Screening for cervical cancer with hpv testing

First results in the uruguayan public system

Abstract

Introduction: in Uruguay, cervical cancer occupied the third place with an average incidence of 312 new cases per year. 134 women died in the 2010 -2014 period.
Objective: the study aims to analyse the first results in a pilot experience with the application of Hybrid Capture® 2 High-Risk HPV DNA Test™ (hc2) (Qiagen) as the primary screening test for cervical cancer, in the Department of Canelones.
Method: 1.010 asymptomatic women whose ages ranged between 30 and 64 years old were studied when they requested a pap smear at two units of sample taking within the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. Samples were taken along with the pap smear, and sent to one of the cytology labs in the primary health care network, the HPV sample being processed with the hybrid capture technique in the molecular biology laboratory of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center. Users with abnormal HPV+ and abnormal pap smear results (ASCUS+) were referred to colposcopy, with subsequent biopsy and treatment if required.
Results: HPV test was positive in 126/1010 women (12.5%) and PAP was abnormal in 167/1010 cases (16.5%). HPV test was positive in all cases CIN2+ 13/13 (100%) whereas PAP was abnormal (ASCUS+) in 7/13 54%) for CIN2+ in biopsy.
Conclusion: HPV test was more effective and efficient than pap smear to detect pre-cancer lesions in the cervix.