Interaction of epithelial biomarkers, local immune response and condom use in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2-3 regression

Objective. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2-3 (CIN2-3) are usually treated by cone excision, although only 30% progress to cancer and 6-50% regress spontaneously. Biomarkers predicting CIN2-3 regression would be of great clinical value and could reduce unnecessary cone excision and associated complications. The aim of this study was to investigate whether punch-biopsy derived immunohistochemical biomarkers, local immune response, CIN lesion size and condom use are independently correlated to regression of CIN2-3. Methods. A prospective population-based cohort study of 162 women aged 25-40, with first-time onset diagnosis of CIN2-3 in colposcopy-directed biopsies was carried out. The median biopsy-cone interval was 16 weeks. Regression was defined as CIN1 or less in the cone biopsy. Results. The regression rate was 21% (34/162). pRb>30% in the lower epithelial half was the strongest predictor for regression (30% regression, p 2.5 mm and CD4 + - stroma