Teleman S

Type-specific human papillomavirus detection in cervical smears in Romania.

Anton G, Peltecu G, Socolov D, Cornitescu F, Bleotu C, Sgarbura Z, Teleman S, Iliescu D, Botezatu A, Goia CD, Huica I, Anton A‐C. Type‐specific human papillomavirus detection in cervical smears in Romania. APMIS 2010.

Awareness and Knowledge About HPV and HPV Vaccine Among Romanian Women

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies worldwide. Romania has the highest incidence of this type of cancer in Europe. A successful prevention strategy has to consider the primary prevention measures (including health education on human papilloma virus (HPV) infection but also vaccination). The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Romanian women about HPV and HPV vaccine. We conducted a cross-sectional study survey of 454 women using an anonymously completed questionnaire covering the awareness and knowledge of HPV infection and attitudes to vaccination. We also analyzed the discussions and conclusion from a focus group of healthcare professionals regarding (1) HPV and HPV awareness and attitude, and (2) suggestions for improving HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptance. 69.2% of women were aware about HPV but their knowledge was minimal and incomplete. While 62.3% had heard about HPV vaccine, only 50.7% had a positive attitude toward it. The main barriers to vaccination were the fear of side effects, the perception that is risky, and the financial concerns. Deficiencies in knowledge were noted for vaccine, genital warts, or risks factors for HPV infection like the early onset of sexual life. The information regarding HPV and vaccine is not always accurate and complete, and only 50.7% of women have a positive attitude toward the vaccine. More educational programs and clearer communication are needed to raise awareness and knowledge regarding HPV and HPV vaccine.

Molecular markers in cervical screening – a promise for the future

Abstract Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers in women worldwide. The detection and diagnosis of cervical carcinoma and its precursor lesions, called cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN), represents the main goal in order to decrease the morbidity and mortality of this disease. In the majority of cases CIN resolve spontaneously. Only a minor part of the lesions develop to high-grade lesions and eventually invasive cancer and it is important to detect those CIN with potential to progress to cervical cancer. For clinical management it is important to distinguish the cervical dysplasia with regression potential in order to avoid unnecessary treatments. Many potential biomarkers have been analyzed for the characterization of cervical cancer and pre-cancer. So far, detection of HPV has been the most promising clinical application. Several new markers have been evaluated intensively and might be used in some clinical settings, mainly p16, MCM5/CDC6 and HPV RNA, integration of HPV DNA into the host genome, chromosomal imbalances. In this article, representative examples of these markers are presented in the context of improved cervical disease detection and progression. Rezumat Cancerul de col uterin reprezintă unul din cele mai frecvente cancere întâlnite la femeie. Elementul cheie pentru scăderea morbiditătii şi mortalităţii în cancerul cervical este diagnosticul acestuia în stadii incipiente precum şi a leziunilor precanceroase numite displazii de col uterin. Displaziile de col uterin pot fi de grad redus sau de grad înalt. Un număr semnificativ dintre displaziile de grad redus regresează spontan şi doar un număr limitat progresează către leziuni de grad înalt şi cancer cervical. Pentru clinician este esenţială identificarea acestora întrucât pot fi astfel evitate tratamente inutile. De-a lungul timpului au fost analizaţi multipli markeri care să identifice displaziile cervicale cu potenţial evolutiv. Momentan cel mai utilizat marker este reprezentat de genotiparea virală. Pe lângă acesta şi alţi markeri şi-au demonstrat utilitatea în încadrarea evolutivă a leziunilor cervicale: p16, MCM5/CDC6, integrarea ADN-ului în genomul celulei gazdă. Articolul trece în revistă cei mai importanţi markeri utilizaţi la ora actuală ilustrând cu cazuistica proprie utilizarea acestora.