Journal Article (Review Article) DKFZ-2026-02191

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The role of serological (rapid) tests for the early detection of HPV-related cancers. [Stellenwert serologischer (Schnell‑)Teste zur Früherkennung HPV-bedingter Karzinome].

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2026
Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH [Berlin]

Die Dermatologie nn, nn () [10.1007/s00105-026-05780-5]
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Abstract: Oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV), such as HPV16, can cause anogenital and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Unlike anogenital cancers, there are no known premalignant precursor lesions for HPV-induced OPC (HPV-OPC). While cytology-based and HPV-DNA/mRNA-based screening programs are recommended for anogenital cancers in the general population (cervical cancer) or for high-risk groups (anal cancer), this is not the case for HPV-OPC. This article summarizes the role of HPV serology for the early detection of HPV-OPC. The detection of antibodies against the HPV16 oncoprotein E6 has been investigated in many studies. In a systematic review with meta-analysis, a pooled sensitivity of 83.1% and a specificity of 94.6% were calculated for the detection of HPV-OPC with HPV16-E6 serology. The HPV16-E6 antibodies can be detected in serum many years before an OPC diagnosis. At present, however, there is still no validated management approach for individuals who test positive for HPV16-E6 antibodies but are clinically tumor-free. In contrast to HPV-E6 antibodies, antibodies against the HPV capsid protein L1 are detectable following HPV vaccination and also following natural HPV infection in individuals without cancer. In Germany and other countries, a CE in vitro diagnostics (IVD)-labelled rapid test for the detection of HPV16-L1 antibodies (Prevo-Check®) is marketed for the early detection of HPV16-induced cancer. In a recent study, the HPV16-L1 rapid test yielded a positive result in only one quarter of patients with HPV16-OPC. Nearly all HPV vaccinated individuals, as well as more than one third of young people who had experienced a natural HPV16 infection, also tested positive with the HPV16-L1 rapid test. Due to its low sensitivity (12.5-25%) and a high rate of false positive test results, the HPV16-L1 rapid test is not suitable for screening for HPV-OPC.

Keyword(s): Antibody rapid test ; HPV serology ; HPV16 ; Human papillomavirus ; Oropharyngeal cancer

Classification:

Note: #LA:C230# / epub

Contributing Institute(s):
  1. Infektionen und Krebsepidemiologie (C230)
Research Program(s):
  1. 313 - Krebsrisikofaktoren und Prävention (POF4-313) (POF4-313)

Appears in the scientific report 2026
Database coverage:
Medline ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; DEAL Springer ; DEAL Springer ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection
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 Record created 2026-09-07, last modified 2026-09-08



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