Wiyada Dankai

Profiling the Expression and Prognostic Values of FYN, A Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, in Different Histological Types of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

This study was aimed at evaluating FYN expression among different histologic types of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its associated prognostics. The FYN expression levels using quantitative real-time PCR method were evaluated in 98 primary EOC. Receiver operating characteristic curve were used to select an optimal cut-off value for determining the presence or absence of a disease progression. The median level of FYN expression varied among different EOC types, being the highest in high-grade serous carcinomas and the lowest in clear cell carcinomas (CCC). Using the cutoff FYN value to predict disease progression, the FYN-positive group had a poorer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the FYN-negative group (p = 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, FYN expression was an independent predictor for disease progression (Hazard ratio = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.21- 4.38; p = 0.011). In subgroup analysis, FYN expression was significantly associated with lower PFS in early stage CCC patients (p = 0.009). FYN expression is variable among different types of EOC while impacting on the prognostic values in patients with early stage CCC.

An Evaluation of Phosphate Buffer Saline as an Alternative Liquid-Based Medium for HPV DNA Detection

HPV detection has been proposed as part of the co-testing which improves the sensitivity of cervical screening. However, the commercially liquid-based medium adds cost in low-resource areas. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of ice-cold phosphate buffer saline (PBS) for HPV detection. HPV DNA from SiHa cells (with 1-2 copies of HPV16 per cell) preserved in ice-cold PBS or PreserveCyt solution at different time points (24, 36, 48, 72, 120 and 168 h) was tested in triplicate using Cobas 4800. The threshold cycle (Ct) values of both solutions were compared. An estimated false negative rate of PBS was also assessed by using the difference in Ct values between both solutions (∆Ct) and Ct values of HPV16-positive PreserveCyt clinical samples (Ctsample) at corresponding time points. Samples with a (Ctsample+∆Ct) value > 40.5 (the cutoff of HPV16 DNA by Cobas 4800) were considered as false negativity. The Ct values of HPV16 DNA of SiHa cells collected in PBS were higher than PreserveCyt ranging from 0.43 to 2.36 cycles depending on incubation times. There was no significant difference at 24, 72, 120, and 168 h.  However, the Ct values were statistically significantly higher for PBS than PreserveCyt at 36 h (31.00 vs 29.26), and 48 h (31.06 vs 28.70). A retrospective analysis in 47 clinical PreserveCyt collected samples that were positive for HPV16 DNA found that 1 case (2%) would become negative if collected in ice-cold PBS. The PBS might be an alternative collecting medium for HPV detection in the low-resource areas. Further evaluations are warranted.

Enhancing Cervical Cancer Screening Among Northern Thai Women: Satisfaction with Self-Collected HPV DNA Testing under the National Program

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Thailand. Despite the availability of national cervical cancer screening programs, participation rates remain low in Northern Thailand due to barriers such as limited accessibility and discomfort with clinical sample collection. Self-collected HPV DNA testing offers a promising alternative to traditional screening methods by addressing these barriers and improving access to care. Cervical cancer is a major health burden in Thailand, yet participation in national screening programs remains low, particularly in Northern Thailand. This study evaluated satisfaction with self-collected HPV DNA testing and examined factors influencing screening acceptance to inform strategies for increasing uptake. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 299 women aged 30-60 years attending the national cervical cancer screening program at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Participants performed self-collection following a demonstration and completed a five-point Likert scale satisfaction survey. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to assess satisfaction and identify predictors of screening intention. Most participants (85.95%) strongly agreed that self-collected HPV DNA testing improved screening accessibility, and 100% found the process easy to follow. Mean satisfaction scores were high for accessibility (4.85/5), effectiveness (4.82/5), and reliability (4.81/5). No invalid samples were reported, and beta-globin Ct values confirmed high-quality sample collection (mean Ct = 29.00 ± 1.70). Education level significantly influenced screening intention (OR = 17.61, p = 0.039). Self-collected HPV DNA testing was highly satisfactory and could enhance national screening programs, especially in underserved populations.