Untold story of human cervical cancers: HPV-negative cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women worldwide. Although infection from human papillomavirus (HPV) has been the leading cause of cervical cancer, HPV-negative cervical cancer accounts for approximately 3-8% of all cases. Previous research studies on cervical cancer have focused on HPV-positive cervical cancer due to its prevalence, resulting in HPV-negative cervical cancer receiving considerably less attention. As a result, HPV-negative cervical cancer is poorly understood. Its etiology remains elusive mainly due to limitations in research methodology such as lack of defined markers and model systems. Moreover, false HPV negativity can arise from inaccurate diagnostic methods, which also hinders the progress of research on HPV-negative cervical cancer. Since HPV-negative cervical cancer is associated with worse clinical features, greater attention is required to understand HPV-negative carcinoma. In this review, we provide a summary of knowledge gaps and current limitations of HPV-negative cervical cancer research based on current clinical statistics. We also discuss future directions for understanding the pathogenesis of HPV-independent cervical cancer. [BMB Reports 2022; 55(9): 429-438].

An online survey on emotions, impact on everyday life, and educational needs of women with HPV positivity or abnormal Pap smear result

This study aimed to evaluate the emotional path, impact on everyday life, and adequacy of patient education throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic journey of women who received a positive human papillomavirus (HPV) test or Pap smear result.An online survey was designed to determine the demographic characteristics, dominant feelings throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, major lifestyle changes, impact on social life, and perceived adequacy of patient information in Italian women with a positive HPV test or abnormal cervical cytology result. In this study, the phases of the "patient's journey" included the initial test, waiting for colposcopy or biopsy, waiting for surgery, and follow-up.Anxiety, worry, and fear were the most frequently cited emotions during the initial tests and intervals between procedures. Anxiety and fear gradually decreased during the journey until surgery, and higher levels of optimism were observed postsurgery. The most frequently reported lifestyle changes were attempts to boost the immune system, increased precautions in sexual practices, and dietary changes. Social life is affected by changes in sexual and intimate relationships with partners. Women reported receiving insufficient patient education on the diagnosis and its implications, progression, management, personal care, and resolution.Significant attention should be given to the psychosocial aspects of the entire patient journey after receiving a positive HPV test or an abnormal Pap smear result. It is essential to establish a good rapport between patients and healthcare professionals, and to educate women regarding the condition by minimizing the gap between the perceived and desired adequacy of information.

Cost-effectiveness of cervical cancer screening: cytology versus human papillomavirus DNA testing

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most cost-effective screening programme for cervical cancer.

DESIGN

Cost-effectiveness analysis from a societal perspective.

SETTING

The Netherlands.

POPULATION

Dutch women who have not been invited for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

METHODS

We calibrated the microsimulation screening analysis (MISCAN) model to Dutch epidemiological data. We used this model to consider nine screening strategies that use: (i) cytological testing with cytology triage for borderline/mildly abnormal smears; (ii) HPV testing with cytology triage for HPV-positive smears; or (iii) cytological testing with HPV triage for borderline/mildly abnormal smears. For each strategy, we varied the number of screening rounds, the time interval, the age of the first screening, and the type of cytological testing (conventional or liquid-based cytology).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and costs from a societal perspective.

RESULTS

Under the base-case assumptions, primary HPV testing with cytology triage is the most cost-effective strategy. Using cost-effectiveness thresholds of € 20,000 and € 50,000 per QALY gained yields optimal screening programmes with three and seven screening rounds, respectively. The results are sensitive to several uncertain model inputs, most importantly the costs of the HPV test. For women aged 32 years or younger, primary cytology screening is more cost-effective than primary HPV testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing the interval between screening rounds and changing the primary test from cytology to HPV testing can improve the effectiveness and decrease the costs of cervical cancer screening in the Netherlands.

Feasibility of self-sampling and human papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer screening in First Nation women from Northwest Ontario, Canada: a pilot study

Background The incidence of cervical cancer is up to sixfold higher among First Nation women in Canada than in the general population. This is probably due to lower participation rates in cervical cancer prevention programmes. Objective To raise screening participation in this underserved population by launching an alternative approach to (Pap)anicolaou testing in a clinic-namely, vaginal self-sampling followed by human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnostics. Methods Good relationships were established with a First Nation community of the Northern Superior region in Northwest Ontario, and then 49 community women, aged 25-59, were recruited, who provided a vaginal self-sample and answered a questionnaire. Frequency distributions and cross-tabulations were used to summarise the data. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using the χ(2) test of association, or the Goodman-Kruskal γ if both variables had ordered categories. Self-collected samples were tested for integrity and HPV using optimised molecular biological methods. Results The majority of participants (87.2%) were amenable to future HPV screening by self-sampling. This finding was independent of age, educational level and a previous history of abnormal Pap tests. Interestingly, the preferred way to learn about sexual health remained through interaction with healthcare professionals. As defined by the presence of a housekeeping gene, self-sample integrity was high (96%). Using polymerase chain reaction-based Luminex typing, the overall HPV positivity was 28.6% (ie, with either a low- or high-risk type) and 16.3% were infected with a high-risk type such as HPV16. Conclusion In this pilot study of First Nation women, self-sampling and HPV testing was well received and self-sample quality was excellent. A larger survey to be conducted in other Northern Superior communities in Northwest Ontario will determine whether this approach could become a viable screening strategy for First Nation women.