Annemiek Leeman

Randomized trial evaluating self-sampling for HPV DNA based tests for cervical cancer screening in Nigeria

BackgroundCervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remain high due to several factors including low levels of uptake of cervical cancer screening. Self-collection of cervicovaginal samples for HPV DNA testing may be an effective modality that can increase uptake of cervical cancer screening in SSA and hard to reach populations in developed countries. We investigated whether self-collection of cervicovaginal samples for HPV DNA tests would be associated with increased uptake of screening compared with clinic based collection of samples. Furthermore, we compared the quality of samples collected by both approaches for use in HPV genotyping.MethodsWe conducted a community based randomized trial in a semi-urban district of Abuja, Nigeria with 400 women, aged 30 to 65 years randomized to either hospital-collection or self-collection of cervicovaginal samples. We compared cervical cancer screening uptake among the 2 groups and evaluated the concentration of human DNA in the samples by measuring RNase P gene levels using qPCR. High-risk HPV DNA detection and typing was done using the GP5+/6+ Luminex system.ResultsMost participants in the self-collection arm (93%, 185/200) submitted their samples while only 56% (113/200) of those invited to the hospital for sample collection attended and were screened during the study period (p valueu2009<u20090.001). Human genomic DNA was detected in all but five (1.7%) participants, all of whom were in the self-collection arm. The prevalence of high-risk HPV in the study population was 10% with types 35, 52 and 18 being the commonest.ConclusionsOur study shows that self-sampling significantly increased uptake of HPV DNA based test for cervical cancer screening in this population and the samples collected were adequate for HPV detection and genotyping. Cervical cancer screening programs that incorporate self-sampling and HPV DNA tests are feasible and may significantly improve uptake of cervical cancer screening in SSA.

HPV testing in first‐void urine provides sensitivity for CIN2+ detection comparable with a smear taken by a clinician or a brush‐based self‐sample: cross‐sectional data from a triage population

To compare the sensitivity of high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and genotype detection in self‐collected urine samples in the morning (U1), and later on (U2), brush‐based self‐samples (SS), and clinician‐taken smears (CTS) for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) in a colposcopic referral population.

HPV E4 expression and DNA hypermethylation of CADM1 , MAL , and miR124-2 genes in cervical cancer and precursor lesions

In this study, we evaluate the expression of human papillomavirus E4 protein (marker for the onset of a productive infection) and hypermethylation of host-cell CADM1, MAL, and miR124-2 genes (marker for an advanced, transforming infection) in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. A total of 115 cervical lesions were categorized by 3 pathologists into no dysplasia, CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, or cancer by classical histomorphological grading criteria, and by an immunoscore (cumulative value: 0–6) grading system based on Ki-67 (score: 0–3) and p16ink4a (score: 0–3) expression. Lesions were immunostained for E4 protein and analyzed for hypermethylation of CADM1, MAL, or miR124-2 genes. Expression of E4 and hypermethylation levels were related to CIN grade based on both classical and immunoscore grading. Hypermethylation increased with severity of the lesion as defined by both classical histomorphological grading and immunoscore criteria, and was always present in carcinomas (22/22). Extensive E4 expression decreased with increasing CIN grade and immunoscore, being most frequent in classically graded CIN1 or in lesions with cumulative immunoscore 1–3 and absent in carcinomas. High-grade lesions (CIN2/3 or immunoscore: 4–6) showed less E4 expression, which was inversely related to an increasing hypermethylation. Extensive E4 expression, as observed in a small proportion of high-grade lesions (6/49 and 8/43, respectively), was mostly associated with a negative methylation marker status (5/6 and 7/8, respectively). Our results illustrate the gradual transition of productive CIN (reflected by extensive E4 expression), to advanced transforming CIN (reflected by extensive hypermethylation) and cancer. Expression patterns of E4 and hypermethylation status of host-cell genes, may be used to identify cervical lesions at risk for cervical cancer, providing a better guidance for clinicians on treatment decisions.

Three-tiered score for Ki-67 and p16ink4a improves accuracy and reproducibility of grading CIN lesions

Aims To investigate the accuracy and reproducibility of a scoring system for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1–3) based on immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers Ki-67 and p16ink4a. Methods 115 cervical tissue specimens were reviewed by three expert gynaecopathologists and graded according to three strategies: (1) CIN grade based on H&E staining only; (2) immunoscore based on the cumulative score of Ki-67 and p16ink4a only (0–6); and (3) CIN grade based on H&E supported by non-objectified IHC 2u2009weeks after scoring 1 and 2. The majority consensus diagnosis of the CIN grade based on H&E supported by IHC was used as the Reference Standard. The proportion of test positives (accuracy) and the absolute agreements across pathologists (reproducibility) of the three grading strategies within each Reference Standard category were calculated. Results We found that immunoscoring with positivity definition 6 yielded the highest proportion of test positives for Reference Standard CIN3 (95.5%), in combination with the lowest proportion of test positives in samples with CIN1 (1.8%). The proportion of test positives for CIN3 was significantly lower for sole H&E staining (81.8%) or combined H&E and IHC grading (84.8%) with positivity definition ≥CIN3. Immunoscore 6 also yielded high absolute agreements for CIN3 and CIN1, but the absolute agreement was low for CIN2. Conclusions The higher accuracy and reproducibility of the immunoscore opens the possibility of a more standardised and reproducible definition of CIN grade than conventional pathology practice, allowing a more accurate comparison of CIN-based management strategies and evaluation of new biomarkers to improve the understanding of progression of precancer from human papillomavirus infection to cancer.

Reliable identification of women with CIN3+ using hrHPV genotyping and methylation markers in a cytology-screened referral population: Identification of women with CIN3+ using hrHPV genotyping and methylation markers

Cervical screening aims to identify women with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2‐3 (HSIL/CIN2‐3) or invasive cervical cancer (ICC). Identification of women with severe premalignant lesions or ICC (CIN3+) could ensure their rapid treatment and prevent overtreatment. We investigated high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) detection with genotyping and methylation of FAM19A4/miR124‐2 for detection of CIN3+ in 538 women attending colposcopy for abnormal cytology. All women had an additional cytology with hrHPV testing (GP5+/6+‐PCR‐EIA+), genotyping (HPV16/18, HPV16/18/31/45), and methylation analysis (FAM19A4/miR124‐2) and at least one biopsy. CIN3+ detection was studied overall and in women <30 (n = 171) and ≥30 years (n = 367). Positivity for both rather than just one methylation markers increased in CIN3, and all ICC was positive for both. Overall sensitivity and specificity for CIN3+ were, respectively, 90.3% (95%CI 81.3–95.2) and 31.8% (95%CI 27.7–36.1) for hrHPV, 77.8% (95%CI 66.9–85.8) and 69.3% (95%CI 65.0–73.3) for methylation biomarkers and 93.1% (95%CI 84.8–97.0) and 49.4% (95%CI 44.8–53.9) for combined HPV16/18 and/or methylation positivity. For CIN3, hrHPV was found in 90.9% (95%CI 81.6–95.8), methylation positivity in 75.8% (95%CI 64.2–84.5) and HPV16/18 and/or methylation positivity in 92.4% (95%CI 83.5–96.7). In women aged ≥30, the sensitivity of combined HPV16/18 and methylation was increased (98.2%, 95%CI 90.6–99.7) with a specificity of 46.3% (95%CI 40.8–51.9). Combination of HPV16/18 and methylation analysis was very sensitive and offered improved specificity for CIN3+, opening the possibility of rapid treatment for these women and follow‐up for women with potentially regressive, less advanced, HSIL/CIN2 lesions.

Defining hrHPV genotypes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by laser capture microdissection supports reflex triage of self-samples using HPV16/18 and FAM19A4/miR124-2 methylation

OBJECTIVEnHPV16/18 genotyping and detection of hypermethylation of human cell genes involved in cervical oncogenesis have shown promising results in triage of high-risk HPV (hrHPV)-screen positive women on cervical smears. These tests can be performed on self-samples, which contain cervical and vaginal cells. We studied whether a self-sample represents the hrHPV type causing the worst cervical lesion and whether any differences in hypermethylation of FAM19A4/miR124-2 exist between CIN lesions caused by different hrHPV types. These results have important implications for reflex triage of self-samples.nnnMETHODSnCorrelation between genotype found on self-sample using GP5+/6+-PCR-EIA-LMNX and causative hrHPV genotype in the worst lesion on histology was studied using laser capture microdissection (LCM)-SPF10-PCR (Nu202f=u202f152). Hypermethylation of FAM19A4/miR124-2 in the self-sample was tested in a quantitative methylation specific PCR and compared between lesions caused by HPV16/18 and other hrHPV genotypes.nnnRESULTSnCausative hrHPV genotype of the worst lesion (CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, invasive cervical cancer) was detected on self-sample in 93.4%. HPV16 was the most frequently found genotype on self-sampling (39.2%, 73/186) and causative genotype in CIN3+ (51.4%, 38/74, all detected on self-sample). There were no differences in the percentages of positive FAM19A4/miR124-2 methylation assays between lesions caused by HPV16/18 (73.8% in CIN3+) or other hrHPV genotypes (66.7% in CIN3+) (pu202f=u202f0.538).nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur results show that hrHPV genotypes found on self-sample were a good representation of hrHPV in the worst CIN lesion and that methylation testing on self-sample for detection of CIN3+ was not significantly different between lesions caused by HPV16/18 and other hrHPV genotypes.

Virological and Serological Predictors of Anal High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus–positive Men Who Have Sex With Men

BACKGROUNDnOur objective was to identify virological and serological predictors of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM).nnnMETHODSnHIV-positive MSM were recruited from a longitudinal study during which anal self-swabs and serum were collected at up to 5 bi-annual visits. Swabs were human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyped, and the type-specific HPV viral load in the anal swabs was determined. Serum antibodies to the E6, E7, E1, E2, and L1 proteins of 7 high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types and HPV6 and 11 were analyzed. The participants who had a high-resolution anoscopy after the last study visit were included in the current analysis. Anal HSIL was diagnosed by histopathological examinations of anal biopsies. The causative HPV type of anal HSIL was determined in whole tissue sections (WTS) and by laser capture micro-dissection if more than one HPV-type was found in WTS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study whether persistent anal HPV infections, HPV viral loads, and seropositivity for HPV were predictors of anal HSIL, either in general or caused by the concordant HPV type.nnnRESULTSnOf 193 HIV-positive MSM, 50 (26%) were diagnosed with anal HSIL. HrHPV persistence in anal swabs was common, varying by hrHPV type between 3-21%. Anal HPV persistence was the only determinant independently associated with anal HSIL, both in general and by concordant, causative HPV type.nnnCONCLUSIONSnPersistent HPV infections were strongly associated with anal HSIL, in general as well as for the concordant HPV type.

P-B13 Comparison of two HPV detection and genotyping systems in a Nigerian screening population

Objectives:To compare the SPF10 system to the GP5+/6+ system for high risk HPV (hrHPV) screening on cervicovaginal samples in Nigeria. Methods:In Karu, a suburban district of Abuja, Nigeria, 400 women were randomized for a self- or hospital-collection after flyer recruitment. A volume of 250 &mgr;L was used for DNA isolation with the MagNA Pure and 750 &mgr;L was used for nucliSENS easyMAG isolation. MagNA Pure isolates were tested with the SPF10-PCR-DEIA-LiPA25, version 1 system, a test often used in epidemiological studies. GP5+/6+-PCR-EIA, a clinically validated cervical cancer screening method, followed by Luminex genotyping was performed on the nucliSENS easyMAG isolate. qPCR was done (RNaseP) to assess the level of human DNA. Results:Samples of 298 women (74.5% response), with a mean age of 41.1 (SD 7.8, Range 30–62) years were included. The SPF10 showed 23.8% hrHPV+ versus 10.4% with the GP5+/6+. The SPF10 found 9 (3%) samples positive for HPV genotype 16 or 18 versus 4 (1%) by GP5+/6+. Comparing HPV genotypes identified by both systems, 22/29 (75.9%) had concordant genotypes, with the SPF10 system finding additional (low risk) genotypes. Conclusions:Cervical cancer screening by hrHPV testing seems feasible in Nigeria. Corresponding with previous studies (Hesselink et al, 2008), the level of hrHPV+ found by SPF10 was higher compared to GP5+/6+. HrHPV genotyping with both systems showed good agreement. To assess the clinical relevance of any hrHPV+ result, a follow-up study collecting a colposcopy directed biopsy and a repeat hrHPV test is being performed. Results are expected by September 2015.

P-B14 Methylation as a triage marker in a hHPV+ population in Nigeria

Objectives:To assess the feasibility of the Precursor-M methylation test as a triage marker on self-collected and hospital-collected samples amongst a hrHPV+ population in a resource limited setting. Methods:A total of 400 women were invited to participate through flyer recruitment in Abuja, Nigeria. After randomization, 200 were asked to self-collect and deposit cervical samples at designated collection points and 200 were invited to the hospital for a hospital-collected sample (HCS). A dry flocked swab was used in both groups. DNA was isolated with the nucliSENS easyMAG, tested with the GP5+/6+-PCR-EIA. A qPCR (RNaseP) to assess the level of DNA was performed. EIA+ samples with a Cq<28 (human genomic DNA concentration >1 ng/&mgr;L) were tested with the Precursor-M methylation kit. Cut-offs for positivity were applied as described by the test manufacturer. Results:Samples from all 298 responding women (74.5% response) were included. The mean age of the women was 41.1 (SD 7.8, range 30–62). A total of 29 samples were found hrHPV+ by GP5+/6+; 28 (96.6%) contained enough DNA for Precursor-M testing (11 HCS, 17 self-samplers). 28.6% (8/28), including 3 HCS and 5 self-samplers, were methylation positive. Conclusions: The percentage of 28.6% methylation positive samples corresponds with previous findings (De Strooper et al, 2014). In order to assess the feasibility of methylation testing as a triage marker in the detection of high grade CIN lesions in an all-molecular screening setting, a follow-up study collecting a colposcopy directed biopsy will be performed. Results are expected by September 2015.