Consistent condom use increases spontaneous regression in high-risk non-HPV16 but not in HPV16 CIN2-3 lesions, a prospective population-based cohort study
Munk, A.C.; Ovestad, I.T.ås.; Gudlaugsson, E.; Løvslett, K.; Fiane, B.; van Diermen-Hidle, B.; Kruse, A.-J.; Skaland, I.; Janssen, E.A.; Baak, J.P.
Infectious Agents and Cancer 7(1): 30
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1750-9378 PMID: 23126423 DOI: 10.1186/1750-9378-7-30Document Number: 564870
The major cause of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Most CIN grade 2 and 3 lesions are treated with cone excision, although a substantial proportion (6-50%) of CIN2-3 lesions will regresses spontaneously. Predictors for regression of CIN2-3 are desirable in order to reduce this overtreatment. In this prospective cohort study, 145 consecutive women with first-time onset CIN2-3 in colposcopy-directed biopsies and standardized biopsy-cone excision interval were included. The genotype of the high-risk human papillomaviruses (=hrHPV) and clinical factors including sexual behaviour, parity, contraception and smoking were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups according to lesions containing HPV16 (hrHPV16+) and high-risk non-HPV16 (hrHPV16-) genotypes. Women whose partners consistently used condoms showed a significantly higher regression rate than women using other types of contraception (53% versus 13%, p<0.0001). However, this effect was only seen in hrHPV16- patients (73% regression rate versus 13%, p<0.0001). HrHPV16+ patients had a significantly higher number of sexual partners and more current smokers compared to hrHPV16- patients. The regression rate was not significantly different in CIN2-3 lesions containing HPV16 (hrHPV16+) versus hrHPV16- genotypes. Heterogeneity among hrHPV genotypes excists. HPV-genotype analyses can identify women who significantly increase their chance of regression by consistent condom use.