Cervical cancer is strongly associated with HPV infection, yet current post-treatment follow-up relies on cytology and imaging, which have limited accuracy, particularly after radiotherapy. Emerging evidence suggests that HPV clearance is linked to better outcomes and that HPV testing may outperform cytology in detecting recurrence.
This study aims to evaluate a panel of prognostic biomarkers to identify patients at higher risk of recurrence. These include cervical and circulating HPV-DNA (presence, genotype, and load), vaginal microbiota, host DNA methylation, SOD2 expression, and immune profile.
By enabling earlier and more accurate detection of recurrence, these biomarkers may improve patient outcomes, reduce reliance on costly imaging, and support earlier discharge for low-risk patients.
Diagnosis of HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma
Treatment-naïve
FIGO 2018 stage IB3 to IVA
Candidates for curative-intent pelvic radiotherapy with concurrent chemoradiation
Tumors with rare histology, such as small cell tumors, sarcomas, and lymphomas
FIGO 2018 stages IA, IB1, IB2, and IVB
Planned initial treatment is surgical or palliative
Uncertain primary tumor site (cervix vs. endometrium)