Women screened with a positive DNA-HPV test, not HPV-16 or 18, and negative reflex cytology in a population-based program: outcomes after 12 months.

• Grant number: 25/10119-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Júlio César Teixeira
• Grantee: Fernanda Singolani Gazola
• Host Institution: Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher (CAISM). Hospital da Mulher Professor Doutor José Aristodemo Pinotti. Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cervical cancer is responsible for the death of thousands of women in Brazil, despite the availability of preventive measures. In 2017, a new screening program utilizing a DNA-HPV test was implemented in the city of Indaiatuba (SP) as a model within the SUS (Brazilian Unified Healthy System). The program is monitored by researchers from UNICAMP, generating important and up-to-date information. The results from the first five-year round demonstrated a high capacity to detect pre-cancerous lesions, superior to that of conventional cytology. Key issues such as adherence to the program's flowchart and safety in managing positive tests remain under evaluation. This study will analyze the outcomes of a 12-month scheduled follow-up of a cohort of 1,130 women initially screened who tested positive for 12 other high-risk HPV types (excluding HPV-16 and HPV-18) with negative reflex cytology. The study will assess the 12-month return rate, the procedures performed, and the final diagnosis. Cases will be2reviewed, and information extracted from the municipal program management system will be used to update the database for this study. Additionally, the rates of HPV infection persistence, routine management after initial testing, referral for colposcopy, and final diagnoses will be calculated. It is expected that the proportion of negative HPV tests will be high and that no cases of cancer will be detected, confirming the safety of the program. Ultimately, the results are anticipated to inform future planning of similar programs.