Sensitivity and specificity of HR HPV E6/E7 mRNA test in detecting cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical cancer

Objectives: The paper assess the relevance of HR HPV E6/E7 mRNA test in women with abnormal Pap results. Material and methods: Between 2013–2014, 125 women were subjects to the enhanced diagnostics due to abnormal Pap results. According to The Bethesda system, if ASC-US, AGC, LSIL, ASC-H, HSIL or cancer cells were present, the result was abnormal. The patients underwent the enhanced diagnostics which included the following procedures: Pap smear collection for molecular assessment of HR HPV E6/E7 mRNA test, the colposcopic examination and biopsy of clinically suspicious areas. Results: High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions constituted the most frequent cervical pathology in women with abnormal Pap test results, as well as with the positive results of HR HPV E6/E7 mRNA test. Test sensitivity in patients with the histopathological diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was estimated at 86.1%. Conclusions: HR HPV E6/E7 mRNA test identifying neoplastic lesions and cervical cancer is characterised by a high relevance which is reflected by means of sensitivity and specificity. In fact, test sensitivity and specificity increased with the age in the group of patients up to 50 years old.