CytoHPV: Assessment of the predictive value of cytological analysis in relation to colposcopy-guided histology, before and after use of the primary HPV test.

OBJECTIVES: Since 2020, cervical cancer screening for women in France aged 30 to 65 has been based on an initial HPV test, with cytological screening performed if the result is positive. Prior knowledge of HPV test results has been shown to influence cytological interpretation. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of cytological analysis in relation to colposcopy-guided histology, before and after the introduction of the primary HPV test. METHODS: A retrospective, single-centre analytical study was conducted at the Amiens Picardie University Hospital Centre. All patients who underwent colposcopy after cytological analysis between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2023 were included in the study. A total of 1,696 patients were included: 637 in the 'old recommendations' group and 1,059 in the 'new recommendations' group. RESULTS: A significant increase in high-grade histologies was observed following LSIL cytology, and a significant increase in low-grade histologies was observed following ASCUS cytology, after the primary HPV test was used. CONCLUSION: The predictive value of histological analysis results based on initial cytology differs between the two groups.