Performance of standardised colposcopy to detect cervical precancer and cancer for triage of women testing positive for human papillomavirus: results from the ESTAMPA multicentric screening study.

BACKGROUND: Colposcopy, currently included in WHO recommendations as an option to triage human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women, remains as the reference standard to guide both biopsy for confirmation of cervical precancer and cancer and treatment approaches. We aim to evaluate the performance of colposcopy to detect cervical precancer and cancer for triage in HPV-positive women. METHODS: This cross-sectional, multicentric screening study was conducted at 12 centres (including primary and secondary care centres, hospitals, laboratories, and universities) in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). Eligible women were aged 30-64 years, sexually active, did not have a history of cervical cancer or treatment for cervical precancer or a hysterectomy, and were not planning to move outside of the study area. Women were screened with HPV DNA testing and cytology. HPV-positive women were referred to colposcopy using a standardised protocol, including biopsy collection of observed lesions, endocervical sampling for transformation zone (TZ) type 3, and treatment as needed. Women with initial normal colposcopy or no high-grade cervical lesions on histology (less than cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grade 2) were recalled after 18 months for another HPV test to complete disease ascertainment; HPV-positive women were referred for a second colposcopy with biopsy and treatment as needed. Diagnostic accuracy of colposcopy was assessed by considering a positive test result when the colposcopic impression at the initial colposcopy was positive minor, positive major, or suspected cancer, and was considered negative otherwise. The main study outcome was histologically confirmed CIN3+ (defined as grade 3 or worse) detected at the initial visit or 18-month visit. FINDINGS: Between Dec 12, 2012, and Dec 3, 2021, 42 502 women were recruited, and 5985 (14·1%) tested positive for HPV. 4499 participants with complete disease ascertainment and follow-up were included in the analysis, with a median age of 40·6 years (IQR 34·7-49·9). CIN3+ was detected in 669 (14·9%) of 4499 women at the initial visit or 18-month visit (3530 [78·5%] negative or CIN1, 300 [6·7%] CIN2, 616 [13·7%] CIN3, and 53 [1·2%] cancers). Sensitivity was 91·2% (95% CI 88·9-93·2) for CIN3+, whereas specificity was 50·1% (48·5-51·8) for less than CIN2 and 47·1% (45·5-48·7) for less than CIN3. Sensitivity for CIN3+ significantly decreased in older women (93·5% [95% CI 91·3-95·3] in those aged 30-49 years vs 77·6% [68·6-85·0] in those aged 50-65 years; p<0·0001), whereas specificity for less than CIN2 significantly increased (45·7% [43·8-47·6] vs 61·8% [58·7-64·8]; p<0·0001). Sensitivity for CIN3+ was also significantly lower in women with negative cytology than in those with abnormal cytology (p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Colposcopy is accurate for CIN3+ detection in HPV-positive women. These results reflect ESTAMPA efforts in an 18-month follow-up strategy to maximise disease detection with an internationally validated clinical management protocol and regular training, including quality improvement practices. We showed that colposcopy can be optimised with proper standardisation to be used as triage in HPV-positive women. FUNDING: WHO; Pan American Health Organization; Union for International Cancer Control; National Cancer Institute (NCI); NCI Center for Global Health; National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development, and Innovation; NCI of Argentina and Colombia; Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social; National Council for Science and Technology of Paraguay; International Agency for Research on Cancer; and all local collaborative institutions.

Implementing HPV testing in 9 Latin American countries: The laboratory perspective as observed in the ESTAMPA study.

Background: Replacement of cytology screening with HPV testing is recommended and essential for cervical cancer elimination. HPV testing for primary screening was implemented in 12 laboratories within 9 Latin American countries, as part of the ESTAMPA cervical cancer screening study. Our observations provide information on critical operational aspects for HPV testing implementation in diverse resource settings. Methods: We describe the implementation process of HPV testing in ESTAMPA, focusing on laboratory aspects. We assess the readiness of 12 laboratories to start HPV testing and their continuity capacity to maintain good quality HPV testing until end of recruitment or up to December 2021. Readiness was based on a checklist. Information from the study database; regular meetings and monitoring visits; and a questionnaire on laboratory operational aspects sent in May 2020 were used to assess continuity capacity. Compliance with seven basic requirements (readiness) and eight continuity requirements (continuity capacity) was scored (1 = compliant, 0 = not compliant) and totaled to classify readiness and continuity capacity as very limited, limited, moderate or high. Experiences, challenges, and enablers of the implementation process are also described. Results: Seven of 12 laboratories had high readiness, three moderate readiness, and of two laboratories new to HPV testing, one had limited readiness and the other very limited readiness. Two of seven laboratories with high readiness also showed high continuity capacity, one moderate continuity capacity, and the other four showed limited continuity capacity since they could not maintain good quality HPV testing over time. Among three laboratories with moderate readiness, one kept moderate continuity capacity and two reached high continuity capacity. The two laboratories new to HPV testing achieved high continuity capacity. Based on gained expertise, five laboratories have become part of national screening programs. Conclusion: High readiness of laboratories is an essential part of effective implementation of HPV testing. However, high readiness is insufficient to guarantee HPV testing high continuity capacity, for which a "culture of quality" should be established with regular training, robust monitoring and quality assurance systems tailored to local context. All efforts to strengthen HPV laboratories are valuable and crucial to guarantee effective implementation of HPV-based cervical screening.

Multicentric study of cervical cancer screening with human papillomavirus testing and assessment of triage methods in Latin America: the ESTAMPA screening study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is replacing cytology in primary screening. Its limited specificity demands using a second (triage) test to better identify women at high-risk of cervical disease. Cytology represents the immediate triage but its low sensitivity might hamper HPV testing sensitivity, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where cytology performance has been suboptimal. The ESTAMPA (EStudio multicéntrico de TAMizaje y triaje de cáncer de cuello uterino con pruebas del virus del PApiloma humano; Spanish acronym) study will: (1) evaluate the performance of different triage techniques to detect cervical precancer and (2) inform on how to implement HPV-based screening programmes in LMIC. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Women aged 30-64 years are screened with HPV testing and Pap across 12 study centres in Latin America. Screened positives have colposcopy with biopsy and treatment of lesions. Women with no evident disease are recalled 18 months later for another HPV test; those HPV-positive undergo colposcopy with biopsy and treatment as needed. Biological specimens are collected in different visits for triage testing, which is not used for clinical management. The study outcome is histological high-grade squamous intraepithelial or worse lesions (HSIL+) under the lower anogenital squamous terminology. About 50 000 women will be screened and 500 HSIL+ cases detected (at initial and 18 months screening). Performance measures (sensitivity, specificity and predictive values) of triage techniques to detect HSIL+ will be estimated and compared with adjustment by age and study centre. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and by those in each participating centre. A Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has been established to monitor progress of the study, assure participant safety, advice on scientific conduct and analysis and suggest protocol improvements. Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01881659.

[Tamoxifen and endometrial disease in patients with breast cancer]. / Tamoxifeno y afecciones endometriales en pacientes con cáncer de mama.

The objectives were to evaluate prevalence of endometrial disease in patients treated with tamoxifen (TAM) and analyze the epidemiological, sonographic, hysteroscopic and histopathological findings. From January 1999 to December 2008, 152 breast cancer patients treated with TAM (20 mg/day), symptomatic (with bleeding) or asymptomatic, pre-and postmenopausal, were included consecutively in a prospective and observational follow-up study. Diagnostic methods were (TV) transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy and curettage biopsy. TV ultrasound was performed every 12 months for 12 to 60 months. The patients' age were 62.76 years ± 10.24 the TAM-time: 36.24 ± 19. Adenocarcinoma was observed in 3/87 patients (3.45%) with risk factors and in 1/65 (1.54%) without them (RA 1.91, IC 95% 1.88-1.94). We found benign disease in 148 patients (97.37%) and adenocarcinomas in 4 (2.63%), one within a polyp. The 4 adenocarcinomas were detected in postmenopausal women (2 asymptomatic) with endometrial thicknesses equal or greater than 16 mm. The cancer risk was significantly increased in symptomatic (2.36 versus 0.42 in asymptomatic). Three adenocarcinomas were observed between 24 and 48 months of treatment. In conclusion, we suggest an adequate transvaginal ultrasound monitoring of asymptomatic patients treated with TAM, with removal of polyps, because atypia can be present hidden within, considering risk factors and exposure time. We suggest as an acceptable cut-off = 10 mm in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients.

Tamoxifeno y afecciones endometriales en pacientes con cáncer de mama / Tamoxifen and endometrial disease in patients with breast cancer

Los objetivos fueron evaluar la prevalencia de afecciones endometriales en pacientes tratadas con tamoxifeno (TAM) y analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos, ecográficos, histeroscópicos e histopatológicos. Desde enero de 1999 a diciembre 2008 se estudiaron 152 pacientes con cáncer de mama tratadas con TAM (20 mg/día), sintomáticas (con sangrado) o asintomáticas, pre y postmenopáusicas, incluidas en forma consecutiva. El diseño fue prospectivo y observacional. Los métodos diagnósticos usados fueron ecografía transvaginal, histeroscopía y biopsia. Las pacientes fueron seguidas durante 5 años con ecografía cada 12 meses e histeroscopia con biopsia en casos que lo justificaran. Edad: 62.76 ± 10.24 años y tiempo de tratamiento: 36.2 ± 19.9 meses. El adenocarcinoma se observó en 3/87 (3.45%) pacientes con factores de riesgo y en 1/65 (1.54%) sin ellos (RA: 1.91, IC 95% 1.88 a 1.94). Las afecciones benignas se hallaron en 148 pacientes (97.37% y los adenocarcinomas en 4 (2.63%),1 en un pólipo de aspecto benigno. Los 4 se observaron en mujeres postmenopáusicas (2 asintomáticas) con grosor endometrial igual o mayor a 16 mm. El riesgo de cáncer fue significativamente mayor en sintomáticas (2.36 versus 0.42 en asintomáticas). Tres adenocarcinomas se detectaron entre 24 y 48 meses del tratamiento. Recomendamos un seguimiento con ecografía transvaginal de las pacientes asintomáticas, resección de los pólipos evaluando factores de riesgo y tiempo de exposición, en especial luego de los 24 meses. Consideramos aceptable un cut-off = 10 mm en el grosor del endometrio en postmenopáusicas asintomáticas para realizar histeroscopía y biopsia.

The objectives were to evaluate prevalence of endometrial disease in patients treated with tamoxifen (TAM) and analyze the epidemiological, sonographic, hysteroscopic and histopathological findings. From January 1999 to December 2008, 152 breast cancer patients treated with TAM (20 mg/day), symptomatic (with bleeding) or asymptomatic, pre- and postmenopausal, were included consecutively in a prospective and observational follow-up study Diagnostic methods were (TV) transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy and curettage biopsy. TV ultrasound was performed every 12 months for 12 to 60 months. The patients´ age were 62.76 years ± 10.24 the TAM-time: 36.24 ± 19. Adenocarcinoma was observed in 3/87 patients (3.45%) with risk factors and in 1/65 (1.54%) without them (RA 1.91, IC 95% 1.88-1.94). We found benign disease in 148 patients (97.37%) and adenocarcinomas in 4 (2.63%), one within a polyp. The 4 adenocarcinomas were detected in postmenopausal women (2 asymptomatic) with endometrial thicknesses equal or greater than 16 mm. The cancer risk was significantly increased in symptomatic (2.36 versus 0.42 in asymptomatic). Three adenocarcinomas were observed between 24 and 48 months of treatment. In conclusion, we suggest an adequate transvaginal ultrasound monitoring of asymptomatic patients treated with TAM, with removal of polyps, because atypia can be present hidden within, considerin risk factors and exposure time. We suggest as an acceptable cut-off = 10 mm in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients.

Tamoxifeno y afecciones endometriales en pacientes con cáncer de mama / Tamoxifen and endometrial disease in patients with breast cancer

Los objetivos fueron evaluar la prevalencia de afecciones endometriales en pacientes tratadas con tamoxifeno (TAM) y analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos, ecográficos, histeroscópicos e histopatológicos. Desde enero de 1999 a diciembre 2008 se estudiaron 152 pacientes con cáncer de mama tratadas con TAM (20 mg/día), sintomáticas (con sangrado) o asintomáticas, pre y postmenopáusicas, incluidas en forma consecutiva. El diseño fue prospectivo y observacional. Los métodos diagnósticos usados fueron ecografía transvaginal, histeroscopía y biopsia. Las pacientes fueron seguidas durante 5 años con ecografía cada 12 meses e histeroscopia con biopsia en casos que lo justificaran. Edad: 62.76 ± 10.24 años y tiempo de tratamiento: 36.2 ± 19.9 meses. El adenocarcinoma se observó en 3/87 (3.45%) pacientes con factores de riesgo y en 1/65 (1.54%) sin ellos (RA: 1.91, IC 95% 1.88 a 1.94). Las afecciones benignas se hallaron en 148 pacientes (97.37% y los adenocarcinomas en 4 (2.63%),1 en un pólipo de aspecto benigno. Los 4 se observaron en mujeres postmenopáusicas (2 asintomáticas) con grosor endometrial igual o mayor a 16 mm. El riesgo de cáncer fue significativamente mayor en sintomáticas (2.36 versus 0.42 en asintomáticas). Tres adenocarcinomas se detectaron entre 24 y 48 meses del tratamiento. Recomendamos un seguimiento con ecografía transvaginal de las pacientes asintomáticas, resección de los pólipos evaluando factores de riesgo y tiempo de exposición, en especial luego de los 24 meses. Consideramos aceptable un cut-off = 10 mm en el grosor del endometrio en postmenopáusicas asintomáticas para realizar histeroscopía y biopsia.(AU)

The objectives were to evaluate prevalence of endometrial disease in patients treated with tamoxifen (TAM) and analyze the epidemiological, sonographic, hysteroscopic and histopathological findings. From January 1999 to December 2008, 152 breast cancer patients treated with TAM (20 mg/day), symptomatic (with bleeding) or asymptomatic, pre- and postmenopausal, were included consecutively in a prospective and observational follow-up study Diagnostic methods were (TV) transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy and curettage biopsy. TV ultrasound was performed every 12 months for 12 to 60 months. The patients´ age were 62.76 years ± 10.24 the TAM-time: 36.24 ± 19. Adenocarcinoma was observed in 3/87 patients (3.45%) with risk factors and in 1/65 (1.54%) without them (RA 1.91, IC 95% 1.88-1.94). We found benign disease in 148 patients (97.37%) and adenocarcinomas in 4 (2.63%), one within a polyp. The 4 adenocarcinomas were detected in postmenopausal women (2 asymptomatic) with endometrial thicknesses equal or greater than 16 mm. The cancer risk was significantly increased in symptomatic (2.36 versus 0.42 in asymptomatic). Three adenocarcinomas were observed between 24 and 48 months of treatment. In conclusion, we suggest an adequate transvaginal ultrasound monitoring of asymptomatic patients treated with TAM, with removal of polyps, because atypia can be present hidden within, considerin risk factors and exposure time. We suggest as an acceptable cut-off = 10 mm in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients.(AU)

Tamoxifeno y afecciones endometriales en pacientes con cáncer de mama. / [Tamoxifen and endometrial disease in patients with breast cancer].

The objectives were to evaluate prevalence of endometrial disease in patients treated with tamoxifen (TAM) and analyze the epidemiological, sonographic, hysteroscopic and histopathological findings. From January 1999 to December 2008, 152 breast cancer patients treated with TAM (20 mg/day), symptomatic (with bleeding) or asymptomatic, pre-and postmenopausal, were included consecutively in a prospective and observational follow-up study. Diagnostic methods were (TV) transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy and curettage biopsy. TV ultrasound was performed every 12 months for 12 to 60 months. The patients age were 62.76 years ± 10.24 the TAM-time: 36.24 ± 19. Adenocarcinoma was observed in 3/87 patients (3.45

) with risk factors and in 1/65 (1.54

) without them (RA 1.91, IC 95

1.88-1.94). We found benign disease in 148 patients (97.37

) and adenocarcinomas in 4 (2.63

), one within a polyp. The 4 adenocarcinomas were detected in postmenopausal women (2 asymptomatic) with endometrial thicknesses equal or greater than 16 mm. The cancer risk was significantly increased in symptomatic (2.36 versus 0.42 in asymptomatic). Three adenocarcinomas were observed between 24 and 48 months of treatment. In conclusion, we suggest an adequate transvaginal ultrasound monitoring of asymptomatic patients treated with TAM, with removal of polyps, because atypia can be present hidden within, considering risk factors and exposure time. We suggest as an acceptable cut-off = 10 mm in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients.