Evaluating the predictive value of a primary high-risk HPV DNA and reflex methylation marker test strategy in first-void urine to identify women with clinically relevant cervical disease in need of referral.

Cervical cancer remains a significant problem worldwide, in Belgium, yearly over 200 women die from this disease. Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by an infection with high-risk (hr) types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Traditional screening programs based on cervical smear taking (Pap smear) detecting abnormal cells face limitations – including suboptimal cervical cancer screening coverage (approximately 65% in Flanders), urging the need for alternative screening approaches. Detection of primary hrHPV DNA in combination with more specific biomarkers such as methylation of host cell genes offer the opportunity to be detected in self-collected samples, like first-void urine. Within this project, we aim to provide data on the predictive value of primary hrHPV DNA and reflex methylation marker testing in first-void urine to identify cervical cancer precursor lesions that have a high short-term progression risk to cancer. Offering a fully molecular screen and triage strategy applicable on non-invasive, easily to collect first-void urine samples has the potential to increase screening participation among women currently not reached by the organized screening programs for cervical cancer.

Keywords:CERVICAL CANCER, URINARY MARKERS

Disciplines:Cancer diagnosis