HPV vs. Pap Smear for Cervical Abnormalities

If such testing represents the best approach to screening, readily available HPV DNA tests will be needed.

Availability of sensitive DNA tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) is leading to multiple comparison studies of HPV and Pap smear testing. In this Swedish study, 12,527 women (age range, 32–38) were randomized to Pap smear plus an HPV test or to Pap smear alone. Colposcopy and biopsy were performed based on abnormal findings.

After a mean follow-up of 4 years, grade 2 or 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cancer was detected in 139 women in the HPV + Pap group and 119 women in the Pap-only group. On initial testing at enrollment, the proportion of women found to have grade 2 or 3 CIN or cancer was 51% greater in the HPV + Pap group than in the Pap-only group. At subsequent screening examinations, the proportion of women in the HPV…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

HPV vs. Pap Smear for Cervical Abnormalities

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Reviewing Author