Cervical cancer methylation test
An innovative epigenetic test that helps assess the risk of developing cervical cancer. The test is performed from the same sample as the HPV test and analyses methylation changes in the FAM19A4 and miR124-2 genes.
More precise prevention – lower oncological risk
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Lithuania, and its mortality remains among the highest in Europe. Although many women undergo regular screening, HPV detection alone does not answer whether cancer will develop. Methylation testing helps more accurately assess epigenetic changes in cells and determine the true risk of cancer development – reducing patient anxiety and enabling timely, evidence-based medical decisions.
How does methylation testing help assess cervical cancer risk?
After high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected, a common question is whether the infection will lead to more serious changes. Methylation testing analyses epigenetic changes in cervical cells and helps predict the likelihood of cervical cancer development. This makes it possible to more accurately identify which patients need closer monitoring and which can continue with routine follow-up.
Analyses methylation markers of the FAM19A4 and miR124-2 genes
Performed from the same swab sample as the HPV test
Helps differentiate high vs low oncological risk
Helps avoid unnecessary biopsies or invasive procedures
Reduces patient stress and health-related uncertainty
Treatment and follow-up decisions are based on individual risk, not HPV status alone
A new perspective on cervical cancer prevention
Methylation testing provides a clearer answer as to whether an HPV infection poses a real risk of cervical cancer. This information enables clinicians to make well-founded decisions about further follow-up, while helping patients reduce stress and avoid unnecessary testing.
A more accurate risk-assessment tool
Helps determine whether epigenetic changes have already occurred – supporting the appropriate intensity of monitoring or treatment.
Avoiding unnecessary interventions
Patients whose genes are not methylated can be safely managed through routine screening – without biopsies or more frequent visits.
Additional insight after a positive HPV result
Helps differentiate whether a patient falls into a high- or low-risk group.
Psychological benefit for patients
Clear information about actual risk helps reduce fear, anxiety, and related stress.
When and for whom is the test recommended?
Women with a positive high-risk HPV result
Helps assess whether the infection has already caused epigenetic changes indicating increased cancer risk.
Patients who feel anxious after preventive screening
Provides clearer guidance on whether additional tests or interventions are needed, reducing psychological stress.
Clinicians seeking a more precise cancer-risk assessment
Complements HPV testing with evidence-based information on epigenetic changes.
Healthcare professionals providing individualised follow-up
Enables more accurate risk stratification and selection of an appropriate care pathway.
Test reliability: accuracy and quality metrics
The methylation test is based on an evidence-based methodology analysing FAM19A4 and miR124-2, enabling assessment of short-term cervical cancer risk. Because it uses the same sample as the HPV test, no additional procedure is required for the patient.
94% accuracy in detecting clinically significant methylation changes
90% of patients with a negative methylation result show no disease progression
Performed using a CE-IVD certified method
Reliable cervical cancer prevention
Take the methylation test and assess your true cervical cancer risk – based on cellular changes.
For Specialists
All key information in one place – from the genes analysed to test accuracy and clinical value. This section is intended for specialists who want a detailed understanding of the test rationale, structure, and practical applications.
The methylation test is intended for patients with confirmed high-risk HPV infection. It helps assess epigenetic changes in cervical cells and determine whether the patient belongs to a higher-risk group for oncological disease development.
The test analyses the methylation status of FAM19A4 and miR124-2. Hypermethylation of these genes is associated with an increased likelihood that precancerous or cancerous processes have already begun. A non-methylated status indicates low short-term risk.
The methylation test is performed from the same sample collected for HPV detection (a cervical swab). It is based on a CE-IVD certified real-time PCR method and can be integrated into routine screening workflows.
The test helps clinicians stratify patient risk and decide on next steps – closer surveillance or the need for invasive procedures (e.g., biopsy). This reduces unnecessary interventions for patients at low risk.
The test has a high negative predictive value – if no methylation changes are detected, the likelihood of developing cervical cancer in the near term is very low. This supports safely reducing excessive follow-up.
