Probiotics enhance the clearance of human papillomavirus-related cervical lesions

Subtitle:a prospective controlled pilot study

Probiotics have been proposed for a number of urogenital infectious conditions. In this study, we examine a possible effect on human papillomavirus (HPV)-related precancerous lesions in cervical cytology. We conducted a prospective controlled pilot study, in which 54 women with an HPV + low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion diagnosis in their PAP smear were followed for 6 months. The intervention group consumed a daily probiotic drink during the study period; the control group received no treatment, according to common care policy. Outcome measures were the control PAP smear and HPV status after 6 months. Probiotic users had a twice as high chance of clearance of cytological abnormalities (60 vs. 31%, P=0.05). HPV was cleared in 19% of control patients versus 29% of probiotic users (P=0.41). This exploratory pilot study suggests that the probiotic studied promotes the clearance of HPV-related cytological abnormalities. If confirmed, this would represent an entirely new option to manage cervical cancer precursors. European Journal of Cancer Prevention 22:46-51 (C) 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. European Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013, 22:46-51

Publication year:2013

Keywords:A1 Journal article

BOF-keylabel:yes

BOF-publication weight:1

CSS-citation score:1

Authors from:Higher Education

Accessibility:Closed