1
|
Wever BMM, Schaafsma M, Bleeker MCG, van den Burgt Y, van den Helder R, Lok CAR, Dijk F, van der Pol Y, Mouliere F, Moldovan N, van Trommel NE, Steenbergen RDM. Molecular analysis for ovarian cancer detection in patient-friendly samples. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:88. [PMID: 38755429 PMCID: PMC11099128 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High ovarian cancer mortality rates motivate the development of effective and patient-friendly diagnostics. Here, we explored the potential of molecular testing in patient-friendly samples for ovarian cancer detection. METHODS Home-collected urine, cervicovaginal self-samples, and clinician-taken cervical scrapes were prospectively collected from 54 patients diagnosed with a highly suspicious ovarian mass (benign n = 25, malignant n = 29). All samples were tested for nine methylation markers, using quantitative methylation-specific PCRs that were verified on ovarian tissue samples, and compared to non-paired patient-friendly samples of 110 age-matched healthy controls. Copy number analysis was performed on a subset of urine samples of ovarian cancer patients by shallow whole-genome sequencing. RESULTS Three methylation markers are significantly elevated in full void urine of ovarian cancer patients as compared to healthy controls (C2CD4D, P = 0.008; CDO1, P = 0.022; MAL, P = 0.008), of which two are also discriminatory in cervical scrapes (C2CD4D, P = 0.001; CDO1, P = 0.004). When comparing benign and malignant ovarian masses, GHSR shows significantly elevated methylation levels in the urine sediment of ovarian cancer patients (P = 0.024). Other methylation markers demonstrate comparably high methylation levels in benign and malignant ovarian masses. Cervicovaginal self-samples show no elevated methylation levels in patients with ovarian masses as compared to healthy controls. Copy number changes are identified in 4 out of 23 urine samples of ovarian cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals increased methylation levels of ovarian cancer-associated genes and copy number aberrations in the urine of ovarian cancer patients. Our findings support continued research into urine biomarkers for ovarian cancer detection and highlight the importance of including benign ovarian masses in future studies to develop a clinically useful test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birgit M M Wever
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirte Schaafsma
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek/Netherlands Cancer Institute, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Center of Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike C G Bleeker
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yara van den Burgt
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne van den Helder
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek/Netherlands Cancer Institute, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Center of Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christianne A R Lok
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek/Netherlands Cancer Institute, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Center of Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike Dijk
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ymke van der Pol
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Florent Mouliere
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Norbert Moldovan
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke E van Trommel
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek/Netherlands Cancer Institute, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Center of Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renske D M Steenbergen
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Whittaker M, Davies JC, Sargent A, Sawyer M, Crosbie EJ. A comparison of the carbon footprint of alternative sampling approaches for cervical screening in the UK: A descriptive study. BJOG 2024; 131:699-708. [PMID: 38012840 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand whether self-sampling can reduce carbon emissions (CO2 e) from the NHS cervical screening programme (NHSCSP) by comparing the carbon footprint of three sampling strategies: routine cervical sampling, vaginal self-sampling and first-void (FV) urine collection. DESIGN Descriptive study. SETTING National Health Service (NHS), United Kingdom (UK). POPULATION OR SAMPLE Patients aged 25-64 years eligible for cervical screening in the UK. METHODS A carbon footprint analysis was undertaken for three cervical screening sampling approaches, from point of invitation to screening through to preparation for transport to the laboratory for HPV testing. A combination of primary and secondary data were used, with a bottom-up approach applied to collection of primary data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We report CO2 e per sampling approach, which is the unit used to express carbon footprint and harmonise the contributions of greenhouse gases with different global warming potentials. RESULTS The total carbon footprint of routine cervical sampling is 3670 g CO2 e. By comparison, vaginal self-sampling had a total carbon footprint of 423 g CO2 e, and FV urine sampling 570 g CO2 e. The largest share of emissions for routine sampling was attributable to the carbon footprint associated with an appointment in a primary care setting, which totalled 2768 g CO2 e. CONCLUSIONS Routine cervical sampling is up to 8.7-fold more carbon-intensive than self-sampling approaches with equivalent effectiveness. We found negligible differences in the carbon footprint of alternative self-sampling methods, supporting the need for an informed choice of screening options for participants, which includes sharing information on their environmental impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Whittaker
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer C Davies
- Gynaecological Oncology Research Group, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexandra Sargent
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cytology Department, Clinical Sciences Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Matt Sawyer
- SEE Sustainability, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Emma J Crosbie
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Gynaecological Oncology Research Group, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wever BMM, Steenbergen RDM. Unlocking the potential of tumor-derived DNA in urine for cancer detection: methodological challenges and opportunities. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38462745 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
High cancer mortality rates and the rising cancer burden worldwide drive the development of innovative methods in order to advance cancer diagnostics. Urine contains a viable source of tumor material and allows for self-collection from home. Biomarker testing in this liquid biopsy represents a novel approach that is convenient for patients and can be effective in detecting cancer at a curable stage. Here, we set out to provide a detailed overview of the rationale behind urine-based cancer detection, with a focus on non-urological cancers, and its potential for cancer diagnostics. Moreover, evolving methodological challenges and untapped opportunities for urine biomarker testing are discussed, particularly emphasizing DNA methylation of tumor-derived cell-free DNA. We also provide future recommendations for technical advancements in urine-based cancer detection and elaborate on potential mechanisms involved in the transrenal transport of cell-free DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birgit M M Wever
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Imaging and Biomarkers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renske D M Steenbergen
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Imaging and Biomarkers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Costas L, Onieva I, Pelegrina B, Marin F, Carmona Á, López-Querol M, Frias-Gomez J, Peremiquel-Trillas P, Martínez JM, Dorca E, Brunet J, Pineda M, Ponce J, Matias-Guiu X, de Sanjosé S, Bosch FX, Alemany L, Paytubi S. Evaluation of Somatic Mutations in Urine Samples as a Noninvasive Method for the Detection and Molecular Classification of Endometrial Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3681-3690. [PMID: 37439797 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current diagnostic methods for endometrial cancer lack specificity, leading to many women undergoing invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate somatic mutations in urine to accurately discriminate patients with endometrial cancer from controls. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Overall, 72 samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) with molecular identifiers targeting 47 genes. We evaluated urine supernatant samples from women with endometrial cancer (n = 19) and age-matched controls (n = 20). Cell pellets from urine and plasma samples from seven cases were sequenced; further, we also evaluated paired tumor samples from all cases. Finally, immunohistochemical markers for molecular profiling were evaluated in all tumor samples. RESULTS Overall, we were able to identify mutations in DNA from urine supernatant samples in 100% of endometrial cancers. In contrast, only one control (5%) showed variants at a variant allele frequency (VAF) ≥ 2% in the urine supernatant samples. The molecular classification obtained by using tumor samples and urine samples showed good agreement. Analyses in paired samples revealed a higher number of mutations and VAF in urine supernatants than in urine cell pellets and blood samples. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of somatic mutations using urine samples may offer a user-friendly and reliable tool for endometrial cancer detection and molecular classification. The diagnostic performance for endometrial cancer detection was very high, and cases could be molecularly classified using these noninvasive and self-collected samples. Additional multicenter evaluations using larger sample sizes are needed to validate the results and understand the potential of urine samples for the early detection and prognosis of endometrial cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Costas
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Onieva
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pelegrina
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fátima Marin
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Cancer - CIBERONC, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, ONCOBELL Program, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Marta López-Querol
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jon Frias-Gomez
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Peremiquel-Trillas
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel Martínez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Dorca
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Brunet
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Cancer - CIBERONC, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, ONCOBELL Program, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBGI, Girona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Doctor Josep Trueta Girona University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Marta Pineda
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Cancer - CIBERONC, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, ONCOBELL Program, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ponce
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Cancer - CIBERONC, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francesc Xavier Bosch
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Alemany
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Paytubi
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hanžek A, Siatka C, Duc ACE. Extracellular urinary microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers of endometrial and ovarian cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7981-7993. [PMID: 36914786 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04675-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gynecological cancers account for a large number of cancer-related deaths in women. Endometrial cancer is the most prevalent, while ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer worldwide. To overcome the clinical need for easy and rapid testing, there is a growing interest in cancer detection in non-invasive modalities. With a growing field of liquid biopsy, urine became interesting source of cancer biomarkers. OBJECTIVES The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview on the origin, analysis and the clinical significance of urine microRNAs in gynecological cancers, with a focus on ovarian and endometrial cancer. MicroRNAs, a class of small non-coding nucleic acids, are emerging as a non-invasive biomarkers due to the feasibility and the extreme stability in body fluids. Specific miRNA expression signatures have been previously identified in ovarian and endometrial cancer. RESULTS The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview on the origin, analysis and the clinical significance of urine microRNAs in gynecological cancers, with the focus on ovarian and endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: The advantages and limitations of urine microRNA utility and technologies are discussed. Previously detected microRNA from urine of the patients are summarized to evaluate their potential as non-invasive clinical biomarkers in gynecological oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonija Hanžek
- UPR CHROME, Université de Nîmes, CEDEX 1, 30021, Nîmes, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jordaens S, Zwaenepoel K, Tjalma W, Deben C, Beyers K, Vankerckhoven V, Pauwels P, Vorsters A. Urine biomarkers in cancer detection: A systematic review of preanalytical parameters and applied methods. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:2186-2205. [PMID: 36647333 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to explore the status of urine sampling as a liquid biopsy for noninvasive cancer research by reviewing used preanalytical parameters and protocols. We searched two main health sciences databases, PubMed and Web of Science. From all eligible publications (2010-2022), information was extracted regarding: (a) study population characteristics, (b) cancer type, (c) urine preanalytics, (d) analyte class, (e) isolation method, (f) detection method, (g) comparator used, (h) biomarker type, (i) conclusion and (j) sensitivity and specificity. The search query identified 7835 records, of which 924 unique publications remained after screening the title, abstract and full text. Our analysis demonstrated that many publications did not report information about the preanalytical parameters of their urine samples, even though several other studies have shown the importance of standardization of sample handling. Interestingly, it was noted that urine is used for many cancer types and not just cancers originating from the urogenital tract. Many different types of relevant analytes have been shown to be found in urine. Additionally, future considerations and recommendations are discussed: (a) the heterogeneous nature of urine, (b) the need for standardized practice protocols and (c) the road toward the clinic. Urine is an emerging liquid biopsy with broad applicability in different analytes and several cancer types. However, standard practice protocols for sample handling and processing would help to elaborate the clinical utility of urine in cancer research, detection and disease monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Jordaens
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Novosanis NV, Wijnegem, Belgium
| | - Karen Zwaenepoel
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Wiebren Tjalma
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic, Gynecological Oncology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Christophe Deben
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Vanessa Vankerckhoven
- Novosanis NV, Wijnegem, Belgium.,Center for Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Alex Vorsters
- Center for Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vega Crespo B, Neira VA, Ortíz S J, Maldonado-Rengel R, López D, Gómez A, Vicuña MJ, Mejía J, Benoy I, Carreño TP, Verhoeven V. Evaluation of Urine and Vaginal Self-Sampling versus Clinician-Based Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening: A Field Comparison of the Acceptability of Three Sampling Tests in a Rural Community of Cuenca, Ecuador. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091614. [PMID: 36141226 PMCID: PMC9498379 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-sampling methods for HPV testing have been demonstrated to be highly sensitive and specific. The implementation of these methods in settings with a lack of infrastructure or medical attention has been shown to increase the coverage of cervical cancer screening and detect cervical abnormalities in the early stages. The aim of this study is to compare the acceptability of urine and vaginal self-sampling methods versus clinician sampling among rural women. A total of 120 women participated. Each participant self-collected urine and vaginal samples and underwent clinician sampling for Pap smear and HPV testing. After the sample collection, a questionnaire to qualify the device, technique, and individual acceptability was applied, and the additional overall preference of three sample tests was evaluated. Results: The characteristics of the participants were as follows: median age of 35 years; 40.8% were married; 46.7% had a primary level of education; median age of sexual onset of 17.6 years. Compared with clinician sampling, both vaginal self-sampling, OR 20.12 (7.67–52.8), and urine sampling, OR 16.63 (6.79–40.72), were more comfortable; granted more privacy: vaginal self-sampling, OR 8.07 (3.44–18.93), and urine sampling, OR 19.5 (5.83–65.21); were less painful: vaginal self-sampling, OR 0.07 (0.03–0.16), and urine sampling, OR 0.01 (0–0.06); were less difficult to apply: vaginal self-sampling, OR 0.16 (0.07–0.34), and urine sampling, OR 0.05 (0.01–0.17). The overall preference has shown an advantage for vaginal self-sampling, OR 4.97 (2.71–9.12). No statistically significant preference was demonstrated with urine self-sampling versus clinician sampling. Conclusions: Self-sampling methods have a high acceptance in rural communities. Doubts on the reliability of self-sampling often appear to be a limitation on its acceptability. However, the training and education of the community could increase the uptake of these methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Vega Crespo
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
- Correspondence:
| | - Vivian Alejandra Neira
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay UDA, Cuenca 010104, Ecuador
| | - José Ortíz S
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
| | - Ruth Maldonado-Rengel
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja UTPL Loja Ecuador, Loja 1101608, Ecuador
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Morfológicas, Universidad de La Frontera UFRO, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Diana López
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay UDA, Cuenca 010104, Ecuador
| | - Andrea Gómez
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
| | - María José Vicuña
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Mejía
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
| | - Ina Benoy
- AMBIOR, Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tesifón Parrón Carreño
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Neurociencias, Universidad de Almería UAL, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Veronique Verhoeven
- Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|