Role of Human Papillomavirus DNA Load in Predicting the Long-term Risk of Cervical Cancer: A 15-Year Prospective Cohort Study in China

Biomarkers highly predictive of cervical cancer are urgently needed for triaging human papillomavirus virus (HPV)–positive women. A 15-year prospective cohort study in China found that a moderate/high HPV load may accelerate the progression of cervical precancers and potentially could be used as a triage indicator. Abstract Background Biomarkers highly predictive of cervical cancer are urgently needed for triaging human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive women. Methods A total of 1997 women aged 35–45 years in Shanxi, China, were recruited in 1999, and follow-up visits were conducted in 2005, 2010, and 2014. HPV load was measured by the Hybrid Capture 2 assay. Findings were determined by relative light units/cutoff (RLU/CO) and categorized into 4 groups: negative (