Making cervical cancer screening more precise after positive test results

Laia Bruni

Fundació Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Spain

Testing for human papillomavirus is an effective way to screen for cervical cancer. But a positive test does not always indicate a precancerous lesion or cancer, which can lead to unnecessary procedures and anxiety. This project aims to evaluate a new triage strategy for women with positive screening results in Catalonia.

The team will combine information about the type of virus detected with automated visual evaluation of the cervix, an artificial intelligence-assisted assessment of a cervical image taken during a follow-up visit of women who test positive for HPV. The researchers will evaluate the strategy’s performance in risk classification, feasibility, patient experience and provider acceptability, as well as its potential impact on healthcare costs.

The project seeks to make cervical cancer screening more efficient and patient-centred by ensuring that women at higher risk receive timely referrals, while reducing unnecessary procedures and medicalisation for those at lower risk. The project could inform prevention policies on how to improve the current standard of care and help healthcare services focus resources on women who need closer assessment and follow-up.

• Clara Grau, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Spain

• Silvia de Sanjose, Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Spain

Next-generation cervical cancer screening using self-sampling, HPV genotyping and AI-assisted AVE

€299,988.14