Study Shows Value of HPV Test in Women Over 29

Results of a large study have confirmed that the HPV (human papilloma virus) DNA test is a more-effective way to manage women in high-risk age groups who have abnormal Pap test results. The study, conducted by the US National Cancer Institute, was published in the January 16, 2002, issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The study showed that HPV testing was highly sensitive in detecting high-grade cervical disease (96%) in women 29 and older, with only 31% of the women referred to a follow-up colposcopy. In contrast, a repeat Pap test of women in the same age group referred 50% of the women to colposcopy and was also less-sensitive (91%) in detecting underlying cervical disease. The HPV test used in the study was the Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA test of Digene Corp. (Gaithersburg, MD, USA).

"We now have definitive data that show that HPV testing can reduce unnecessary and costly procedures in women with ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) Pap results, especially in those aged 29 and older, while still providing the best measure of sensitivity for high-grade cervical disease and cancer,” said Attila Lorinez, senior vice president and chief scientific officer at Digene.




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