Summary statement on quantitative cytochemistry (DNA and molecular biology) - Task force 8

Objective: To reach consensus on the application of quantitative cytochemic al analysis of chromosomal and DNA aneuploidy in cervical cytopathology. CONCLUSION: The current PAP test is limited specificity to predict cancer a nd its truly progressive pre-malignant lesions. Infection with human papill omavirus may trigger genetic instability, hyperprofileration and immortaliz ation of the cervical mucosa and cause cervical cancer. Several related mol ecular markers have been shown to be informatic about this neoplastic proce ss. Quantitative analysis of chromosomal an DNA aneuploidy has been shown t o be an important tool for identifying (progession to) high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. A high degree of standardization (material handing , caliberation and quality control measurement and interpretation of result s) is required for accurate and reproducible measurements. Areas for furthe r study are presented.