Genotype-Specific HPV mRNA Triage Improves CIN2+ Detection Efficiency Compared to Cytology

Strategic Insights -

In a recent study, researchers at the University Hospital North Norway found that genotype-specific HPV mRNA triage can enhance risk stratification and improve detection efficiency for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) compared to traditional cytology. The study, which analyzed data from 34,721 women aged 25-69, demonstrated that the HPV mRNA test reduced test positivity from 50.3% to 33.4% while maintaining comparable sensitivity and improving specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). The research concluded that genotype-specific HPV mRNA triage offers superior risk discrimination compared to cytology, supporting more targeted and efficient cervical cancer screening.

Key Takeaways:

  • The genotype-specific 7-type HPV E6/E7 mRNA test (PreTect HPV-Proofer'7) targets HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, and detects transcriptionally active infections.
  • The study found that CIN2+ prevalence was 13.3% in the study population.
  • The HPV mRNA test reduced test positivity from 50.3% to 33.4% while maintaining comparable sensitivity (70.6% vs. 72.2%) and improving specificity (72.3% vs. 53.0%) and PPV (28.1% vs. 19.1%).
  • Genotype-specific PPVs were highest for HPV16 mRNA (47.7%), followed by HPV33 (39.2%) and HPV31 (32.2%).
  • The study supports the use of genotype-specific HPV mRNA triage for more targeted and efficient cervical cancer screening.

Statistics:

  • 34,721 women aged 25-69 underwent primary HPV DNA screening with the Cobas 4800 assay between 2019 and 2023.
  • Of these, 1896 HPV DNA-positive women were triaged with liquid-based cytology and the 7-type HPV mRNA test.
  • Histological outcomes were followed through October 2024.
  • CIN2+ prevalence was 13.3%.
  • The HPV mRNA test reduced test positivity from 50.3% to 33.4%.
  • The HPV mRNA test maintained comparable sensitivity (70.6% vs. 72.2%).
  • The HPV mRNA test improved specificity (72.3% vs. 53.0%).
  • The HPV mRNA test improved PPV (28.1% vs. 19.1%).

Sources:

  • Pathogens, 2025,14(8):749. (Pathogens - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/pathogens)
  • University Hospital North Norway, Department of Clinical Pathology, Tromso, Norway
  • NewsRx. New Study Findings from University Hospital North Norway Illuminate Research in Cancer (Genotype-Specific HPV mRNA Triage Improves CIN2+ Detection Efficiency Compared to Cytology: A Population-Based Study of HPV DNA-Positive Women). Health & Medicine Week. September 12, 2025; p 3814.