A single test can predict the progression of an untreated precancerous cervical disease

According to a study conducted by Queen Mary University in London, it has been shown that a single test for women can predict which cases of precancerous cervical disease would become more serious, thus helping to decide whether a Surgical intervention was necessary or not.

For thousands of young women diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, the decision about what to do is uncertain, confusing, and difficult. In the majority of cases, moderate cervical dysplasia (also called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2, CIN2) will resolve itself, but some of these women will develop cervical cancer. Women with moderate dysplasia can choose between rapid treatment or short-term monitoring.

In the United Kingdom, most women with moderate dysplasia are advised to undergo surgery without delay, but this may be detrimental to future pregnancies, including miscarriages and premature delivery. Until now, no test has shown whether their cervical disease would evolve or not.

The study, published in the journal de Clinical Infectious Diseases, examined different options for these young women and found a test to determine which women with moderate dysplasia were at high risk for their disease to progress to severe dysplasia (CIN3).

The clinical study was conducted among 149 Finnish women aged about 26 years with an identified CIN2. It appears that the S5 DNA methylation test is the best predictor of the progression of moderate cervical disease to CIN3. The single test gave much better results than the methods currently used to monitor the existing disease.

The study shows that most women with moderate dysplasia can be followed without treatment until their disease resolution. This discovery has important global implications for the treatment of millions of young women with cervical disease.

The researchers hope this discovery will result in a major shift in medical practice, with more active surveillance and fewer surgical procedures. This could also result in cost savings, both for the treatment itself and for any costs badociated with the care of premature babies.

The author and professor emeritus Attila Lorincz of Queen Mary University in London explained:

It is scary for young women with potentially serious dysplasia to be told that they risk getting cancer if they do not undergo surgery. Unfortunately, surgery can result in a painful and painful recovery period. In future pregnancies, rates of miscarriage, infection or premature delivery are considerably higher for mothers, as well as many risks to the fetus. Our study shows that most women with moderate dysplasia can be followed without treatment until their disease regresses. This gives women a better chance of making pregnancies easy and safe in the future. "

The DNA methylation test is under development and further studies in different countries will have to be conducted as the test goes into routine use. If successful, the researchers say the test should be available next year in Asia. A test bearing the CE marking, indicating compliance with health and safety standards applicable to sales in Europe, may be available in the United Kingdom within 2 to 3 years, at which time it may be examined by the NHS.