New molecular markers for cervical precancer detection optimization. Immunocytochemistry test: p16/Ki-67 dual staining (CINtec PLUS test)

The dual immunostaining of cervical cytology p16/Ki-67 which combines a high sensitivity with a high specificity is the solution that has been developed in recent years for cervical precancer detection optimization. The test is a double immunocytochemistry staining performed simultaneously in the same cell for p16 - transforming infection marker and Ki67, a proliferation marker. This immunocytochemistry test is intended to optimize the surveillance or screening of young patients with cytology results: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance with high risk human papilloma virus or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, thus avoiding colposcopies and any invasive gesture at nulliparous, reducing the anxiety of patients linked to the indication of colposcopy and ultimately reducing diagnosis costs. Each year there are 500.000 new cases of cervical cancer detected worldwide and the average of 5 years survival rate is only 50%, thus including the CINtec PLUS test in cervical cancer screening programs may be seen as an innovative strategy an can provide real benefit to clinicians and patients as it helps identifying underlying disease and establish who should proceed to further procedures.