National experience in the first two years of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening in an HPV vaccinated population in Australia: observational study

Epidemiology of HPV-associated cancers past, present and future: towards prevention and elimination

Cervical cancer is the first cancer deemed amenable to elimination through prevention, and thus lessons from the epidemiology and prevention of this cancer type can provide information on strategies to manage other cancers. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes virtually all cervical cancers, and an important proportion of oropharyngeal, anal and genital cancers. Whereas 20th century prevention efforts were dominated by cytology-based screening, the present and future of HPV-associated cancer prevention relies mostly on HPV vaccination and molecular screening tests. In this Review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of HPV-associated cancers, their disease burden, how past and contemporary preventive interventions have shaped their incidence and mortality, and the potential for elimination. We particularly focus on the cofactors that could have the greatest effect on prevention efforts, such as parity and human immunodeficiency virus infection, as well as on social determinants of health. Given that the incidence of and mortality from HPV-associated cancers remain strongly associated with the socioeconomic status of individuals and the human development index of countries, elimination efforts are unlikely to succeed unless prevention efforts focus on health equity, with a commitment to both primary and secondary prevention.

Investigating the role of Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 co-infections in cervical disease of Iranian women

Introduction

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) are known to contribute to cervical cancer (CC), but the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in this process remains unclear, despite EBV's widespread detection in premalignant and malignant cervical tissues.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 258 cervical samples, including both formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and fresh cervical tissues, the presence and viral load of HR-HPVs (HPV-16 and HPV-18) and EBV were evaluated in Iranian women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and a cervicitis control group using real-time PCR.

Results

The study revealed a significant correlation between disease severity and both increased HPV-16 positivity and HPV-16 and HPV-18 co-infection (p<0.001). Interestingly, the control group had a higher frequency of EBV-positive cases than SCC/CIN groups (p<0.001). HPV-16 DNA load increased with disease severity (P<0.001), while HPV-18 showed no significant difference (P=0.058). The control group had a higher EBV DNA load compared to SCC/CIN groups (P=0.033). HPV-16 increased the risk of CIN II, CIN III, and SCC, while HPV-18 increased the risk of CIN II and CIN III. Notably, EBV was associated with a lower risk of CIN groups and SCC.

Conclusions

No significant difference in EBV co-infection with HPV-16/18 was found, failing to support the hypothesis that EBV is a cofactor in CC. However, high EBV viral load in the control group suggests a potential "hit and run hypothesis" role in CC progression. This hypothesis suggests that EBV may contribute briefly to the initiation of CC with an initial impact but then becomes less actively involved in its ongoing progression.

Predictable changes in the accuracy of human papillomavirus tests after vaccination: review with implications for performance monitoring in cervical screening

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is changing the performance of cytology as a cervical screening test, but its effect on HPV testing is unclear. We review the effect of HPV16/18 vaccination on the epidemiology and the detection of HPV infections and high-grade cervical lesions (CIN2+) to evaluate the likely direction of changes in HPV test accuracy. The reduction in HPV16/18 infections and cross-protection against certain non-16/18 high-risk genotypes, most notably 31, 33, and/or 45, will likely increase the test's specificity but decrease its positive predictive value (PPV) for CIN2+. Post-vaccination viral unmasking of non-16/18 genotypes due to fewer HPV16 co-infections might reduce the specificity and the PPV for CIN2+. Post-vaccination clinical unmasking exposing a higher frequency of CIN2+ related to non-16/18 high-risk genotypes is likely to increase the specificity and the PPV of HPV tests. The effect of HPV16/18 vaccination on HPV test sensitivity is difficult to predict based on these changes alone. Programmes relying on HPV detection for primary screening should monitor the frequency of false-positive and false-negative tests in vaccinated (younger) vs. unvaccinated (older) cohorts, to assess the outcomes and performance of their service.

Prevalence of Trichomonas Infection in Relation to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Pap Smear Samples of Female Patients Referred to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd (Iran)

Objectives Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections have been proposed as risk factors for cervical cancer. This study has been conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence of TV and its relationship with HPV in women who underwent Pap smear testing as part of cancer screenings. Materials and methods The sampling of liquid-based cervical tissue was conducted among 500 women referred to the women's clinic of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd, Iran. The studied samples were examined for Pap smear tests and microscopic identification of TV, as well as HPV-DNA detection and the determination of high-risk and low-risk HPV types by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The results were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24 (Released 2016; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) software. Results The individuals included in the study were 16-72 years old. The prevalence rate of TV infection in this population was found to be 29.2%, and the frequency rate of HPV was reported to be approximately 19.4%, with high-risk HPV, including HPV-56, having the highest frequency. The Pap smear test results were reported as abnormal in 20.2%, and a significant correlation was observed between HPV infection and an abnormal Pap smear test (P < 0.05). In addition, a notable correlation was detected between TV infection and high-risk and low-risk HPV (P < 0.05). Conclusion According to the significant relationship found between the two pathogens, TV and HPV, in the abnormal Pap smear test results, TV infection can be considered a risk factor for HPV infection, as well as uterine lesions and cancer.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Abnormalities among Women Attending a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia over 2 Years

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution varies according to the assessment method and the population targeted. This study aimed to assess HPV infection prevalence in women aged 23 to 82 with abnormal cytology attending King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using retrospective data collected from January 2021 to December 2022. Cytological distribution included 155 samples of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (n = 83), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (n = 46), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (n = 14), atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) (n = 10), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 2). All samples were submitted to HPV detection and genotyping using Xpert HPV assay specimens. The most prevalent epithelial abnormalities were ASCUS (53.50%). Positive HPV infection results were observed in 52.9% of the samples. The highest prevalence of HPV genotypes, accounting for 31%, was attributed to the other high-risk genotypes, including 31, 33, 35, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68, followed by high-risk genotype 16, which counted in 11.60% of cases. Individuals who tested positive for HPV 16 were at a high risk of ASC-H, HSIL, and LSIL. Those testing positive for HPV 18-45 exhibited an elevated risk of LSIL, and those with positive results for other high-risk HPV genotypes were at an increased risk of ASCUS and LSIL, suggesting a low oncogenic potential. The results suggest that the percentage of association between samples with abnormal cervical presentation and negative high-risk HPV diagnosis is noticeably increasing. This underscores the need for effective screening programs and an understanding of the impact of specific HPV genotypes on cervical abnormalities.

Trichomonas vaginalis infection is associated with increased risk of cervical carcinogenesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 470 000 patients

BACKGROUND

Trichomonas vaginalis infection is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in women and has been suggested as a risk factor for developing cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the associations between T. vaginalis infection and cervical carcinogenesis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in five databases on 21 October 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies assessing the relationship between T. vaginalis infection, HPV co-infections, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer were found eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Summary estimates for pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was measured with I2 and Cochran's Q tests.

MAIN RESULTS

The 29 articles included 473 740 women, of whom 8518 were T. vaginalis-positive. Our results showed that T. vaginalis-infected women had 1.79 times higher odds of being diagnosed with HPV co-infection (95% CI 1.27-2.53; I2 95%). We also found that T. vaginalis infection was associated with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion diagnosis (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.10-4.95; I2 75%) and cervical cancer (OR 5.23, 95% CI 3.03-9.04; I2 3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed an association between T. vaginalis and cervical carcinogenesis in sexually active women.

Effect of Test History at Ages 50-64 on Later Cervical Cancer Risk: A Population-based Case-control Study

As life expectancy increases, the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening programs needs to be reassessed for the older population. We addressed the effect of test history in and outside organized screening at age 50-64 years on later cervical cancer risk. A case-control study was conducted by deriving 229 cases of 65-79 years old women with invasive cervical cancer in 2010-2019 from the Finnish Cancer Registry. Ten controls were matched for each case by birth year and hospital district. The effect of test uptake and abnormal results in 50-64 year olds on cancer risk was investigated using conditional logistic regression and adjusted for self-selection. Test uptake within the 50-64 years age group showed 75% lower odds of cervical cancer [adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.18-0.35]. Untested women had 4.9 times higher odds than those tested with normal results (aOR = 4.86; 95% CI, 3.42-6.92). Having at least one abnormal test result increased the odds by 2.5 when compared with only normal results but showed lower odds when compared with untested women. The importance of testing is exhibited by the result showing a reduction of odds of cancer to one-fourth for those tested compared with untested. Similarly, receiving abnormal results was protective of cancer compared with having no tests highlighting the importance of proper follow-up. Therefore, screening history should be considered when further developing cervical cancer screening programs with special interest in non-attenders and those receiving abnormal results at older ages.

Significance

To our knowledge, this is the first study from Finnish data describing the effect of test history on later cervical cancer at older ages. Focusing on the cervical tests taken within the Finnish national screening program and outside it highlights the overall importance of having cervical tests and adds this study into the slowly increasing number of studies considering all cervical testing in Finland.

Canadian Guideline on the Management of a Positive Human Papillomavirus Test and Guidance for Specific Populations

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence-based guidance on the management of a positive human papilloma virus (HPV) test and to provide guidance around screening and HPV testing for specific patient populations. The guideline was developed by a working group in collaboration with the Gynecologic Oncology Society of Canada (GOC), Society of Colposcopists of Canada (SCC), and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The literature informing these guidelines was obtained through a systematic review of relevant literature by a multi-step search process led by an information specialist. The literature was reviewed up to July 2021 with manual searches of relevant national guidelines and more recent publications. The quality of the evidence and strength of recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. The intended users of this guideline include primary care providers, gynecologists, colposcopists, screening programs, and healthcare facilities. The implementation of the recommendations will ensure an optimum implementation of HPV testing with a focus on the management of positive results. Recommendations for appropriate care for underserved and marginalized groups are made.

Implementation of Australia's primary human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening program: The STakeholders Opinions of Renewal Implementation and Experiences Study

In this study, we aimed to document stakeholders' experiences of implementing Australia's renewed National Cervical Screening Program. In December 2017, the program changed from 2nd yearly cytology for 20-69 year olds to 5 yearly human papillomavirus (HPV) screening for women 25-74 years. We undertook semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including government, program administrators, register staff, clinicians and health care workers, non-government organisations, professional bodies, and pathology laboratories from across Australia between Nov 2018 - Aug 2019. Response rate to emailed invitations was 49/85 (58%). We used Proctor et al's (2011) implementation outcomes framework to guide our questions and thematic analysis. We found that stakeholders were evenly divided over whether implementation was successful. There was strong support for change, but concern over aspects of the implementation. There was some frustration related to the delayed start, timeliness of communication and education, shortcomings in change management, lack of inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in planning and implementation, failure to make self-collection widely available, and delays in the National Cancer Screening Register. Barriers centred around a perceived failure to appreciate the enormity of the change and register build, and consequent failure to resource, project manage and communicate effectively. Facilitators included the good will and dedication of stakeholders, strong evidence base for change and the support of jurisdictions during the delay. We documented substantial implementation challenges, offering learnings for other countries transitioning to HPV screening. Sufficient planning, significant and transparent engagement and communication with stakeholders, and change management are critical.

A cervical screening initiative for elderly women in Denmark

INTRODUCTION

To assess outcome of a one-time human papillomavirus (HPV)-screening in 2017 of Danish women aged 70+.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Women born 1947 or before were personally invited to have a cell-sample collected by their general practitioner. Screening- and follow-up samples were analyzed in hospital laboratories in the five Danish regions and registered centrally. Follow-up procedures varied slightly across regions. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (CIN2) was recommended treatment threshold. Data were retrieved from the Danish Quality Database for Cervical Cancer Screening. We calculated CIN2+ and CIN3+ detection rates per 1000 screened women, and number of biopsies and conizations per detected CIN2+ case. We tabulated annual number of incident cervical cancer cases in Denmark for the years 2009-2020.

RESULTS

In total, 359 763 women were invited of whom 108 585 (30% of invited) were screened; 4479 (4.1% of screened, and 4.3% of screened 70-74 years) tested HPV-positive; of whom 2419 (54% of HPV-positive) were recommended follow-up with colposcopy, biopsy and cervical sampling, and 2060 with cell-sample follow-up. In total, 2888 women had histology; of whom 1237 cone specimen and 1651 biopsy only. Out of 1000 screened women 11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11-12) had conization. In total, 579 women had CIN2+; 209 CIN2, 314 CIN3, and 56 cancer. Out of 1000 screened women five (95% CI: 5-6) had CIN2+. Detection rate of CIN2+ was highest in regions where conization was used as part of first-line follow-up. In 2009-2016, number of incident cervical cancers in women aged 70+ in Denmark fluctuated around 64; in 2017 it reached 83 cases; and by 2021 the number had decreased to 50.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of high-risk HPV of 4.3% in women aged 70-74 is in agreement with data from Australia, and the detection of five CIN+2 cases per 1000 screened women is in agreement with data for 65-69 year old women in Norway. Data are thus starting to accumulate on primary HPV-screening of elderly women. The screening resulted in a prevalence peak in incident cervical cancers, and it will therefore take some years before the cancer preventive effect of the screening can be evaluated.

Older women testing positive for HPV16/18 on cervical screening and risk of high-grade cervical abnormality

In Australia's HPV-based cervical screening program, we previously showed that risk of histological high-grade abnormality at 1 year post screening decreased with age in women with oncogenic HPV. In this study, we followed 878 HPV16/18 positive women aged 55 years and over for up to 3 years post screening test, to determine the proportion with histological high-grade abnormality (HGA, incorporating high-grade squamous intraepithelial abnormality (HSIL), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma) and to correlate risk of HGA with liquid-based cytology result and with prior screening history. HGA was detected in 7.8% at 1 year and 10.0% at 3 years, with no significant difference (P = .136), despite the number of women with follow-up information significantly increasing from 82.9% to 91.0% (P < .0001). The proportion of HPV16/18 positive women with HGA at 3 years was highest in those with an HSIL cytology result (79.0%) and lowest in those with negative cytology (6.2%). Women with an adequate screening history had fewer HGA than such women with inadequate prior screening (6.6% vs 16.0%, P = .001) or with a history of an abnormality (6.6% vs 14.4%, P = .001). HPV16/18 infection in women over 55 years may have a different natural history from that in younger women, in whom HGA are more common after HPV16/18 detection. In HPV-based cervical screening programs, management algorithms for screen-detected abnormalities based on risk stratification should include factors such as age, screening history and index cytology result, so that women receive appropriate investigation and follow-up.

HPV-negative high-grade cervical precancerous lesions or invasive cancer in China: A post hoc analysis of a multicentric clinical study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate HPV-negative cervical high-grade precancerous lesions or cancer in China.

METHODS

Histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) were searched in a multicentric clinical study. All patients underwent cobas HPV testing, liquid-based cytology, DNA ploidy analysis, and colposcopy-guided biopsy. According to clinical practice, patients underwent p16^ink4a staining and cone biopsy. Comparisons were made between HPV-negative and -positive patients for clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The study found 61 cases of cobas HPV-negative CIN2+ among 797 cases of histologically confirmed CIN2+, including 38 CIN2, 20 CIN3, and 3 invasive cancers. The prevalence of HPV-negative CIN2+ and CIN3+ was 7.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.8-9.5) and 5.7% (95% CI 3.5-8.0), respectively. Among 24 cases with p16 staining, 20 showed p16 positivity. The proportions of normal or minor abnormalities in terms of colposcopy, cytology, and DNA ploidy were higher in HPV-negative cases than in HPV-positive cases. When adding cytology to the screening of symptomatic or previously HPV-positive women, the prevalence of HPV-negative CIN2+ or CIN3 would decrease by approximately 50%.

CONCLUSION

Less than one-tenth of CIN2+ are missed by HPV-only screening, and they have smaller lesions than HPV-positive cases. Colposcopy should be considered for symptomatic or previously HPV-positive women with HPV-negative results.

Self-Collection Cervical Screening in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Scoping Review of Implementation Evidence

PURPOSE

Although cervical cancer is a disease of inequity, it can be eliminated as a public health problem through vaccination, screening, and treatment. Human papillomavirus vaginal self-collection cervical screening is a high-performance test that can increase reach of screening. This review describes the different contexts and models of care used to pilot or implement self-collection within the Asia-Pacific, measures the extent that implementation outcome measures are reported and, where available, summarizes key implementation findings.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted by searching five databases of the peer-reviewed literature on June 20, 2022. Two researchers assessed eligibility and extracted data independently to the model of care used and the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Outcomes. A mixed-method consolidation of findings (quantitative: count and frequencies; qualitative: content analysis) was undertaken to narratively report findings.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven articles, comprising 50 unique studies from 11 countries and two special autonomous regions, were included; 82% were conducted in trials. The implementation of self-collection was conducted in low- (2%), lower-middle- (32%), upper-middle- (32%), and high-income (35%) settings, with 10 different delivery models used; 80% delivered through practitioner-supported models with diversity in how samples were processed, and treatment was offered. Acceptability (73%) and appropriateness (64%) measures were most reported, followed by adoption (57%), feasibility (48%), and fidelity (38%). Only 7% of articles reported implementation cost or penetration measures. No articles reported sustainability measures.

CONCLUSION

The literature confirms that self-collection cervical screening has been implemented within the Asia-Pacific region, with evidence demonstrating that it is acceptable and appropriate from the user's perspective. Well-designed, high-quality implementation trials and real-world evaluations of self-collection that report the breadth of implementation outcomes can support the progression toward the elimination of cervical cancer.

Real-world impact and effectiveness of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine: an updated systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which poses significant disease burden, is decreasing following implementation of vaccination programs. Synthesized evidence on HPV vaccine real-world benefit was published in 2016. However, long-term impact of vaccination, and how vaccination programs influence infection rates and disease outcomes, requires further examination.

AREAS COVERED

We systematically reviewed observational studies on HPV vaccination within MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from 2016 to 2020, involving 14 years of follow-up data. We identified 138 peer-reviewed publications reporting HPV vaccine impact or effectiveness. Outcomes of interest included rates of infection at different anatomical sites and incidence of several HPV-related disease endpoints.

EXPERT OPINION

The expansion of HPV vaccination programs worldwide has led to a reduction in genital infection and significant decreases in incidence of HPV-related disease outcomes. Therefore, the WHO has set goals for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health concern. To track progress toward this requires an understanding of the effectiveness of different vaccination initiatives. However, the impact on males, and potential benefit of gender-neutral vaccination programs have not been fully explored. To present an accurate commentary on the current outlook of vaccination and to help shape policy therefore requires a systematic review of available data.

"So, if she wasn't aware of it, then how would everybody else out there be aware of it?"-Key Stakeholder Perspectives on the Initial Implementation of Self-Collection in Australia's Cervical Screening Program: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

In December 2017, the Australian National Cervical Screening Program transitioned from 2-yearly cytology-based to 5-yearly human papillomavirus (HPV)-based cervical screening, including a vaginal self-collection option. Until July 2022, this option was restricted to under- or never-screened people aged 30 years and older who refused a speculum exam. We investigated the perspectives and experiences of stakeholders involved in, or affected by, the initial implementation of the restricted self-collection pathway.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 49 stakeholders as part of the STakeholder Opinions of Renewal Implementation and Experiences Study. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data were thematically analysed and coded to the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Outcomes.

RESULTS

Stakeholders viewed the introduction of self-collection as an exciting opportunity to provide under-screened people with an alternative to a speculum examination. Adoption in clinical practice, however, was impacted by a lack of clear communication and promotion to providers, and the limited number of laboratories accredited to process self-collected samples. Primary care providers tasked with communicating and offering self-collection described confusion about the availability, participant eligibility, pathology processes, and clinical management processes for self-collection. Regulatory delay in developing an agreed protocol to approve laboratory processing of self-collected swabs, and consequently initially having one laboratory nationally accredited to process samples, led to missed opportunities and misinformation regarding the pathway's availability.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst the introduction of self-collection was welcomed, clear communication from Government regarding setbacks in implementation and how to overcome these in practice were needed. As Australia moves to a policy of providing everyone eligible for screening the choice of self-collection, wider promotion to providers and eligible people, clarity around pathology processes and the scaling up of test availability, as well as timely education and communication of clinical management practice guidelines, are needed to ensure smoother program delivery in the future. Other countries implementing self-collection policies can learn from the implementation challenges faced by Australia.