โก Quick Summary
This review highlights the evolution of HPV diagnostics, emphasizing the shift from traditional methods to innovative, patient-centered approaches. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas systems and artificial intelligence are paving the way for enhanced accuracy and accessibility in HPV screening.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Focus: HPV detection strategies and their clinical applicability
- โ๏ธ Technologies: Hybrid capture, PCR-based assays, CRISPR/Cas, ddPCR, NGS, IAT, AI
- ๐งช Sampling methods: Self-collected vaginal swabs, liquid biopsy (urine, blood, extracellular vesicles)
- ๐ Context: Addressing limitations in low-resource settings
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ฌ HPV infection is a leading cause of cervical cancer, making early detection crucial.
- ๐ Traditional methods like hybrid capture and PCR offer robust sensitivity and specificity.
- ๐ซ Limitations of conventional methods include invasive sampling and centralized lab requirements.
- ๐ก Emerging technologies provide enhanced accuracy and rapid results, with potential for point-of-care use.
- ๐งช Innovative sampling methods improve test acceptability and broaden screening coverage.
- ๐ The review aims to guide the development of non-invasive and scalable HPV detection strategies.
- ๐ Publication: Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 2025; 15:1681779.

๐ Background
The significance of early screening for HPV cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in reducing the incidence and mortality rates associated with HPV-related diseases. Over the years, the landscape of HPV diagnostics has transformed, moving towards more advanced and patient-friendly methodologies that promise to enhance the effectiveness of screening programs globally.
๐๏ธ Study
This comprehensive review examines both established and emerging HPV detection strategies, focusing on their clinical applicability, technical advantages, and limitations. The authors discuss the evolution of HPV diagnostics, highlighting the need for innovative solutions that can overcome the challenges posed by traditional methods.
๐ Results
The review underscores that while conventional methods like hybrid capture and PCR remain foundational due to their robust sensitivity and specificity, they are often hindered by their reliance on invasive sampling techniques. In contrast, emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas and AI offer promising alternatives that could significantly improve the accuracy and accessibility of HPV screening.
๐ Impact and Implications
The advancements in HPV diagnostics have the potential to revolutionize public health strategies aimed at reducing the global burden of HPV-related diseases. By facilitating non-invasive and scalable screening methods, these innovations can enhance prevention efforts and inform public health policies, particularly in low-resource settings where traditional methods may be impractical.
๐ฎ Conclusion
The evolution of HPV diagnostics represents a significant leap forward in the fight against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. By embracing emerging technologies and innovative sampling methods, we can improve screening accessibility and accuracy, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Continued research and development in this field are essential to fully realize the potential of these advancements.
๐ฌ Your comments
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Evolving HPV diagnostics: current practice and future frontiers.
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection serves as a primary causative agent of cervical cancer, highlighting the importance of early screening and detection in mitigating the incidence and mortality rates of HPV-related diseases. Over the past decades, HPV detection technologies have evolved considerably, transitioning from traditional methods to more advanced, patient-centered approaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of both established and emerging HPV detection strategies, with a particular focus on their clinical applicability, technical advantages, and limitations. Conventional methods such as hybrid capture and PCR-based assays remain the backbone of clinical screening, offering robust sensitivity and specificity. However, their reliance on invasive sampling and centralized laboratory infrastructure limits accessibility and patient compliance, particularly in low-resource settings. To address these limitations, emerging technologies-including CRISPR/Cas systems, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), isothermal amplification techniques (IAT) and artificial intelligence (AI) combined with hpv screening offer enhanced accuracy, rapid turnaround, and the potential for point-of-care deployment. In parallel, innovations in sampling such as self-collected vaginal swabs and liquid biopsy using urine, blood, or extracellular vesicles are improving test acceptability and broadening screening coverage. By summarizing current progress and highlighting ongoing challenges, this review aims to guide the development of more precise, non-invasive, and scalable HPV detection strategies to reduce the global burden of HPV-related disease, support global prevention efforts, and guide public health policies.
Author: [‘Shi L’, ‘Chen H’, ‘Zhang Z’, ‘Wang Y’, ‘Ren W’, ‘Huang J’]
Journal: Front Cell Infect Microbiol
Citation: Shi L, et al. Evolving HPV diagnostics: current practice and future frontiers. Evolving HPV diagnostics: current practice and future frontiers. 2025; 15:1681779. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1681779