Performance of a 7-Type HPV mRNA Test in Triage of HPV DNA Primary Screen Positive Women Compared to Liquid-Based Cytology

Background: A plethora of data supports HPV-based screening to be the preferred strategy for cervical cancer prevention. The shift a more sensitive first-line test brings need effective triage up discussion. Currently, most algorithms apply cytology as HPV-DNA positive women. This study compared performance 7-type HPV-mRNA cytology. Methods: From 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2021, samples from 58,029 women were examined at University Hospital North Norway. total 30.5% (17,684/58,029) fulfilled criteria primary screening. All triaged by and followed-up according national guidelines through 2022. Additionally, was applied. endpoint histologically confirmed high-grade lesion (CIN2+). Results: 5.6% (990/17,684) had test, 97.2% (962/990) with valid results. 55.5% (534/962) abnormal (ASC-US+), 35.1% (338/962) test. 13.9% (134/962) CIN2+. sensitivity (CIN2+) versus 76.1% (102/134) 73.1% (98/134), p = 0.67. specificity 47.8% (396/828) 71.0% (588/624), < 0.001. PPV 19.1% (102/534) 29.0% (98/338), 0.001, respectively. number colposcopies per CIN2+ detected 5.2 3.1. Conclusion: HPV mRNA significantly specific than in Using this biomarker threshold colposcopy may better balance benefits harms