Novel Test Detects Cervical Cancer Earlier than Traditional Screening Methods
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 27 Sep 2023 |
|
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer affecting women worldwide. In 2020, the disease was responsible for roughly 604,000 new cases and 342,000 fatalities. The World Health Organization recommends that women undergo regular screenings using highly effective tests. Early detection can lead to immediate surgical intervention, sparing women from added medical procedures, stress, and financial burden. When detected in its initial stages, cervical cancer has a 93% survival rate, which drops to 15% if the disease progresses. Now, a new test has the potential to revolutionize cervical cancer screening, promising better outcomes and survival rates for patients.
HKG Epitherapeutics’ (Hong Kong, PRC) proprietary epiCervix test has proven more effective at early-stage cervical cancer detection than traditional methods like Pap smears and HPV tests. Instead of relying on a cytopathologist's subjective judgment in examining cells, the epiCervix test utilizes a DNA methylation technique to analyze changes in four specific genes (CA10, DPP10, FMN2, and HAS1). This results in a more objective and precise diagnosis, crucial for early intervention.
A recent study involving 800 women showed that the epiCervix test had near-perfect accuracy in identifying both premalignant and malignant cells, even in cases that went undetected by conventional screening methods. The test was particularly successful in identifying high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women who had undergone colposcopies due to abnormal Pap smear results. These are precancerous lesions that can develop into full-blown cervical cancer if not treated in time.
"The problem with existing cervical cancer screenings is that they don't always catch malignant cells, and even if a woman has HPV, it doesn't mean that she has cancer. HKG's test gives doctors and patients a much earlier warning system than what is in use today. The earlier the detection, the greater the chances are for survival," said Prof. Moshe Szyf, HKG Epitherapeutics CEO. "Since HKG's epiCervix test is more sensitive than traditional screens, it can find cancer DNA among cells that look noncancerous, enabling doctors to more accurately identify patients who need further testing for cervical cancer. The results from this study have the potential to transform the global cervical cancer screening market through offering a more effective, less invasive and cost-efficient solution. Through integrating epiCervix into the current screening process, we can make cervical cancer no different for women than needing to get a tooth extracted."
Related Links:
HKG Epitherapeutics
Latest Molecular Diagnostics News
- Genetic Test Could Improve Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
- Bone Molecular Maps to Transform Early Osteoarthritis Detection
- POC Testing for Hepatitis B DNA as Effective as Traditional Laboratory Testing
- Fully Automated Immunoassay Test Detects HDV Co‑Infection and Super-Infection
- Abdominal Fluid Testing Can Predict Ovarian Cancer Progression
- POC Test Uses Fingerstick Blood, Serum, Or Plasma Sample to Detect Typhoid Fever
- Rapid Testing Panel Simultaneously Detects 15 Drugs of Abuse in Urine Within 21 Minutes
- New Test Detects Breast Reconstruction-Related Infections Before Symptoms Appear
- Period Blood Test for HPV Could Replace Cervical Screening
- New Genetic Tools Improve Breast Cancer Risk Prediction for African American Women
- Single-Use Test Strip to Revolutionize Disease Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Device Predicts Treatment Response for Brain Tumors Via Blood Test
- Blood Test Detects Early-Stage Cancers by Measuring Epigenetic Instability
- Two-in-One DNA Analysis Improves Diagnostic Accuracy While Saving Time and Costs
- “Lab-On-A-Disc” Device Paves Way for More Automated Liquid Biopsies
- New Tool Maps Chromosome Shifts in Cancer Cells to Predict Tumor Evolution
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
Rapid Blood Testing Method Aids Safer Decision-Making in Drug-Related Emergencies
Acute recreational drug toxicity is a frequent reason for emergency department visits, yet clinicians rarely have access to confirmatory toxicology results in real time. Instead, treatment decisions are... Read more
New PSA-Based Prognostic Model Improves Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men, and about one in eight will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Screening relies on blood levels of prostate-specific antigen... Read more
Hematology
view channel
New Guidelines Aim to Improve AL Amyloidosis Diagnosis
Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disorder in which abnormal amyloid proteins accumulate in organs. Approximately 3,260 people in the United States are diagnosed... Read more
Fast and Easy Test Could Revolutionize Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions are a cornerstone of modern medicine, yet red blood cells can deteriorate quietly while sitting in cold storage for weeks. Although blood units have a fixed expiration date, cells from... Read more
Automated Hemostasis System Helps Labs of All Sizes Optimize Workflow
High-volume hemostasis sections must sustain rapid turnaround while managing reruns and reflex testing. Manual tube handling and preanalytical checks can strain staff time and increase opportunities for error.... Read more
High-Sensitivity Blood Test Improves Assessment of Clotting Risk in Heart Disease Patients
Blood clotting is essential for preventing bleeding, but even small imbalances can lead to serious conditions such as thrombosis or dangerous hemorrhage. In cardiovascular disease, clinicians often struggle... Read moreImmunology
view channel
Blood Test Identifies Lung Cancer Patients Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy Drug
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options, and even newly approved immunotherapies do not benefit all patients. While immunotherapy can extend survival for some,... Read more
Whole-Genome Sequencing Approach Identifies Cancer Patients Benefitting From PARP-Inhibitor Treatment
Targeted cancer therapies such as PARP inhibitors can be highly effective, but only for patients whose tumors carry specific DNA repair defects. Identifying these patients accurately remains challenging,... Read more
Ultrasensitive Liquid Biopsy Demonstrates Efficacy in Predicting Immunotherapy Response
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, but only a small proportion of patients experience lasting benefit, with response rates often remaining between 10% and 20%. Clinicians currently lack reliable... Read more
Microbiology
view channel
CRISPR-Based Technology Neutralizes Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Antibiotic resistance has accelerated into a global health crisis, with projections estimating more than 10 million deaths per year by 2050 as drug-resistant “superbugs” continue to spread.... Read more
Comprehensive Review Identifies Gut Microbiome Signatures Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6.7 million people in the United States and nearly 50 million worldwide, yet early cognitive decline remains difficult to characterize. Increasing evidence suggests... Read more
Pathology
view channel
AI-Powered Microscope Diagnoses Malaria in Blood Smears Within Minutes
Malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, killing hundreds of thousands each year, mostly in under-resourced regions where laboratory infrastructure is limited. Diagnosis still... Read more
Engineered Yeast Cells Enable Rapid Testing of Cancer Immunotherapy
Developing new cancer immunotherapies is a slow, costly, and high-risk process, particularly for CAR T cell treatments that must precisely recognize cancer-specific antigens. Small differences in tumor... Read more
Technology
view channel
Robotic Technology Unveiled for Automated Diagnostic Blood Draws
Routine diagnostic blood collection is a high‑volume task that can strain staffing and introduce human‑dependent variability, with downstream implications for sample quality and patient experience.... Read more
ADLM Launches First-of-Its-Kind Data Science Program for Laboratory Medicine Professionals
Clinical laboratories generate billions of test results each year, creating a treasure trove of data with the potential to support more personalized testing, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient care.... Read more
Aptamer Biosensor Technology to Transform Virus Detection
Rapid and reliable virus detection is essential for controlling outbreaks, from seasonal influenza to global pandemics such as COVID-19. Conventional diagnostic methods, including cell culture, antigen... Read more
AI Models Could Predict Pre-Eclampsia and Anemia Earlier Using Routine Blood Tests
Pre-eclampsia and anemia are major contributors to maternal and child mortality worldwide, together accounting for more than half a million deaths each year and leaving millions with long-term health complications.... Read moreIndustry
view channel
WHX Labs in Dubai spotlights leadership skills shaping next-generation laboratories
WHX Labs in Dubai (formerly Medlab Middle East), held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 10–13 February, brings together international experts to discuss the factors redefining laboratory leadership,... Read more
New Collaboration Brings Automated Mass Spectrometry to Routine Laboratory Testing
Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that identifies and quantifies molecules based on their mass and electrical charge. Its high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy make it indispensable... Read more
AI-Powered Cervical Cancer Test Set for Major Rollout in Latin America
Noul Co., a Korean company specializing in AI-based blood and cancer diagnostics, announced it will supply its intelligence (AI)-based miLab CER cervical cancer diagnostic solution to Mexico under a multi‑year... Read more