Grant for Cervical Cancer Detection Device

The developers of a noninvasive device shown to be more effective in identifying cervical cancer than a Pap test have received a grant from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) to aid further development. The device is being jointly developed by Welch Allyn, Inc. (Skaneateles Falls, NY, USA) and Spectrx, Inc. (Norcross, GA, USA).

The device, which does not require a tissue sample or laboratory analysis, uses proprietary biophonic technology to locate cancers and precancers painlessly and noninvasively by analyzing light reflected from the cervix. The reflected light creates an image of the cervix indicating the location and severity of disease. The technology distinguishes between normal and diseased tissue by detecting biochemical and morphologic changes at the cellular level. In early studies conducted at two research centers, the device found 31% more cervical precancerous lesions than were found by Pap tests.

According to an NCI review of the technology, the grant was awarded in part because the societal value of the device is very high, and the approach offers advantages to lesion detection because each measurement results from different physical origins. "Improvement in lesion detection and identification for cervical cancer diagnosis would result in improved patient healthcare and savings to the system of healthcare,” said one NCI reviewer.

Spectrx, a specialty point-of-care medical technology company, develops and manufactures noninvasive and minimally invasive diagnostic and monitoring systems employing biophotonics. Welch Allyn is a manufacturer of innovative medical devices and miniature precision lamps.





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