HPV in LBC

Jean Wilson, Cellular Pathology

Jean Wilson, Cellular Pathology

Background: Invasive Cervical Cancer (ICC) is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. It has been well-established that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a causative agent of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The conventional cervical smear has become exhaustive and its fitness for purpose is no longer viable. Liquid based cytology technology in cervical screening has been implemented to maintain the screening programs effectiveness. Current literature in relation to HPV testing has brought about much attentiveness and reviews have been carried out to further benefit the cervical screening programme by reducing morbidity and mortality and thus, reducing  the referral rate to colposcopy.
Objectives: To assess the feasibility of detecting Human Papillomavirus by using molecular markers for high risk HPV and p16 (a tumour suppressor gene) on liquid based cytology samples. Should the findings of the study be favourable for the use of molecular markers, consideration for the implementation of its use in routine cervical screening practice may be introduced at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HoEFT).
Methods: 120 voluntary patients are required to consent to HPV testing using residual fluid from their cervical smear samples. Liquid based cytology samples slide preparations for cervical smears shall be used as a standalone test and will be compared to liquid based cytology sample slide preparation along side in situ hybridisation and immunoexpression techniques for the detection of HPV.