Subsequent risk and presentation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 or cancer after a colposcopic diagnosis of CIN 1 or less

A study on the correlation between the prognosis of HPV infection and lesion recurrence after cervical conization

Introduction

Persistent human papillomavirus infection is an important factor in the development of cervical cancer, which is usually a long process evolving from the development of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), also referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Local treatment of advanced squamous intraepithelial lesions, also regarded as High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion, may be effective in preventing cancer.

Objective

To promptly identify high-risk patients with a tendency to recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 300 patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from 2019 to 2020 to investigate the relationship between recurrence of cervical lesions and postoperative regression of HPV infection, as well as other related risk factors.

Results

We found that the HPV-negative rates were 81.81, 85.71, and 90.91% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, and the average lesion recurrence rate was 8.16%, with a median time to recurrence of 14 months in patients undergoing CKC for HSIL. The risk of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions was highest in patients with HPV16. Patients over 61 years of age had the lowest postoperative HPV-negative rate. The conversion rate was significantly lower in patients with multiple HPV genotypes than in those with single HPV infection (p < 0.05). The probability of recurrence was higher in patients with the same HPV infection genotype before and after surgery than in patients with different infection genotypes before and after surgery (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Combined with the literature review, we believe that patients aged ≥50 years, with ≥3 pregnancies and births, a history of smoking, and consistent genotypes of preoperative and postoperative HPV infection in cervical conization have more HPV re-infection or persistent infection, and that these factors may be high-risk factors for lesion recurrence. For patients with possible potential high-risk factors, we need to carry out individualized follow-up and focused management, take timely and effective management measures, optimize the treatment plan, reduce the recurrence rate, prevent HSIL and cervical cancer, improve the quality of patient's survival, and improve the prognosis.

Enhanced disease progression due to persistent HPV-16/58 infections in Korean women: a systematic review and the Korea HPV cohort study

BACKGROUND

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a key factor for the development and progression of cervical cancer. We sought to identify the type-specific HPV prevalence by cervical cytology and assess disease progression risk based on high-risk persistent HPV infection in South Korea.

METHODS

To investigate the HPV prevalence by Pap results, we searched seven literature databases without any language or date restrictions until July 17, 2019. To estimate the risk of disease progression by HPV type, we used the Korea HPV Cohort study data. The search included the terms "HPV" and "Genotype" and "Korea." Studies on Korean women, type-specific HPV distribution by cytological findings, and detailed methodological description of the detection assay were included. We assessed the risk of disease progression according to the high-risk HPV type related to the nonavalent vaccine and associated persistent infections in 686 HPV-positive women with atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions from the Korea HPV Cohort Study. Type-specific HPV prevalence was the proportion of women positive for a specific HPV genotype among all HPV-positive women tested for that genotype in the systematic review.

RESULTS

We included 23 studies in our review. HPV-16 was the most prevalent, followed by HPV-58, -53, -70, -18, and -68. In women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, including cancer, HPV-16, -18, and -58 were the most prevalent. In the longitudinal cohort study, the adjusted hazard ratio of disease progression from atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was significantly higher among those with persistent HPV-58 (increase in risk: 3.54-5.84) and HPV-16 (2.64-5.04) infections.

CONCLUSIONS

While HPV-16 was the most prevalent, persistent infections of HPV-16/58 increased the risk of disease progression to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Therefore, persistent infections of HPV-16 and -58 are critical risk factors for cervical disease progression in Korea. Our results suggest that equal attention should be paid to HPV-58 and -16 infections and provide important evidence to assist in planning the National Immunization Program in Korea.

Progression of CIN1/LSIL HPV Persistent of the Cervix: Actual Progression or CIN3 Coexistence

Objective

The natural history of the CIN1 lesions is characterized by an elevated rate of spontaneous regression (80%), some authors recognize a capacity to progress to HSIL in 10% of cases, and other authors do not recognize the capacity of progression of LSIL (CIN1). This study was aimed to evaluate the incidence of progression to HSIL (CIN3) in women with a histological diagnosis of LSIL (CIN1). Furthermore, to this end, we studied the histological outcomes of cone specimens collected by the LEEP.

Methods

All the data were retrospectively analyzed. All participants underwent a follow-up of 4 years, during which each woman underwent an HPV test and genotyping, cervical cytological sampling, or biopsy every six months. The endpoint was the histological confirmation of CIN3 lesions in any moment during follow-up.

Results

Progression to CIN3 occurred in 7 cases (1,5%). Analyzing the histological exams of the cones of the 7 cases that progressed to CIN3, we found the coexistence of CIN1 and CIN3 lesions in all cases.

Conclusion

After 4 years of follow-up, only 1.5% (7/475) of the women with LSIL developed CIN3, all within the first two years of follow-up, and were immediately treated. The most likely explanations for “progression” from LSIL to HSIL are (1) actual progression, (2) underdiagnosis of HSIL on initial biopsy, (3) overdiagnosis of HSIL on follow-up biopsy/cone, and (4) CIN3 arose de novo. Analyzing the histological exams of the cones of the 7 cases that progressed to high-grade, we found the coexistence of CIN1 and CIN3 lesions in all cases. Some recent studies have shown that a viral genotype corresponds to different lesions in the same cervix; therefore, CIN1 coexisting with CIN3 does not always indicate progression of CIN1. Other authors have doubted the capacity of LSIL to progress.

Progression Low Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion and Human Papillomavirus Infections

INTRODUCTION

Infection with human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical carcinoma. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) 556 cases of cervical carcinoma are diagnosed annually, and 141 women die from it.

AIM

To determine the most common HPV type found in ASCUS and LSIL and progression, regression and persistence of lesions.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, 11 051 PAP tests, performed in several private gynecological practices located in Tuzla Canton from January 2016 to December 2019, were analyzed. In processing of data , X2 - statistical method was used.

RESULTS

11051 PAP test were inspected. Normal findings were found in 90.48% (N-10002) and pathological findings in 9.49% (N- 049). ASCUS was present in 4.9% (N-544), LSIL in 3.04% (N-337), HSIL in 0.74% (N-84), ASC-H in 0.27% (N-30) and AGC in 0.49% (N-55) of cases. The most common is HPV 16, found in 50.5% (N-44) of ASCUS and LSIL. Monoinfection with HPV 16 was found in 40.9% (N-18) ASCUS (N-3) and LSIL (N-15), and a combination of HPV 16 with other types like HPV 18, 31, 33, 39 in 59% (N-26). Progression of ASCUS lesion in HSIL 1.6% (N-2), and LSIL 9.6% (N-12). Progression of LSIL to HSIL was found in 9.0% (N-10). HSIL progresses significantly more frequent from LSIL (p<0.05) than from ASCUS changes. Lesions that progress into higher grade HSIL are HPV 16 positive. Progression into HSIL is not found in patients with low-risk HPV 6 and 11 infection.

CONCLUSION

Women infected with HPV 16 have more a frequent progression of a lesion into higher grade HSIL. They should be intensively monitored because of the increased risk for development of cervical carcinoma.

Systematic screening for cervical cancer in Dakar region: prevalence and correlation with biological and socio-demographic parameters

Background

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem. In 2018, globally 569,847 cervical cancer were diagnosed and 311,000 deaths were projected due to this preventable disease. Worldwide, therefore, the cervical cancer disease ranks as the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women in 2018.

The high rate of dysplasia in Senegal and the absence of well-organized screening programs informed this study, which aims to determine the prevalence of cervical dysplasia and its relationship to biological and socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods

This study is based on 1000 conventional smears collected during routine cervical cancer screening at the Gaspard Camara Health Center and the Histology - Embryology and Cytogenetics Laboratory of the Cheikh Anta DIOP University in Dakar. The smears were read according to the Bethesda and Richart systems. However, all data were returned to the Bethesda system using the correspondence table between the different classifications of squamous cell lesions of the cervix. Some of the patients with abnormal smears had colposcopy and if necessary a biopsy. Other patients with low-grade lesions were recommended to have their smears resumed in 6 months or 1 year later.

Results

Cytological analysis was performed for 1000 patients aged 16 to 82 years (mean age = 41 ± 11.16). Among these, 176 patients had abnormal smears, 23 had Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS), 143 had a low-grade lesion, 9 had a high-grade lesion and 1 had carcinoma. Among the remaining 822 patients, cytological analysis revealed no suspected malignant lesions, but 623 among them had dystrophy and 2 were unsatisfactory. Among patients with abnormal smears, 104 patients (23 ASCUS + 71 low grade + 9 high grade + 1 carcinoma) had performed colposcopy, 40 of whom had normal colposcopy and 64 had abnormalities. Sixty-four (64) biopsies were performed. Four (4) were not satisfactory. However, for 26/60 biopsies, the histology was normal, 21/60 had a low grade, 11 displayed a high grade and only 2 had carcinoma. Among the 176 patients with abnormal smears, 72 low-grade patients had undergone cytological examination 6 months to 1 year later to determine the persistence, regression or progression of low-grade dysplasia. During follow-up, persistence was observed in 25% (n = 18) of cases, progression to High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) was detected in 2.78% (n = 2), while 72.22% (n = 52) of the patients experienced regression.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of abnormal smear was 17.60% for cytology. Meanwhile, the Colposcopy and histology confirmed just 3.40%. These results underline the interest and need for a review of the discrepancies observed between pathologists.

Value of large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) without histological proof of high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesion: Results of a two-year continuous retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) conization has been associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes. In an approach to reduce the number of performed LLETZ procedures, we conducted this study to evaluate whether "diagnostic" LLETZ should still be performed, by analyzing their yield in terms of detection (and treatment) of real high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).

METHODS

During a two-year study period, all patients who underwent a LLETZ procedure in our institution were retrospectively included. Study participants were divided into two groups according to LLETZ indication: a biopsy-proven HSIL group, and a non-biopsy-proven HSIL group. The results of the final histological examination were recorded, as well as excision margin status and specimen dimensions.

RESULTS

During the two-year study period, 396 LLETZs were performed, 283 (71%) of which were indicated by biopsy-proven HSIL. In the non-biopsy-proven group, final histology showed 50 cases of HSIL (44%) and 4 cases of carcinoma (3.6%), versus respectively, in the biopsy-proven group, 221 (78%) HSIL and 28 (9.9%) carcinoma (p<0.001). Regarding margin status and specimen dimensions, no intergroup difference was observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

So called "diagnostic" LLETZ allowed the detection of severe cervical lesions in almost half of cases, without increasing specimen dimensions in comparison with classical conization indications. Moreover, they also allowed an efficient treatment as showed by similar margins status. Our results therefore strengthen the idea that "diagnostic" LLETZ, when specific indications are respected, should not be overlooked as a major part of our therapeutic arsenal.

Anal prevalence of HPV in women with pre-malignant lesion or cancer in the cervix and anal canal simultaneously: cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of anal HPV genotypes and associated factors in women with pre-malignant lesion or cancer in the cervix and anal canal.

METHODS

A prospective, cross-sectional study analyzed DNA samples taken from women with cervical pre-malignant lesions or cancer to identify anal HPV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) in women with intraepithelial neoplasia and anal cancer was calculated; sociodemographic and clinical risk factors were identified using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients were included (mean age 37.8 ± 10.01 years), of whom 101 (66.4%) had anal HR-HPV. Fourteen different anal HPV types were identified. HPV 16 and 18 were found in 30 (52.6%) anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), and HPV 31 and 33 in 21 (36.8%) lesions. In the logistic regression analysis, the factors that remained associated with HR-HPV types were: an anal histopathology report of HSIL or invasive carcinoma (odds ratio [OR] 8.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.40-23.57; P<0.0001) and alcohol consumption (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.01-4.80; P=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of HR-HPV is high in the anal canal of women with cervical and anal pre-malignant lesions simultaneously or cancer of the cervix and/or anal canal. HPV 16, 31, 33, and 18 were the four major genotypes identified.

Long-term observational approach in women with histological diagnosis of cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion: an Italian multicentric retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of progression to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (CIN2-3) or invasive cancer in women with histopathological diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (CIN1), managed in a long-term observational approach up to 5 years.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Four tertiary referral hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

434 women with adequate colposcopy and complete colposcopic charts were included in the present analysis. Women with glandular lesions on the referral cytology or previous diagnosis of cervical dysplasia or invasive cervical cancer or with synchronous vaginal, or with HIV infection or immunodepression were excluded.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The main study outcome was the rate of progression to histopathological HSIL (CIN2-3) or invasive cancer at any time during 5 years of follow-up. The possible risk factors were also evaluated. As secondary outcome, we analysed the possible risk factors at the 24-month evaluation for histopathological HSIL (CIN2-3) or invasive cancer progression between 2 and 5 years from initial diagnosis.

RESULTS

A progression to histopathological HSIL (CIN2-3) was found in a total of 32 (7.4%) cases during 5 years of follow-up. A histopathological diagnosis of HSIL (CIN3) was found in four patients (0.9%) and no case of invasive cancer was detected. High-grade cytology at inclusion and the presence of a positive high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) DNA test at 2 years from inclusion maintained a significant correlation with the risk of histopathological progression to HSIL (CIN2-3).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study showed a low rate (7.4%) of histopathological progression to HSIL (CIN2-3) in women with LSIL (CIN1) diagnosis during long-term follow-up up to 5 years. In case of positive HR-HPV DNA test at the 2 years evaluation an excisional treatment could be the preferred choice to prevent progression to HSIL (CIN2-3) in the following years, preferring a continuation of follow-up in case of HR-HPV DNA negative result.

Adjunctive colposcopy technologies for assessing suspected cervical abnormalities: systematic reviews and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Dynamic Spectral Imaging System (DySIS)map (DySIS Medical Ltd, Edinburgh, UK) and ZedScan (Zilico Limited, Manchester, UK) can be used adjunctively with conventional colposcopy, which may improve the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the evidence on the diagnostic accuracy, clinical effectiveness and implementation of DySISmap and ZedScan as adjuncts to standard colposcopy, and to develop a cost-effectiveness model.

METHODS

Four parallel systematic reviews were performed on diagnostic accuracy, clinical effectiveness issues, implementation and economic analyses. In January 2017 we searched databases (including MEDLINE and EMBASE) for studies in which DySISmap or ZedScan was used adjunctively with standard colposcopy to detect CIN or cancer in women referred to colposcopy. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)-2 tool. Summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy were calculated using bivariate and other regression models when appropriate. Other outcomes were synthesised narratively. A patient-level state-transition model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DySISmap and ZedScan under either human papillomavirus (HPV) triage or the HPV primary screening algorithm. The model included two types of clinics ['see and treat' and 'watchful waiting' (i.e. treat later after confirmatory biopsy)], as well as the reason for referral (low-grade or high-grade cytological smear). Sensitivity and scenario analyses were undertaken.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in the diagnostic review (nine of DySISmap and two of ZedScan), three were included in the clinical effectiveness review (two of DySISmap and one of ZedScan) and five were included in the implementation review (four of DySISmap and one of ZedScan). Adjunctive DySISmap use was found to have a higher sensitivity for detecting CIN grade 2+ (CIN 2+) lesions [81.25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 72.2% to 87.9%] than standard colposcopy alone (57.91%, 95% CI 47.2% to 67.9%), but with a lower specificity (70.40%, 95% CI 59.4% to 79.5%) than colposcopy (87.41%, 95% CI 81.7% to 91.5%). (Confidential information has been removed.) The base-case cost-effectiveness results showed that adjunctive DySISmap routinely dominated standard colposcopy (it was less costly and more effective). The only exception was for high-grade referrals in a watchful-waiting clinic setting. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for ZedScan varied between £272 and £4922 per quality-adjusted life-year. ZedScan also dominated colposcopy alone for high-grade referrals in see-and-treat clinics. These findings appeared to be robust to a wide range of sensitivity and scenario analyses.

LIMITATIONS

All but one study was rated as being at a high risk of bias. There was no evidence directly comparing ZedScan with standard colposcopy. No studies directly compared DySIS and ZedScan.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of adjunctive DySIS increases the sensitivity for detecting CIN 2+, so it increases the number of high-grade CIN cases that are detected. However, it also reduces specificity, so that more women with no or low-grade CIN will be incorrectly judged as possibly having high-grade CIN. The evidence for ZedScan was limited, but it appears to increase sensitivity and decrease specificity compared with colposcopy alone. The cost-effectiveness of both adjunctive technologies compared with standard colposcopy, under both the HPV triage and primary screening algorithms, appears to be favourable when compared with the conventional thresholds used to determine value in the NHS.

FUTURE WORK

More diagnostic accuracy studies of ZedScan are needed, as are studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy for women referred to colposcopy as part of the HPV primary screening programme.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017054515.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Risk factors for cytological progression in HPV 16 infected women with ASC-US or LSIL: The Korean HPV cohort

Objective

This study was to identify the risk factors for cytological progression in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL).

Methods

We analyzed data from women infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) who participated in the Korean HPV cohort study. The cohort recruited women aged 20-60 years with abnormal cervical cytology (ASC-US or LSIL) from April 2010. All women were followed-up at every 6-month intervals with cervical cytology and HPV DNA testing.

Results

Of the 1,158 women included, 654 (56.5%) and 504 (43.5%) women showed ASC-US and LSIL, respectively. At the time of enrollment, 143 women tested positive for HPV 16 (85 single and 58 multiple infections). Cervical cytology performed in the HPV 16-positive women showed progression in 27%, no change in 23%, and regression in 50% of the women at the six-month follow-up. The progression rate associated with HPV 16 infection was higher than that with infection caused by other HPV types (relative risk [RR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.84; P=0.028). The cytological progression rate in women with persistent HPV 16 infection was higher than that in women with incidental or cleared infections (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between cigarette smoking and cytological progression (RR, 4.15; 95% CI, 1.01-17.00).

Conclusion

The cytological progression rate in HPV 16-positive women with ASC-US or LSIL is higher than that in women infected with other HPV types. Additionally, cigarette smoking may play a role in cytological progression.

Risk for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 3 or Higher in Follow-Up of Women With a Negative Cervical Biopsy

OBJECTIVE

The Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Programme recommends follow-up of histologically confirmed normal/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 with combined cytology and human papillomavirus testing within 6 to 12 months. This study examines adherence to guidelines and subsequent risk for CIN 3+ within this subset of women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women aged 25 to 69 years attending the Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in Norway's 2 northernmost counties were included. An exposed cohort with histologically confirmed normal/CIN 1 after an atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or atypical squamous cells - cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion enrolment cytology (n = 374) was compared with a nonexposed cohort with a normal enrolment cytology attending primary screening (N = 25,948). Risk calculations were stratified by outcomes of the first follow-up cytology. The study end point was CIN 3+ or censored at 78 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

In the exposed cohort, the 42-month cumulative incidence of CIN 3+ was 9.4% (95% CI = 4.1-14.7) for women with an abnormal first follow-up cytology and 1.6% (95% CI = 0.0-3.4) for women with a normal first follow-up cytology versus 0.21% (95% CI = 0.15-0.27) in the nonexposed cohort (p < .01). The CIN 3+ risk was higher in the exposed cohort when the first follow-up cytology was abnormal (hazard ratio = 20.4, 95% CI = 11.2-37.1) compared with normal (hazard ratio = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.9-11.6) with the nonexposed cohort as reference.

CONCLUSIONS

After a negative cervical biopsy, a normal first follow-up cytology provided a CIN 3+ risk considered acceptable to recommend return to routine screening in 3 years. Cytology and human papillomavirus co-testing in post-colposcopy follow-up of negative biopsies may improve risk stratification.

Difference Between Cryotherapy and Follow Up Low Grade Squamous Lesion of Cervix Uteri

INTRODUCTION

Cervical cancer can be successfully prevented by effective treatment.

AIM

Analyse of success of cryotherapy in LSIL and ASCUS.

MATERIALS ET METHODS

In retrospective study between January 2016 to March 2017, 3244 PAP test were analysed. 257 patients who had been diagnosed with LSIL and ASCUS from PAP smear were divided in two groups: women who had HPV positive, colposcopic positive and cytologic finding of LSIL or ASCUS treathed with cryotherapy and women with LSIL, ASCUS and negative colposcopy. χ2 test was used for statistical analysis of data.

RESULTS

Analysis of 3244 PAP smears showed negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) in 90,10% (N-2923), and abnormal in 9,8% (N-321) of women. ASCUS was found in 4,8% (N-156) and ASC-H in 0,2% (N-6), LSIL in 3,1% (N-101), HSIL in 0,64% (N-21). The average age of patients with ASCUS lesion was 41 ± 12 years. After cryotherapy, HSIL had progression in 1,5% (N-1), persistence in 6,3% (N-4) and regression in 91,7% (N-58). Progression occured in 10,5% (N-4) of HSIL, persistence in 52,6% (N-20) and regression in 36,7% (N-14) in 38 women with LSIL lesion after repeated PAP test. Progression occured in 8% (N-10) of LSIL and 4% HSIL (N-5), persistence in 58% (N-72) and regression in 29,8% (N-37) in 124 women with ASCUS lesion after treatment and repeated PAP test. Difference in progression lesions in HSIL between women with cryotherapy (1,5%) and follow-up (10,5%) after LSIL is not significant, but progression to CIN II occured after cryotherapy. CIN III or cervical cancer was not found.

CONCLUSION

Cryotherapy prevents progression of LSIL in HSIL and in cervical cancer. Because of that cryotherapy is successful method in prevention of cervical cancer.

[Pap smear before 25 years old]

OBJECTIVES

Current French recommendations advocate cervical-vaginal screening for cervical cancer from age 25 whereas earlier screening is mostly found in current clinical practice although its consequences are not well understood.

METHODS

A literature review using the MedLine database on the natural history of HPV infections, cytological screening, management of cytological and histological anomalies in adolescents and young women.

RESULTS

The adolescent and young woman have some characteristics that distinguish them from adult women: a high prevalence of HPV infections (making the use of the HPV test unprofitable), accompanied by a higher clearance; frequency of minor cytological abnormalities (for which a cytological surveillance without colposcopy is sufficient) and low-grade histological lesions of low grade the usual prognosis of which is complete recovery; and rarity of CIN3 lesions and absence of invasive lesions, allowing no treatment in patients with CIN2 lesions and compliant to cytological and colposcopic surveillance.

CONCLUSION

Cervical screening in the adolescent and young woman is not a logical attitude and the discovery of cytological or histological lesions requires specific behavior in this particular population.

Outcome of Persistent Low-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treated With Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of persistent (≥2 years) low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1) treated with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A study of 252 subjects with persistent biopsy-confirmed CIN 1 diagnosed after low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or atypical squamous lesions of undetermined significance on Papanicolaou test and treated with LEEP. Post-LEEP follow-up cytological, colposcopic, and molecular diagnostic examinations were scheduled at 6 months, 1 year, and yearly thereafter.

RESULTS

The 252 subjects enrolled had a total number of 1,008 visits per colposcopies (median = 3, range = 1-7) during a median post-LEEP follow-up of 25 months (range = 12-121). The cumulative incidence of CIN 2+ at 2 years and at 3 years of follow-up was 2.3% (4/176) and 5.5% (7/128), respectively, or 1.7 cases (95% CI = 1-2.8) per 100 woman-years. Low-grade cervical lesions during post-LEEP follow-up were diagnosed in 70 subjects (27.8%) or 10 cases (95% CI = 7.9-12.6) per 100 woman-years. Overall, persistent and multiple high-risk HPV infections during follow-up were associated with increased rates of CIN persistence or progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with persistent CIN 1 after atypical squamous lesions of undetermined significance/low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion treated with LEEP had a low rate of progression to CIN 2+ but remained at a high risk of low-grade cervical abnormalities during follow-up. This information should be taken into account when deciding on the treatment strategy and counseling women with persistent CIN 1.

Colposcopy: a global perspective: introduction of the new IFCPC colposcopy terminology

This article describes the current nomenclature of colposcopic findings in the lower genital tract as defined by the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) and agreed at their Triennial General Meeting in July 2012 in Rio de Janeiro. It builds on previous nomenclature published by the IFCPC over the last two decades and introduces for the first time the concept of transformation zone excision types. Vulval and vaginal colposcopic terminology is described.

Follow-up testing after colposcopy: five-year risk of CIN 2+ after a colposcopic diagnosis of CIN 1 or less

OBJECTIVE

Most women referred for colposcopy are not diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN 2+) but, nonetheless, are typically asked to return much sooner than their next routine screening interval in 3 to 5 years. An important question is how many subsequent negative Pap results, or negative Pap and human papillomavirus (HPV) cotest results, are needed before returning to an extended retesting interval.

METHODS

We estimated 5-year risks of CIN 2+ for 3 follow-up management strategies after colposcopy (Pap-alone, HPV-alone, and cotesting) for 20,319 women aged 25 years and older screened from 2003 to 2010 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California who were referred for colposcopy but for whom CIN 2+ was not initially diagnosed (i.e., "women with CIN 1/negative colposcopy").

RESULTS

Screening results immediately antecedent to CIN 1/negative colposcopy influenced subsequent 5-year CIN 2+ risk: women with an antecedent HPV-positive/atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) Pap had a lower risk (10%) than those with antecedent atypical squamous cells cannot rule out HSIL (ASC-H; 16%, p < .0001) or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or worse (HSIL+; 24%, p < .0001). For women with an antecedent HPV-positive/ASC-US or LSIL, a single negative cotest approximately 1 year after colposcopy predicted lower subsequent 5-year risk of CIN 2+ (1.1%) than 2 sequential negative HPV tests (1.8%, p = .3) or 2 sequential negative Pap results (4.0%, p < .0001). For those with an antecedent ASC-H or HSIL+ Pap, 1 negative cotest 1 year after colposcopy predicted lower subsequent 5-year risk of CIN 2+ (2.2%) than 1 negative HPV test (4.4%, p = .4) or 1 negative Pap (7.0%, p = .06); insufficient data existed to calculate the risk after sequential negative cotests for women with high-grade antecedent cytology.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with a CIN 1/negative colposcopy followed by negative postcolposcopy tests did not achieve sufficiently low CIN 2+ risk to return to 5-year routine screening. For women with antecedent HPV-positive/ASC-US or LSIL, a single negative postcolposcopy cotest reduced their risk to a level consistent with a 3-year return. For women with antecedent ASC-H or HSIL+, no single negative test result sufficed to reduce their risk to a level consistent with a 3-year return.

hr-HPV testing in the follow-up of women with cytological abnormalities and negative colposcopy

Background:

The follow-up after abnormal Pap smear and negative colposcopy is not clearly defined. This study aimed at investigating the role of hr-HPV testing in the management of abnormal Pap test and negative colposcopy for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+).

Methods:

The study enroled 1029 women with abnormal screening cytology (years 2006–2010) and negative colposcopy for CIN2+, which subsequently performed a hr-HPV test. Incident CIN2+ lesions were identified through linkage with cancer registry, hospital discharge records, neoplastic pathology reports and the archive of screening programme (2006–2011).

Results:

During the follow-up, the cohort developed 133 CIN2+ lesions; only one among hr-HPV-negative women. The probability of developing CIN2+ on follow-up time was 0.44% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1–3.1) and 41.8% (95% CI 31.8–53.5) for hr-HPV-negative women and hr-HPV-positive women, respectively. A woman with a positive hr-HPV test had about 105 times higher probability of developing a CIN2+ lesion than a woman with a negative hr-HPV test (hazard ratio (HR)=104.5, 95% CI 14.5–755.1), adjusted for index Pap test result, age and cervix squamocolumnar junction visualisation.

Conclusion:

Our results confirm that hr-HPV testing is able to select the real group of women at risk of developing CIN2+ lesions in the follow-up of abnormal cytology and first negative colposcopy.

Yield and mode of diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or cancer among women with negative cervical cytology and positive high-risk human papillomavirus test results

OBJECTIVE

In women with negative cervical cytology and positive high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) test results, we compared the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (CIN 3) or cancer (CIN 3+) in women with previous abnormal cervical cytology, CIN, or HR-HPV with that in women without this history, and we determined their cumulative risk of CIN 3+.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed colposcopies for negative cytology and positive HR-HPV test results from 2007 to 2009 (colposcopy was done for previous abnormal cytology, HR-HPV, or CIN or if negative cytology and positive HR-HPV test results for 20-35 months). Women with negative cytology and positive HR-HPV test results in 2007 were reviewed to determine their cumulative risk of CIN 3+.

RESULTS

Of the 513 women with colposcopy for negative cytology and positive HR-HPV test results, 367 had previous abnormal cytology, CIN, or HR-HPV greater than 35 months ago and 146 had negative cytology and positive HR-HPV test results for 20 to 35 months. Risk of CIN 3+ for women with negative cytology and positive HR-HPV test results with previous abnormal cytology, HR-HPV, or CIN who did not have previous colposcopy was 11.9% (8/67); for similar women with previous colposcopy, it was 2.7% (8/300); and for women with positive HR-HPV test result for 20 to 35 months, it was 7.5% (11/146). In 2007 to 2009, risk of CIN 3+ for women with cytology of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) with positive HR-HPV test result was 3.9% (60/1,540). Of the 1,726 women with negative cytology and positive HR-HPV test result in 2007, 381 (22.1%) were lost to follow-up. Of the 1,345 women with median follow-up of 44 months, 602 (44.8%) had 1 or 2 subsequent negative cytology and negative HR-HPV test results and 180 had subsequent positive HR-HPV test result without biopsy. Of the 563 women with biopsy, there were 711 evaluations. Invasive cancer was found in 4 and CIN 3 in 54 (cumulative CIN 3+ of 4.3%, 58/1,345). Half (29/58) of the cumulative CIN 3+ was diagnosed after subsequent abnormal cytology and positive HR-HPV test result.

CONCLUSIONS

If referral to colposcopy of women with cervical cytology of ASC-US and positive HR-HPV test result (CIN 3+, 3.9%) is justified, referral to colposcopy of women with negative cytology and positive HR-HPV test results is justified if they have previous abnormal cervical cytology, CIN, or HR-HPV greater than 35 months ago but have not had previous colposcopy (CIN 3+=11.9%) or are persistently HR-HPV positive for 20 to 35 months (CIN 3+, 7.5%). The risk of CIN 3+ in women with previous abnormal cytology, CIN, or HR-HPV who have previous colposcopy (2.7%) is lower because these women have incident rather than prevalent CIN 3+.

The challenge of follow-up in a low-income colposcopy clinic: characteristics associated with noncompliance in high-risk populations

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to identify sociodemographic and disease-specific factors associated with follow-up in an inner-city multiethnic colposcopy clinic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All charts of patients referred to colposcopy clinic for abnormal cervical cytology and/or high-risk human papillomavirus infections to the University of California, Irvine, Colposcopy Clinic in Santa Ana from November 2006 to December 2007 were reviewed. Compliance was defined as at least 1 follow-up evaluation within 3 to 14 months from initial colposcopy appointment. To determine compliance, the following factors were evaluated in a multivariate analysis: race, age, spoken language, insurance status, annual income, marital status, referral cytology, histology, and pregnancy status.

RESULTS

Among the 1,046 scheduled appointments, 50% were attended. Of the patients, 458 with a minimum of 14 months of follow-up were included. The mean (SD) age of these patients was 31.0 (10.7) years. 58% were white and 55% spoke Spanish. A total of 248 patients (54%) had appropriately timed repeat testing, whereas 210 (46%) failed to return within 14 months. In univariate analysis, women who were referred from outside the clinic, single, younger than 40 years, and with self-pay or government-funded insurance were more likely to be noncompliant although this was not statistically significant. In multivariate analysis, referral from outside the clinic, self-pay, or government-funded insurance, Spanish-speaking, and single marital status were all significantly associated with noncompliance. Although cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3 was not associated with noncompliance, 45% of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3 still did not comply with recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

This inner-city clinic is perhaps successful at maintaining compliance for women at highest risk for cervical cancer when the triage originates from within the clinic and when the patient is married, English-speaking, and privately insured. However, reasons for those patients at highest risk for noncompliance in this clinic may need to be better characterized.

Colposcopy referral rate can be reduced by high-risk human papillomavirus triage in the management of recurrent atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology in Finland

The aim of this study was to establish whether a combination of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing and cervical cytology could reduce colposcopy referral among women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology. We randomized 598 women in the Helsinki area, Finland into three study groups. Different strategies of hrHPV testing, cytology and colposcopy with biopsy were used; subsequent hrHPV test results and cytological findings were compared with histology. The rates of hrHPV positivity and CIN2+ were compared. In total, 62.5% of all samples were hrHPV-positive. Altogether 45 (12.7%) CIN2 or worse (CIN2+) lesions were found in study groups A and B. Among hrHPV-positive women the rate of CIN2+ was 19.0% (n = 43), in contrast with 1.6% (n = 2) among hrHPV-negative women (relative risk = 12.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6-81.1, P < 0.001). Among all hrHPV-negative women whose cytological findings were normal or ASCUS, dysplastic lesions were uncommon (n = 4/119, 3.4%), and all were CIN1. If these women had not been referred to colposcopy, the number of colposcopies would have been reduced by 33.6%. We conclude that hrHPV testing combined with repeat cervical cytology had a high negative predictive value in patients with recurrent low-grade cervical cytology. This could reduce the referral rate to colposcopy without jeopardizing patient safety.

Establishment of a Korea HPV cohort study

We have designed a five-year multicentre prospective cohort study in women who are both human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive with either atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) of cervix. This study aimed to analyze the risk of developing a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) from either ASCUS or LSIL in HPV-positive women, so called 'progression' rate, to investigate differences in the progression rates according to HPV type-specific infection, and to evaluate the various factors associated with the persistence or clearance of HPV infection in the Korean population. At present, the study protocol composed of cervical cytology, HPV DNA testing, and questionnaire have been conducted actively since the first participant was enrolled in 2010. This study is the first nationwide Korea HPV cohort study. Our data will provide valuable information about not only the ambiguous cytology results of ASCUS and LSIL but also the effect of the specific HPV type and other various factors on the progression to HSIL. Finally, the results of our study will be helpful and applicable to determine the primary cervical cancer prevention strategies.

Factors Affecting the Clearance of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection and the Progression of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify factors that predict clearance of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or higher, in women with normal cervical histology or CIN 1. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 817 high-risk HPV-infected women with histologically verified CIN 1 or normal cervical histology. Patients were followed-up for a maximum of 24 months. Cervical HPV DNA tests were performed at every visit. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, 648/817 (79.3%) patients were free from HPV infection and 66/817 patients (8.1%) progressed to CIN 2 or higher. Age, parity, cytology and viral load at diagnosis were significantly and inversely associated with HPV clearance. Cytology, viral load and presence of CIN 1 lesions were significantly associated with lesion progression. CONCLUSIONS: Cytology and high-risk HPV viral load may be useful markers for the likelihood of high-risk HPV clearance and lesion progression. Histological status, parity and marital status may also be useful factors to consider when predicting progression.

Regardless of skill, performing more biopsies increases the sensitivity of colposcopy

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to compare the sensitivity of colposcopically directed biopsy (biopsy of cervical quadrants with colposcopic impressions of human papillomavirus, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN], or cancer) for CIN 3 or cancer (CIN 3+) among physicians and to estimate the increase in yield of CIN 3+ per colposcopy associated with "random" biopsies and/or endocervical curettage (ECC).

METHODS

Two studies in which 7 physicians performed 1,383 colposcopic examinations on women with abnormal cervical cytology were reviewed. At colposcopy, the cervix was divided into quadrants by lines from the 12- to the 6-o'clock and from the 3- to the 9-o'clock positions. Each quadrant was assigned a colposcopic impression of normal, human papillomavirus or CIN 1, CIN 2 or CIN 3, or cancer. Each quadrant had biopsy of colposcopically detected lesions or "random" biopsy at the squamocolumnar junction if the colposcopic impression was normal. Lastly, ECC was obtained.

RESULTS

Among the physicians, the sensitivity of colposcopically directed biopsy for CIN 3+ varied from 28.6% to 92.9% (p < .001). With logistic regression, the sensitivity of colposcopically directed biopsy for CIN 3+ increased as the number of cervical quadrants with CIN 3+ increased (p < .001); once corrected for the number of quadrants with CIN 3+, differences between the physician's sensitivities remained significant (p = .01). For 6 of 7 physicians, the yield of CIN 3+ per colposcopy was greater when colposcopically directed biopsy was augmented by up to 4 "random" biopsies plus ECC (p = .03 to p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The sensitivity of colposcopy for CIN 3+ varies widely. Performing up to 4 "random" biopsies plus ECC increases the yield of CIN 3+.

Histological 'progression' from low (LSIL) to high (HSIL) squamous intraepithelial lesion is an uncommon event and an indication for quality assurance review

An accurate assessment of 'progression' from a low (LSIL) to high (HSIL) grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2 or CIN3) of the cervix is critical to ascertaining HSIL outcome risk, the value of predictive biomarkers, and the need for excisional therapy. We obtained biopsy outcome data on a series of initially diagnosed LSIL to assess this risk. Consecutive biopsy diagnoses of LSIL were obtained from the archives, and the frequency of HSIL biopsy outcomes were ascertained by record and histological review. Then, a 'numerical severity score' was recorded for each diagnosis: LSIL (1-2), CIN2 (3-4) and CIN3 (5-6) with lower and higher values corresponding to the degree (low vs high) of histological severity within each category, respectively. Of 264 initial LSILs, 29 (11%) were reported with an HSIL outcome. However, histological review of 21 of these HSILs confirmed only 8 (38%) HSIL diagnoses by review with the numerical severity score: three cases scored as 5, three cases scored as 4, and two cases scored as 3; the remaining 13 cases were assigned a numerical severity score of 1 or 2. P16 immunostains of corresponding previous and subsequent biopsies were discordant in 4 of 12 cases (33%). In a blind review of a randomly selected series of HSILs from the same practice, HSIL was significantly more likely to be confirmed on re-review (10 of 13 (77%), P=0.024). These findings show that confirmed HSIL outcomes (on review) following an LSIL biopsy are infrequent ( approximately 3%). A diagnosis of HSIL following an LSIL should always be reviewed, as this diagnostic pairing may more likely be associated with a diagnostic error.

A prospective study on the natural course of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and the presence of HPV16 E2-, E6- and E7-specific T-cell responses

This study investigates the clinical course of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), HPV status and HPV16-specific immune response in a large prospective study of 125 women with LSIL followed cytologically, virologically and histologically. Women with low-grade abnormal smears were recruited and followed-up for one year. Colposcopy, cervical biopsy for histology and brushings for HPV typing was performed at recruitment, 6 months (no biopsy) and upon completion of the study at one year. HPV16-specific T-cell responses were analysed by interferon-gamma ELISPOT at entry, 6 and 12 months. Infection with multiple HPV types was detected in 70% of all patients, HPV16 was found in 42% of the patients. LSIL lesions progressed to HSIL in 24%, persisted in 60% and regressed to normal in 16% of the patients. No difference was observed in the clearance rate of infections with single or multiple HPV types among the groups with a different histological outcome. HPV16-specific type 1 T-cell responses were detected in only half of the patients with an HPV16+ LSIL, and predominantly reactive to HPV16 E2 and E6. Interestingly, the presence of HPV16 E2-specific T-cell responses correlated with absence of progression of HPV16+ lesions (p = 0.005) while the detection of HPV16 E6 specific reactivity was associated with persistence (p = 0.05). This large prospective study showed that the majority of LSIL persisted or progressed within the first year.This was paralleled by immune failure as most of the patients with an HPV16+ LSIL failed to react to peptides of HPV16 E2, E6 or E7.

Colposcopy to evaluate abnormal cervical cytology in 2008

The rates of cervical cancer in the United States are low in comparison with developing nations. Whereas the Papanicolaou smear has performed well in terms of detecting both precursors of squamous cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, this test has been less successful at identifying those women with the highest-risk premalignant disease. The use of human papillomavirus testing has also contributed to the improved sensitivity of screening for cervical cancer. In light of this, the colposcopy clinic retains high referral rates yet has poor diagnostic accuracy. Unfortunately, patients are triaged to follow-up for abnormal Papanicolaou smears based on algorithms that rely on the less evidence-based techniques of colposcopy. Therefore, the need to improve the specificity of colposcopic-guided biopsy remains. The colposcopic procedure is highlighted in this review and evaluated in terms of current literature on technique, the colposcopic impression, cervical biopsy, and methods proposed to enhance appreciation of the highest-risk lesions. By outlining certain flaws in technique and discussing the proposal of new tests to supplement the current standard of care, this review aimed to highlight the need for future research to maintain sensitivity but improve the specificity of colposcopy.

Inappropriate gold standard bias in cervical cancer screening studies

As acetic acid-aided visual inspection (VIA) and colposcopic-directed biopsy miss small >/=cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2, inflation of sensitivity of VIA may occur when colposcopic-directed biopsy is the gold standard for >/=CIN 2. To determine whether such inflation occurs, we reviewed 375 women with >/=CIN 2 from the Shanxi Province Cervical Cancer Screening Study II. These women had positive self or physician-collected tests for high-risk human papillomavirus or abnormal cervical cytology and had VIA followed by colposcopy with directed biopsy and endocervical curettage (ECC). If a cervical quadrant had no lesion, a random biopsy at the squamocolumnar junction within that quadrant was obtained. Sensitivity of colposcopic-directed biopsy was higher for >/=CIN 2 involving 3-4 cervical quadrants (81.3%) than for >/=CIN 2 involving 0-2 quadrants (49.0%, p < 0.001). Sensitivities of VIA, cytology of >/=ASC-US, >/=LSIL, and >/=HSIL were higher for >/=CIN 2 involving 3-4 quadrants than for >/=CIN 2 involving 0-2 quadrants. When a colposcopic-directed biopsy gold standard was compared with that of a 5-biopsy standard (which included >/=CIN 2 from colposcopic-directed biopsy, random biopsy, or ECC), the sensitivity for >/=CIN 2 of VIA was inflated by 20.0% (65.9% vs. 45.9%, p < 0.001). Sensitivities of other screening tests were not affected. Similar inflation of sensitivity of VIA was found with an endpoint of >/=CIN 3 (70.4% vs. 52.0%, p = 0.0013). Inflation of sensitivity of VIA depended upon agreement between colposcopic-directed biopsy and the screening tests as measured by kappa. Studies of VIA that used colposcopic-directed biopsy as the gold standard require reevaluation.