Automated, Slide-Based HPV DNA Probes

The results of a study comparing current methods of detecting cervical cancer with new automated DNA tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV) support the clinical utility of the HPV tests. The supporting data were presented at the 14th International Congress of Cytology in Amsterdam (The Netherlands).

The Inform DNA High Risk and Low Risk probes for HPV by in-situ hybridization allow doctors to see actual cell morphology when looking at cervical samples. Visualization of the cells and the surrounding tissues helps to determine which patients are at greater risk for cervical cancer. Traditional tests for HPV primarily detect the presence of the HPV virus without regard to its location in the cell. By not distinguishing on the basis of cellular location, traditional tests could show a positive test result even though there may be little likelihood of progression to cancer. The Inform tests are from Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (Tuscon, AZ, USA).

The study demonstrated that the Inform HPV test correctly identified 100% of normal patients as normal. "The current manual methods of in-situ hybridization for detection of mRNA and DNA are highly variable, labor-demanding and time-consuming,” noted Dr. Thomas Grogan, chief scientific and medical officer of Ventana. "Overall, automated in-situ hybridization holds promise for adding molecular markers and viral detection for the improved detection of cervical cancer while simultaneously reducing variability and time to diagnosis.”




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