Association of FAM19A4/miR124-2 DNA methylation and clinical regression of CIN2/3

Cervical screening can prevent cancer by timely detection and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3). Screening can also result in considerable overtreatment because many CIN2/3 lesions show spontaneous regression when left untreated. A test that can predict clinical regression of CIN2/3 lesions may help to prevent overtreatment, and is urgently needed. The multicenter longitudinal CONCERVE study in The Netherlands found that a negative FAM19A4/miR124-2 methylation test on a clinician-collected or self-collected sample was associated with clinical regression. A negative methylation test in combination with cytology or HPV genotyping can be used to support a wait-and-see policy in women with CIN2/3.