Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification for Point-of-Care Primary Cervical Cancer Screening

Abstract

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant global health concern linked to various cancers, particularly cervical cancer. Timely and accurate detection of HPV is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies. Traditional laboratory-based HPV testing methods often suffer from limitations such as long turnaround times, restricted accessibility, and the need for trained personnel, especially in resource-limited settings. Consequently, there is a growing demand for point-of-care (POC) HPV testing solutions that offer rapid, easy-to-use, and convenient screening at the primary care level. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and emerging technologies utilized in POC HPV testing using isothermal amplification methods, in addition to evaluating their diagnostic performance, sensitivity, specificity, and clinical utility compared to conventional laboratory-based assays, particularly in low-resource settings, where access to centralized laboratory facilities is limited. We provide insights into the potential of isothermal nucleic acid amplification to revolutionize cervical cancer screening and prevention efforts worldwide, with emphasis on the need for continued research, innovation, and collaboration to optimize the performance, accessibility, and affordability of POC HPV testing solutions, ultimately contributing to the worldwide effort towards the elimination of this disease.

Keywords: cervical cancer screening; detection; human papillomavirus; isothermal nucleic acid amplification; point-of-care.