Dr Neff on Integrating HPV Genotyping and Testing into Cervical Cancer Screening Algorithms

“On the one hand, we’re all excited about having more data and information, in terms of being able to manage patients more effectively [and] safely [to] potentially reduce harm. But on the other hand, sometimes screening tests can become overly burdensome for providers who are not regularly up to date with any of these new guidelines.”

Robert Neff, MD, a physician and associate professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center—James, discussed how molecular human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping and testing can be integrated into cervical cancer screening algorithms to best avoid overtreatment.

In May 2025, the FDA approved the Teal Wand as the first and only at-home vaginal sample self-collection device for cervical cancer screening in the US. The test was indicated for at-home cervical cancer screening in women 25 years to 65 years old who are at average risk of being diagnosed with the disease.

Neff began by noting that it is exciting to have more data available that will allow oncologists to manage patients with cervical cancer more effectively and safely. However, screening tests can become overly burdensome for providers who are not regularly familiarizing themselves with the most up-to-date guidelines, he noted. Moreover, some of the new data regarding HPV genotyping tests may lead to undertreatment or overtreatment because oncologists may not be aware of what the data actually say, he added.

There is a general awareness of some subtypes of HPV that are less risky for patients, which may have previously been lumped into data from high-risk HPV subtypes from older HPV screening tests, Neff explained. HPV subtypes outside of the historical high-risk classifications have also been identified, he said.

HPV screening provides allows providers who are comfortable with the latest data to potentially avoid overtreatment, and increases patient access to treatments that they would have not received previously, Neff said. However, providers must accurately interpret and apply test findings to avoid undertreatment, he concluded.