A Multicentric study of cervical cancer screening and triage with HPV testing: The ESTAMPA study

Overview

HPV testing for primary cervical cancer screening of women over 30 years of age is likely to become the standard of care in the near future in many areas of the world. Its high sensitivity can significantly improve the effectiveness of screening programs and its prolonged negative predictive value can allow extension of screening intervals. However, a single HPV test has low positive predictive value and can lead to unnecessary workup and overtreatment and generate unnecessary distress. Thus, in areas where HPV testing is used for primary cervical screening, either with or without concomitant cytology, there is a clear and pressing need to define proper triage methods for women who are HPV-positive.