Page 68 - Screening for Cervical Cancer: Systematic Evidence Review

Chapter III. Results

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decrease uncertainty.”(p. 115) When such models are generated they are further challenged by
the lack of existing outcomes data even on a small scale to support or falsify the overall model or

its components.

Overall, the quality of this literature is adequate for assessing the performance

characteristics of the newer HPV testing methods. Hybrid Capture II and consensus PCR have

good sensitivity and negative predictive value. This suggests a strong potential for a role in

determining screening intervals and in triaging patients with abnormal cytology, especially

among older women who have more stable HPV profiles. However, the quality of the literature

is limited for the purposes of making decisions about implementing HPV testing in the US

population for general screening or triage use. No published randomized trials or prospective

comparisons in suitable populations were identified. In the absence of studies that relate the

screening tools used to outcomes, the linkages between comparative test performance of HPV

and cytologic screening tools are insufficient to judge the implications of preferentially using one

combination of screening tools over another.

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