RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of a vaginal gel on p16/Ki-67-positive abnormal cytological cervical findings (ASC-US, LSIL) and hr-HPV in women. METHODS: The study included 134 women with p16/Ki-67-positive ASC-US or LSIL. Participants were selected from a randomized controlled trial that focused on women with histological diagnoses of p16-positive CIN1 lesions or CIN2. In the treatment group (TG), 57 patients applied the vaginal gel daily for three months, while 77 patients in the "watchful wait" control group (CG) received no treatment. The study's endpoints were cytological development, p16/Ki-67 and hr-HPV clearances. RESULTS: At three months, cytopathological results improved in 74% (42/57) of patients in the TG, compared with 18% (14/77) in the CG. Progression occurred in 7% (4/57) of TG patients compared with 18% (14/77) of CG patients. The p16/Ki-67 status changed statistically significantly in favor of the TG (p < 0.001), with 83% (47/57) becoming negative, compared with 18% (14/77) in the CG. The prevalence of hr-HPV decreased significantly in the TG by 51%, and by 9% in the CG (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of the gel resulted in statistically significant clearance of hr-HPV and p16/Ki-67 concomitant with amelioration of cytological findings, thus providing effective prevention and protection against oncogenic development. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN11009040, on 10 December 2019.
