2025 · International journal of cancer · open access
Recurrent cervical cancer detection using DNA methylation markers in self-collected samples from home
Schaafsma et al.
The finding, in our words
DNA methylation levels in self-collected cervicovaginal samples fell two years after treatment in patients who remained free of recurrent cervical cancer. This shows that home-collected urine and cervicovaginal specimens can be used to assess methylation markers for surveillance of cervical cancer recurrence.
A paraphrase to the Library’s standard, never the abstract. The source is one link away and is always the authority.
The study found that testing for ASCL1/LHX8 DNA methylation in at-home collected first-void urine can detect most cervical cancers and high-grade precancers, supporting a fully molecular screening pathway without a clinical visit.
Van Keer et al., Communications medicine · source ↗
This literature review found that DNA methylation markers on self-collected urine or cervicovaginal swabs detected cervical intraepithelial neoplasia as well as cytology. The combination could improve screening uptake and reduce loss to follow-up, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, though more evidence is needed to identify the most efficacious methylation tests.
Sumiec et al., Infectious agents and cancer · source ↗
In first-void urine collected with Colli-Pee, the extraction method influenced HPV and human DNA yield more than the collected volume did: standardising processing matters at least as much as standardising volume.
The review concludes that first-void urine is a feasible source for molecular biomarkers, such as host and viral gene methylation, to triage high-risk HPV infections, offering a non-invasive and preferred method for women that may improve screening adherence.
Van Keer et al., European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology (paywalled) · source ↗
DNA methylation markers in first-void urine effectively detect high-grade cervical lesions in HPV-positive women, with results similar to clinician-collected samples in those over 30. This enables reliable cervical cancer screening using self-collected urine, reducing the need for invasive follow-up procedures in decentralised settings.