Modern Methods Accurately Detect Cervical Cancer

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Aug 2014

The newer Papanicolaou test (Pap tests) and human papilloma virus (HPV) screening more accurately identify precancerous cellular changes that potentially develop into cervical cancer.

Compared to a conventional Pap tests, the newer approved process has increased detection of a significant precancerous condition by more than 64%, by making the cervical cells easier to see as the new liquid-based Pap test produces better results for screening and detecting cervical cancer and its precursors.

Image: The BD Viper LT System for fully automated, integrated molecular testing on a table top analyzer (Photo courtesy of BD Diagnostics).

A clinical trial is underway at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Jersey City, NJ, USA) to detect the strains of HPV that lead to cervical cancer. HPV is present in more than 99% of women who develop cervical cancer. Newer DNA-based technology has also proven to be up to 40% more accurate than traditional Pap tests. Patients will have cancer causing HPV strains tested from the liquid-based Pap specimen to determine if either one or both tests will improve cancer detection. In order to be eligible to participate, women must be at least 21 years of age or older and have not had a Pap test in the past four months or a hysterectomy.

The scientists are using an HPV screening test (BDS-USHPV) designed to be used with BD Viper LT system and the BD SurePath liquid-based Pap test (BD Diagnostic; Burlington, NC, USA). The American Cancer Society (Atlanta, GA, USA) predicts that this year in the USA, more than 12,100 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and roughly 4,220 women will die of the disease. When treated early, the chances of effectively treating and curing cervical cancer increase dramatically.

Mark Martens, MD, the study leader, said, “After decades of women going to their doctor for annual Pap tests, the FDA, in a historic decision in April 2014, approved HPV testing as a replacement for the Pap test. Because of this new option for patients, more tests are now being developed to further expand the options for women and we are excited to be a part of this new, more accurate, more sensitive, and more comfortable method to prevent cancer in women. It’s a groundbreaking development that provides women in our community with access to the best cervical health screening available today.”

Related Links:
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
BD Diagnostic
American Cancer Society