Clinical practice guideline for high-risk human papillomavirus testing in cervical cancer screening: a consensus statement from the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology

Abstract

High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer, and hrHPV testing has increasingly been recognized as an effective screening tool that overcomes the limitations of cytology-based screening. However, standardized clinical guidance for the use of hrHPV testing in cervical cancer screening has been limited in Korea, resulting in variability in clinical practice. This consensus-based clinical practice guideline was developed under the auspices of the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology through multidisciplinary collaboration involving experts in gynecology, pathology, laboratory medicine, and public health. Relevant domestic and international evidence was systematically reviewed, and input from diverse clinical settings was incorporated through four public hearings. Final recommendations were established through expert consensus. The guideline presents four key recommendations: hrHPV testing may be considered for women aged 25 years or older, with a recommended screening interval of 3 to <5 years; screening assays should differentiate HPV genotypes 16 and 18 and detect other high-risk types, with preference given to clinically validated tests; testing should be performed in appropriately equipped settings with standardized specimen handling and reporting, including documentation of HPV 16/18 status in positive cases; and hrHPV testing should be conducted under rigorous internal and external quality control systems. This guideline aims to support consistent and rational implementation of hrHPV testing in cervical cancer screening in Korea.