Optimization of RNAscope for HPV mRNA detection in liquid-based cervical cytology samples.

StudyFrontiers in oncology· 2026

Optimization of RNAscope for HPV mRNA detection in liquid-based cervical cytology samples.

Tianqi Liu, Xianrong Zhou, Xiang Tao … Tingting Chen

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CytopathologyStudyDiagnosisQ2IF 3.1

RNAscope HPV mRNA testing shows high concordance with PCR in cervical samples

Optimization of RNAscope for HPV mRNA detection in liquid-based cervical cytology samples.

Tianqi Liu … Tingting Chen

Frontiers in oncology · 2026

Purpose

To establish an RNAscope-based joint detection scheme compatible with liquid-based cytology (liquid-based cytology) slides and staining systems, enabling simultaneous observation of cytological phenotype and HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression in cervical cancer and precancerous lesions.

Methods

From March 2023 to February 2024, 115 liquid-based cytology samples were collected at the Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University.

n = 115 LBC samples

95.65%

Results

95.65%

RNAscope results matched PCR in nearly all cases, confirming its diagnostic accuracy

n = 115 LBC samples

More results

RNAscope combined with liquid-based cytology showed high positive rates, 93.33% for LSIL, 96.97% for HSIL, 100.00% for SCC, and 87.50% for HPV-related adenocarcinoma.

Figures illustrate RNAscope positive expression patterns in LSIL, HSIL, SCC and, HPV-related adenocarcinoma.

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Conclusion

The adaptation of RNAscope technology, originally designed for paraffin samples, enables accurate diagnosis in cervical liquid-based cytology, enhances consistency with histopathology, and provides a novel diagnostic approach for cervical lesions.

Optimization of RNAscope for HPV mRNA detection in liquid-based cervical cytology samples.

Optimization of RNAscope for HPV mRNA detection in liquid-based cervical cytology samples.

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