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Detection of HPV mRNA in Self-collected Vaginal Samples Among Women at 69-70 Years of Age.

By: Avalon Ernstson, Katrin Christine Asciutto, Johan Sturesson, Jonas Norén, Ola Forslund, Christer Borgfeldt

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden avalon.ernstson@med.lu.se.
2018-11-13; doi: 10.21873/anticanres.13123

Abstract

Background/aim

Cervical cancer is associated with poorer diagnosis among the elderly and pap-smear screening has a lower sensitivity. Self-sampling for detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) may be an alternative screening method. The aim of this study was to analyze the response rate to vaginal HPV self-sampling and the HPV mRNA prevalence among women 69-70 years.

Materials

An HPV self-sampling kit was sent to 1,000 women 69-70 years whom had not taken a cervical smear in ≥5 years. The samples were analyzed by the Aptima HPV mRNA assay. HPV-positive women were recalled for a follow-up examination.

Results

The self-sample response rate was 43.3%. The HPV mRNA prevalence was 6.2%. All HPV-positive women attended follow-up.

Conclusion

HPV self-sampling was accepted among older women. Although the HPV mRNA prevalence was 6.2%, no high-grade cytological abnormalities were found. Larger studies are needed to elucidate hr-HPV self-sampling as a tool to identify older women at risk of cervical cancer.