Triage with human papillomavirus testing of women with cytologic abnormalities prompting referral for colposcopy assessment
Francesca Maria Carozzi, Massimo Confortini, Silvia Cecchini, Simonetta Bisanzi, Maria Paola Cariaggi, Giovanni Pontenani, Maria Rosaria Raspollini, Cristina Sani, Marco Zappa, Stefano Ciatto, Francesca Maria Carozzi, Massimo Confortini, Silvia Cecchini, Simonetta Bisanzi, Maria Paola Cariaggi, Giovanni Pontenani, Maria Rosaria Raspollini, Cristina Sani, Marco Zappa, Stefano Ciatto
Abstract
Background: The current study was conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of triaging for colposcopy using human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.
Methods: HPV tests were performed in a consecutive series of women who were referred for colposcopy for persistent atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)-favor reactive (n = 35 women), ASCUS-favor squamous epithelial lesion (n = 164 women), atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (n = 74 women), low-grade squamous epithelial lesion (n = 161 women), or high-grade squamous epithelial lesion (n = 78 women). The cost effectiveness of triaging women with ASCUS results using HPV testing was determined compared with the current protocol.
Results: The sensitivity of HPV testing for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia > Grade 2 was very high. Cost analysis showed a moderate increase in cost with the addition of HPV triage.
Conclusions: Because HPV testing is highly sensitive, it may be useful as an alternative to the current policy of 6-month repeat cytology for women with ASCUS.
2004 American Cancer Society
Source: PubMed