HPV DNA Detection in Serum of Cervical Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Studies show a direct association between cervical cancer and human papilloma virus (HPV) which is sexually transmitted. Screening for HPV infection and the subsequent grading for risk requires a cost-effective solution with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The study aims to detect HPV DNA in serum of cervical cancer patients, to study the correlation between HPV DNA in serum suspected cases of cervical cancer patients and the biopsy results and find the clinical profile of patients with cervical cancer. It also aimed to find the association between various sociodemographic and clinical factors with the incidence of cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Prospective Analytical Study was done among 100 Patients presenting in Gynaec OP/Gynae-Oncology ward of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem, between January 2019 and January 2020. Clinical history was documented using a structured questionnaire, Blood samples were collected, Histopathology examination was done and PCR technique for HPV DNA detection in serum was done. Cross tabulation and chi-square analysis were done using IBM SPSS v23. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The mean age of all the participants is 51.99 years with a standard deviation of 12.11 years. The mean age of first pregnancy of all the participants is 20.4 years with a standard deviation of 3.4 years. Out of 100 patients, 97% (n=97) were non-smokers while 3% (n=3) were smokers. Out of 100 patients, 9% (n=9) of them had a history of oral contraceptive pills consumption while 91% (n=91) had no history of oral contraceptive pills consumption. The duration of OCP use is six months to six years. Around 95% (n=95) had no immunosuppression. Around 89% (n=89) had Abnormal vaginal bleeding while 11% (n=11) had no Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Around 63% (n=63) had foul smelling vaginal discharge while 37% (n=37) did not have foul smelling vaginal discharge. Around 72% (n=72) were HPV DNA positive while 28% (n=28) were HPV DNA negative. Sensitivity and specificity analysis shows that sensitivity of HPV DNA is 81.4% and a specificity of 85.7%. Positive predictive value is 97.22% and accuracy is 82%. Out of 100 patients, 86% (n=86) were positive while 14% (n=14) were negative. Out of positive cases, 79% (n=79) were squamous cell carcinoma and 7% (n=7) were adenocarcinoma. Chi-square analysis shows that the difference is significant with a statistical significance of p0.05)