Panel releases draft update to HPV screening recommendations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a draft of new cervical cancer screening guidelines that partially clarifies recommendations on the use of high-risk HPV screening. The draft recommends against HPV screening in women younger than 30 but states that there is "insufficient" evidence to assess the use of HPV testing in women ages 30 years and older. In 2003, the task force concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the routine use of HPV testing in any age group. Comments on the draft are due Nov. 16 (see BioCentury Extra, Oct. 18).

In women younger than 30, the task force concluded that the potential harms of HPV testing -- including adverse psychological effects and pregnancy outcomes -- outweigh the potential benefits. In women 30 and older, the task force said the potential benefit of HPV testing on cervical cancer incidence and mortality is small compared with the benefits from cytology, but that more information is needed to fully assess the benefits and harms in the age group. The task force said ongoing trials such as the HPV FOCAL study may provide new information on HPV screening. The task force did not provide details on when data might be expected. FOCAL is being conducted by the British Columbia Cancer Agency. ...