RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Early detection of cervical cancer is a matter of great importance as the prognosis depends on the stage of the disease. The objective of the study consisted in the assessment of the impact of HPV self-sampling on the efficacy of populational screening programs aimed at early CC detection. METHODS: The analysis was performed taking into account the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines for systematic reviews. The analyzed articles were searched for in the following databases: Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library. RESULTS: From a total of 60 citations, 16 studies were included in this review. The HPV test is highly sensitive and specific although the diagnostic accuracy of tests carried out in self-collected samples is slightly lower than that of tests carried out in samples collected by clinicians. The results of meta-analyses for HPV tests performed on self-collected samples indicate that the sensitivity for detecting CIN2+ ranges from 74% to 86% (depending on the publication and the analyzed population), and for CIN3+ from 75% to 86%. One publication showed a clearly lower sensitivity of 42% in detecting CIN3+, but the result is for a high-risk population and comes from only 1 RCT. The specificity of the assay exceeds 80% and 79.5% with regard to the detection of CIN2+ and CIN3+, respectively. As shown by the studies included in the review, both the offering of HPV self-sampling kits to patients and the mailing of such kits significantly increase the uptake of and participation in cervical cancer screening programs. In addition, self-sampling was found to be acceptable by the female subjects. CONCLUSIONS: HPV self-sampling is an innovative and cost-effective way to perform screening tests. In addition, self-sampling significantly increases the willingness to participate in screening programs among female subjects.
RESUMEN
Introduction: The colorectal cancer prognosis depends on the stage of the neoplasm; therefore, its early detection plays an important role. The aim of the study is evaluation of the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical effectiveness of the faecal immunochemical test in the early colorectal cancer detection. Methods: The clinical analysis was based on the results of the studies included in a systematic review conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The following medical information sources were searched: Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), The Cochrane Library. Results: From 241 citations, 13 studies were included in this review. All included studies had a low risk of bias. The faecal immunochemical test is highly specific in all analysed populations ranging from 85% to 97%. In most of the found studies, sensitivity is over 75%. The faecal immunochemical test screening also determines a reduction in death (10-59%) due to colorectal cancer. Conclusions: The faecal immunochemical test is an effective and cost-effective method of conducting population-wide colorectal cancer screening. It is an alternative or complementary to other screening tests, including colonoscopy.