High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus (HrHPV) Testing (DNA Test) for early detection of cervical cancer
Cycle 1 | Clinical Equipment and DevicesHTA Council Recommendation (as of 13 March 2025)
The HTA Council positively recommends High Risk Human Papillomavirus (HrHPV) DNA Test for financing of the Department of Health (DOH) and/or PhilHealth. HRHPV DNA test is recommended for cervical cancer screening in women ages 30-65 years, every 5 years as long as the test adheres to the minimal characteristics specified in the WHO Target product profiles (TPPs) for human papillomavirus screening tests to detect cervical pre-cancer and cancer (2024), noting the VALGENT (2016) protocol cited by WHO for the clinical validation of HPV assays (i.e., in interpreting values for relative clinical sensitivity and specificity, lower bound confidence intervals should be compared against the TPP). Second-generation comparator tests fulfilling new international criteria as indicated in Arbyn, et. al., (2024) should be used for validation of novel HPV DNA tests.
Relevant Information
- Status: With Final HTA Council Recommendation
- Topic Assignment: Internal Assessment
- Policy Question: Should High Risk Human Papillomavirus (HrHPV) DNA Test for cervical cancer screening in women aged 30–65 years old be funded by PhilHealth or the DOH?
- Secretary of Health Decision: Acknowledged as of June 25 2025
Evidence and Relevant Documents