Swab Test Identifies Dangerous Cervical Cell Changes Years Before They Occur

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Oct 2022

Researchers have developed a new swab test that identifies potentially dangerous cervical cell changes up to four years before they happen. The research found that the new cervical screening method was more sensitive than other currently available tests and could reliably identify advanced cell changes and cervical cancer. Additionally, it was able to predict advanced cell changes in 55% of women who had an HPV infection but no visible cell changes under the microscope, but who went on to develop advanced cell changes within the following four years. The test’s development is part of a wider program aimed at developing a single screening test to predict the future risk of four cancers: breast, womb, cervical and ovarian. The researchers hope that the development will enable earlier treatment for those who are predicted to develop the disease.

The swab test developed by researchers at University College London (London, UK) and University of Innsbruck (Innsbruck, Austria) works by examining the DNA methylation, a type of modification “on top” of the DNA, of cervical cells. It can be affected by environmental and lifestyle factors, and some changes increase the risk of certain diseases such as cancer. To assess the reliability of the test, researchers retrieved and tested 1,254 cervical screening samples from women with cell changes ranging from early (CIN1) to advanced (CIN3), women with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) but no cervical cell changes, and samples from women without any cervical cell changes who went on to develop CIN3 within four years. The new method of analysis out-performed cytology and other newer, molecular tests which are in development for detecting those with CIN3 and cancer. The research team is now moving into the next stage of the study, where they will test the new technology on screening samples from women who have been vaccinated against HPV, and on self-sampled vaginal swabs.

Image: New cervical screening test could predict cell changes years before they occur (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

“Vaccination against the causes of cervical cancer is now widely implemented and is leading to changes in the amount and types of the virus circulating in the community. In turn, our approaches to cervical screening must adapt so that programs continue to deliver benefit,” said Professor Martin Widschwendter at the University of Innsbruck who developed the swab test. “Building new, holistic, risk-predictive screening programs around existing, effective cervical sample collection offers real potential for cancer prevention in the future.”