The pooled analyses of the European primary HPV screening trials have demonstrated a protective effect of HPV-based screening against the hardest endpoint, cervical cancer. Recent supplements to the European guidelines have provided updated guidance on HPV-based screening, stressing the importance of implementing in the context of an organized program. Moving towards a sustainable operational model requires an organized, quality-assured approach to implementation. The pooled analyses of the European primary HPV screening trials have demonstrated a protective effect of HPV-based screening against the hardest endpoint, cervical cancer. Recent supplements to the European guidelines have provided updated guidance on HPV-based screening, stressing the importance of implementing in the context of an organized program. Moving towards a sustainable operational model requires an organized, quality-assured approach to implementation.
Pilot programs for HPV based screening have been on-going in various settings. Examples of such efforts, including the randomized implementation of HPV-based screening in the organized cervical cancer screening program of Stockholm County, will be used to discuss issues related to guidelines and program structure as well as strategies for monitoring and evaluation.
While pilot programs for HPV-based screening have generally demonstrated non-inferior participation as compared to cytology-based screening, roll-out methods and target populations have differed making it somewhat difficult to compare across settings. Continued monitoring and evaluation of implementation efforts will be needed.