Scientific Background

Among the many chromosomal changes observed in cervical cancer, the most consistent abnormality is detected in chromosome arm 3q (Heselmeyer K, et al. 1997).  Studies have shown that at least 90% of invasive cancer cases have a gain in the 3q arm (Heselmeyer K, et al. 1996, Caraway, NP, et al. 2008).  Additional research has demonstrated a correlation between the gain in the 3q26 copy number as the severity and stage of cervical disease progresses (Caraway, NP, et al. 2008, Heselmeyer-Haddad, K, et al. 2003, Heselmeyer-Haddad, K, et al. 2005). 

Using this methodology to look at the progression of individual patients, it has been shown that the sensitivity of the 3q26 loci for predicting progression from CIN1/CIN2 to CIN3 was 100% and the specificity, i.e., the prediction of regression, was 70% (Heselmeyer-Haddad, K, et al. 2005).

Although several factors contribute to the progression of a precancerous lesion to malignancy, 3q26 gain is a marker that the medical profession can use, in conjunction with other tests, to aid in LSIL patient management.