Prediction value with a novel and accurate tissue-based human papillomavirus detection method in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions

Background The progression rate from CIN1 to CIN3 is 9.0% and that for invasive cancer is 1.0%. The large majority of CIN1 lesions regress spontaneously, and the treatment of CIN1 is still controversial. Aims The aim of this study is to investigate the responsible HPV genotype in the low-grade SILs, then to predict the presence of high-grade SILs, and determine whether further treatment is needed. Methods We use the methods of manual microdissection with FFPE tissue specimens and the E6/E7 uniplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect HPV in the lesions. Results The HPV test was performed on 72 biopsy tissue specimens, and 55 (76.4%, 55/72) of them were HPV positive. Nine (16.4%, 9/55) of them escalated to CIN2 after LEEP or cervical conization, and 46 (83.6%, 46/55) were still CIN1. There were 17 (23.6%, 17/72) cases with HPV-negative results in cervical biopsy tissues. HPV test of cervical biopsy diagnosed with CIN1 has a positive predictive value of 16.4% in the presence of CIN2 or higher lesions, a negative predictive value of 94.1%, a specificity of 25.8%, and a sensitivity of 90.0%. HPV test of cervical biopsy tissues for the prediction of HPV infection in LEEP or cone surgery tissues had a positive predictive value of 80.0%, a negative predictive value of 82.3%, a specificity of 56.0%, and a sensitivity of 93.6%. Conclusions It is the first time that we have detected HPV genotype in the low-grade SILs by the methods of manual microdissection with FFPE tissue specimens and the E6/E7 uniplex PCR. Patients with cervical biopsy tissue diagnosed with CIN1 and with a negative or only low-risk HPV type result can be considered for follow-up. Conversely, in cases of cervical biopsy tissue diagnosed with CIN1 positive for high-risk HPV, surgery or a close follow-up program can be selected.