalities. Logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between glycemic levels and presence of cytomorphological abnormalities. Results: Out of 156 cases, cytomorphological abnormalities were reported in 63.5%. Negative for Intraepithelial lesion or Malignancy accounted for 84.0% while 16% were cervical intraepithelial lesions. Non-neoplastic abnormalities/infections were recorded in 48.1% of study participants. The study showed that there is statistically significant difference in the central tendency of age between controlled and uncontrolled diabetes Mellitus [95% CI= 2.0-10.0, p=0.001]. There was statistical significance association between reproductive status and presence of cervical infections [OR=2.18, 95% CI= 1.15 - 4.18, p=0.016]. There was no significant association between diabetes control and occurrence of cervical cytomorphological abnormalities [OR=1.47, 95% CI=0.76-2.86, p=0.704]. While a unit increase in HBA1c was associated with (1.12) times higher odds of cytomorphological abnormality, it was not statistically significant [OR=1.12, CI=-0.11-0.245, p=0.080]. Conclusion: The current study points both groups of patients with controlled and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus are at higher risk of cervical cytomorphological abnormalities. Further, glycemic control showed no significant association with occurrence of cervical cytomorphological abnormalities.
Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer is a leading cancer-related cause of death among women, with recurrence being a serious clinical issue. Recent evidence demonstrates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect cancer recurrence. … Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer is a leading cancer-related cause of death among women, with recurrence being a serious clinical issue. Recent evidence demonstrates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect cancer recurrence. This research investigates vitamin D’s regulatory actions in the recurrence of cervical cancer, centering on the involvement of lncRNA. Clinical data on 738 patients shows that greater serum vitamin D levels are linked to reduced recurrence rates and enhanced disease-free survival (DFS). Methods: A transcriptomic analysis of CaSki cervical cancer cells using data from the GEO dataset GSE267715 identified that vitamin D controls genes that prevent cervical cancer recurrence. Machine learning predictors CatBoost, LightGBM, Extra Trees, and Logistic Regression and feature selection methods such as ANOVA F-test, mutual information, Chi-squared test, and Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) are used to identify predictors of recurrence, evaluating model performance using accuracy, precision, recall, ROC AUC, confusion matrices, and ROC curves. Result: CatBoost performs the best overall, producing an accuracy of 95.27%. CatBoost provided an ROC AUC of 0.9930, a precision of 0.9296, and a recall of 0.9706, and this implies a significant trade-off between the ability to detect metastatic cases correctly. Conclusions: These data identify the therapeutic potential of vitamin D as a regulatory compound and lncRNA as a potential therapeutic target in the recurrence of cervical cancer.
Objectives This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cervical lesions in married women with low socioeconomic status, and the related risk factors to provide evidence for the development of … Objectives This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cervical lesions in married women with low socioeconomic status, and the related risk factors to provide evidence for the development of cervical cancer prevention strategies. Methods Descriptive analysis was employed to estimate the prevalence of cervical lesions. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to investigate the association between the related variables and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Results Among 142,677 women aged 35–64 years, 787 (0.55%) cervical lesions were detected. Being in the age group of 35–44 years, high or technical secondary school level education, living at higher level regions of economic development, and abnormal leucorrhea were associated with increased risk of cervical lesions. Menopause was found to be protective. Conclusion Married women with lower socioeconomic status had a lower prevalence of cervical lesions but had a higher prevalence of cervical cancer. Those aged 35–44 years, with high or technical secondary school level education, living at higher level regions of economic development, with abnormal leucorrhea, and who were pre-menopausal were at higher risk for cervical lesions.
Cutaneous warts, which result from infections by human papillomaviruses, are a common skin disease worldwide. They are categorized as common, plantar, plane, genital, filiform, periungual and mosaic warts. Genital warts … Cutaneous warts, which result from infections by human papillomaviruses, are a common skin disease worldwide. They are categorized as common, plantar, plane, genital, filiform, periungual and mosaic warts. Genital warts represent the most common sexually transmitted infections; however, no sufficient information are available in Iraqi Kurdistan region, concerning their frequency rates; therefore, this study aims to determine the epidemiological and clinical features of patients with warts in this region, with special emphasis on estimating the frequency rates of genital warts and on analyzing their histopathological characteristics. A specially designed questionnaire was designed to collect socio-demographic and clinical data, such as age, gender, occupation, education and residency, from 420 patients with wart, together with the type and anatomical location of the warts. In addition, histopathological examination was performed for 20 patients with genital warts. Out of the total number of wart patients involved in this study, 255 were males, and 165 were females. Common warts were the most common type (39.0%) followed by the plantar and genital warts (30.5% and 11.9% respectively). Students were the most common individuals affected by the warts (46.0%), followed by self-employed persons (29.5%). Among patients with genital warts, most of the wart lesions were seen in multiple locations around the genital organs, and the papular form was the most frequent type seen. Histopathological examination of the genital wart lesions showed papillomatosis, acanthosis, koilocytosis, dysplasia, parakeratosis, and one case of squamous cell carcinoma in situ.
Cervical cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge, with early detection remaining the cornerstone for effective intervention. This study is situated at the intersection of clinical oncology and … Cervical cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge, with early detection remaining the cornerstone for effective intervention. This study is situated at the intersection of clinical oncology and computational intelligence, exploring the potential of gradient-boosting algorithms to overcome the limitations of conventional screening methodologies. An XGBoost model was developed to predict cervical cancer risk. This model incorporates demographic, behavioral, and clinical parameters. The model was developed using data from 858 patients at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas. The preprocessing pipeline was designed to address the complexities inherent in medical data, including strategic management of missing values and standardizing heterogeneous features. The model demonstrated an overall accuracy of 96.3%, with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 97.6%. This performance profile indicates adept navigation of the delicate balance between missed diagnoses and unnecessary interventions. Feature importance analysis revealed a multifaceted risk landscape, where screening test results contributed substantial predictive power (approximately 60%), complemented by demographic and behavioral factors, including age, reproductive history, and contraceptive usage patterns. The confusion matrix analysis revealed the clinical implications of the model predictions, demonstrating a promising positive predictive value of 55.0% despite the pronounced class imbalance. These findings suggest that ensemble learning approaches can effectively synthesize diverse patient data into meaningful risk assessments, potentially enhancing screening efficiency through personalized stratification. Future research directions include prospective validation across diverse populations, integration of longitudinal data, and further exploration of explainable AI techniques to bridge the gap between algorithmic predictions and clinical implementation.
Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a significant role in cancers of the head, neck, and anogenital areas. This study aimed to estimate the burden and trends of HPV‐related cancers in … Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a significant role in cancers of the head, neck, and anogenital areas. This study aimed to estimate the burden and trends of HPV‐related cancers in 44 selected countries from 1990 to 2017. Data on cancers attributable to HPV infection from 1990 to 2017 were extracted from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) plus database. The population‐attributable fraction (PAF), age‐standardised incidence rates (ASIR), and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were analyzed to identify trends. From 1990 to 2017, 3,560,554 new HPV‐attributed cancer cases were recorded across 44 countries, with an ASIR of 4.6 per 100,000 population. Site‐specific ASIRs were: cervical (5.8), penile (1.2), vulvar (4.0), vaginal (1.5), anal (1.9), oropharyngeal (3.1), oral (1.3), and laryngeal (1.4). While ASIRs decreased in most countries, significant increases occurred in China, Uganda, and Latvia. HPV‐related cancers remain a global health challenge with marked regional variations.
Cervical cancer remains one of the main causes of female mortality, especially in middle- and low-income countries, despite efforts towards the implementation of global vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). The … Cervical cancer remains one of the main causes of female mortality, especially in middle- and low-income countries, despite efforts towards the implementation of global vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). The aim of this study was to review and compare the most recently published international guidelines providing recommendations on cervical cancer screening strategies among average and high-risk women. Thus, a comparative review of guidelines by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC), the Cancer Council Australia (CCA), and the European Guidelines (EG) was conducted. There is an overall agreement regarding the suggestions made for women younger than 21 and those older than 65, with all guidelines stating against routine screening, with the exceptions of CTFPHC and CCA that expand the age group to up to 70 and 75 years, respectively. Continuation of screening in older women is also suggested in those with a history of a precancerous lesion and those with inadequate screening. Most guidelines recommend routine screening at 30–65 years, while the WHO advises that screening should be prioritized at 30–49 years. HPV DNA testing is the method of choice recommended by most guidelines, followed by cytology as an alternative, except for CTFPHC, which refers to cytology only, with self-sampling being an acceptable method by most medical societies. Agreements exist regarding recommendations for specific groups, such as women with a history of total hysterectomy for benign reasons, women with a complete vaccination against HPV, individuals from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities and women with multiple sexual partners or early initiation of sexual activity. On the other hand, the age group of 21–29 is addressed differently by the reviewed guidelines, while differentiations also occur in the screening strategies in cases of abnormal screening results, in women with immunodeficiency, those with in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrole and pregnant women. The development of consistent practice protocols for the most appropriate cervical cancer screening programs seems to be of major importance to reduce mortality rates and safely guide everyday clinical practice.
This study aimed to analyze chromosomal arm-level copy number variations (CNVs) in benign diseases, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and cervical cancer (CC) using low-coverage whole genome sequencing (LC-WGS) and evaluate … This study aimed to analyze chromosomal arm-level copy number variations (CNVs) in benign diseases, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and cervical cancer (CC) using low-coverage whole genome sequencing (LC-WGS) and evaluate the efficacy of the ultrasensitive chromosomal aneuploidy detector (UCAD) model in distinguishing CC from CIN and benign diseases. Cervical exfoliated cell specimens from 50 patients were collected for high-risk human papillomavirus(hr-HPV) testing, ThinPrep Cytologic Test (TCT), and CNV detection via LC-WGS. UCAD was employed to analyze chromosomal changes, with validation using WGS data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI) database. Among 50 patients, 8 had benign disease, 3 CIN1, 15 CIN2, 6 CIN2-3, 13 CIN3, and 5 CC. Chromosomal instability was detected in 9 patients (18%): all 5 CC cases, 3 CIN3 cases, and 1 CIN1 case. Gains in 3q were observed in all CC and CIN3 cases with CNVs. UCAD achieved 100% sensitivity and 91.11% specificity in differentiating CC from CIN and benign diseases, outperforming hr-HPV and TCT. The UCAD model was also applied to 5 CC and 1 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cases obtained from the NCBI database, and the findings validated its ability to detect chromosomal aberrations in all cases. CNV analysis of cervical exfoliated cells shows promise for CC detection, with UCAD demonstrating high accuracy. Further validation in larger cohorts is needed to confirm its clinical utility.
Background Women living with HIV (WLHIV) face a significantly elevated risk of invasive cervical cancer, an AIDS-defining malignancy. Integrated cervical cancer screening (CCS) and HIV care are essential for optimal … Background Women living with HIV (WLHIV) face a significantly elevated risk of invasive cervical cancer, an AIDS-defining malignancy. Integrated cervical cancer screening (CCS) and HIV care are essential for optimal management; however, these services remain largely unintegrated in Ethiopia, resulting in low screening coverage. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to integrating CCS and preventive treatment services within antiretroviral therapy (ART) follow-up clinics for WLHIV in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A phenomenological study was conducted from January to April 2023 among 33 participants across nine purposively selected health facilities in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using focus group discussions and in-depth key informant interviews. Audio-recorded data were transcribed, translated, and coded, followed by thematic analysis using Atlas. Ti 7 software. Results Key barriers to integration included inadequate facilities, a shortage of dually trained clinicians, low healthcare provider motivation, the absence of integration policies, and a lack of evidence on integration effectiveness. Facilitators included the accessibility of free ART and CCS services, the simplicity of the visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening method, the availability of staff trained in either ART or CCS, and patient familiarity with ART providers. Conclusion Integrating cervical cancer screening with HIV care in Northwest Ethiopia encounters substantial obstacles, including facility limitations, clinician training deficits, motivational issues, policy gaps, and a lack of evidence. However, accessible services, the VIA method’s simplicity, and existing staff training provide opportunities for successful integration. Addressing these barriers and leveraging facilitators is crucial to improve integrated service delivery and reduce related mortality among WLHIV.
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a key cause of cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite available vaccines, uptake remains low in Romania due to limited awareness and hesitancy. This study assessed … Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a key cause of cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite available vaccines, uptake remains low in Romania due to limited awareness and hesitancy. This study assessed HPV knowledge, vaccination status, and the presence of high-risk strains (16 and 18) in the saliva of dental students from Victor Babeș University in Timișoara. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2024, enrolling 199 dental students. Participants completed a 15-item questionnaire addressing HPV-related knowledge, vaccination status, lifestyle factors, and health history. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed using real-time PCR for the detection of HPV types 16 and 18. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of vaccination uptake. Results: Only 10.6% of participants had received the HPV vaccine, although 96.9% acknowledged its safety and efficacy. Awareness was higher among females (88.1%) than males (84.3%), and vaccination rates were significantly greater among students under 25 years old (p = 0.0312). A total of 16.6% reported the presence of papillomas or warts. HPV DNA was detected in 10% of saliva samples. Conclusions: Although awareness of HPV was high, vaccination rates remained low, revealing a gap between knowledge and preventive action. Saliva-based screening shows promise as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, and integrating targeted education and advocacy into dental curricula may enhance public health outcomes in Romania.