High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and adenocarcinoma in situ with a negative HPV cervical screening test. The role of HPV-ISH testing: A retrospective review

Australia has transitioned to primary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening; however, high-risk HPV (hrHPV)-negative high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and adenocarcinoma in situ have been reported. HPV in situ hybridisation (ISH) testing has been proposed to reclassify these cases. This study identified hrHPV-negative lesions and assessed HPV-ISH. A total of 89 of 1468 patients (6.06%) had hrHPV-negative lesions, and HPV-ISH revealed five (5.75%) reclassified positive cases. No demographical differences were found between groups. Current population-level screening is effective. HPV-ISH was not effective for reclassification. This small, significant population requires further study to assess the phenomenon and augment detection given the implications of misidentification.