Prediction of cervical cancer precursor lesions by quantitative methylation specific PCR: A retrospective study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of FAM19A4 and hsa‐mir‐124‐2 hypermethylation as a triage tool for women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer or high‐grade cervical cancer precursor lesions by taking into consideration the cytology report, histology diagnosis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) status.MethodsA total of 330 cervical ThinPrep samples were retrospectively collected and used for DNA isolation. HPV DNA was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and HPV genotypes were identified by Sanger‐based sequencing. DNA extracts were bisulphite‐treated, and hypermethylation of FAM19A4 and hsa‐mir‐124‐2 genes was detected by a quantitative methylation‐specific PCR (qMSP) test using the QIAsure Methylation assay.ResultsHypermethylated genes were detected in 27 (9.6%) cervical samples, mostly found in women diagnosed with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial legions (77.8%) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) (72.7%). The sensitivity and the specificity of the qMSP test for predicting CIN3 lesions among women with high‐risk HPV was 75% and 91%, respectively.Discussion/ConclusionThere was a significant correlation between high‐grade cervical cancer precursor lesions and detection of hypermethylated genes in samples positive for high‐risk HPV. Our results suggest that the QIAsure Methylation test can be used as a triage tool to identify women at risk for cervical cancer progression.