Novel Test Detects Cervical Cancer Earlier than Traditional Screening Methods

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 27 Sep 2023

Image: The epiCervix test can detect cervical cancer at its earliest stages by looking at changes in four specific genes (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

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."

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HKG Epitherapeutics