Urine-Based Human Papillomavirus Test Launched

A new, noninvasive molecular diagnostic test for human papillomavirus high risk (HPV-HR) has been launched that is easy, fast, and accurate.

The test is designed to accurately identify the presence or absence of 15 known high-risk HPV strains in urine using proprietary DNA sequences.

The HPV-HR DNA test is a product of Trovagene (San Diego, CA, USA) and is a noninvasive option that may improve the adoption and acceptance rate of HPV testing. Carrier testing for HPV can help raise awareness and encourage use of preventative measures to reduce transmission of the virus. For women who wish to avoid repeated physical examinations, but still need monitoring for their HPV status, a urine-based HPV-HR DNA test can facilitate more comprehensive patient monitoring.

In 2012, the US Preventative Services Task Force (Rockville, MD, USA) recommended HPV DNA testing as a mandatory part of the cervical cancer screening guidelines to help diagnose a greater number of women and thereby reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Currently, less than 40% of women undergo HPV DNA testing in conjunction with a standard Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) or liquid cytology sample.

Approximately 20 million Americans carry HPV, with six million new cases occurring every year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, GA, USA). By the age of 50, 80% of all women will have had exposure to HPV at some point in their lives.

Antonius Schuh, PhD, chief executive officer of Trovagene, said, “The launch of our urine-based HPV-HR DNA test represents an important milestone for Trovagene. Noninvasive carrier testing may help to increase awareness of HPV status and could reduce the incidence of HPV-related cervical cancer and other cancers worldwide." The Trovagene HPV-HR test is available to patients through their healthcare providers.

Related Links:
Trovagene
US Preventative Services Task Force
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention