Less Invasive Tests for Detecting Cervical Cancer Coming Soon

An international team from a Virginia-based company, Sarfez Pharmaceuticals, has discovered a pioneering way of detecting cervical cancer.

The company has come up with two tests - the HerShe HPV test and the HerShe Dry Method, which can be easily done on one's own. The tests give higher accuracy in detecting the cancer.

The research team included Dr. Salim Shah, Ph.D., J.D. and Chris Wilcox, Ph.D., M.D., specializing in nephrology and hypertension.

The standard Pap Smear Test currently used has limitations in identifying the correct virus and it is invasive and makes some women uncomfortable. There are also 14 to 33 percent chances of getting false-negative condition.

Other limitations the researchers observed were that only trained obstetricians and gynecologists can perform this test.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the major cause of cervical cancer. In India HPV-16 and 18 genotypes are responsible for about 76.7 percent of all cervical cases. Detecting the HPV virus in the early stages can help in reducing the risk of the cancer spreading. But with the pap smear method there are 14 to 33 percent chances of getting a false-negative condition.

Every year, above 70,000 women die of cervical cancer in India, the highest in the world. Detecting this virus in the early stage of cancer makes it treatable.

On the basis of these drawbacks the scientists came up with the Sarfez's HerShe HPV test, which counters most of these limitations. A single tube reaction is used for multiple serotypes, this method can differ between false negative and real negative conditions. It is minimally invasive and uses LBC (liquid based cytology method). This test collects sample of cells from the neck of the womb using a spatula. This test can be performed on the cells collected from a single reflex. Results are declared within ten days. The research for this method was done in a FDA approved laboratory.

The team developed another test called the HerShe Dry method, which is non-invasive and can be performed on one's own or under a physician's directions. This method can also help in detecting STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) as well as the presence of HPV from a cheek swab.

 Getting involved in sexual activities at an early age, having multiple sexual partners, a weak immune system, consuming oral contraceptive pills and smoking are some factors responsible for cervical cancer.

Unlike women in other parts of the world, Indian women do not have access to regular gynecological checkups nor are willing to get them done.

The pharmaceutical company is trying to spread awareness about this cancer and the need for regular checkups and early detection. Physicians are being targeted to persuade people to take these easy to use, cost-effective and accurate tests for better results. The team intends to reach the rural population through non- profit organizations and also train para-medics to perform the tests.

Women in their 30s and 40s are often detected with this deadly cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a very common sign of this disease. Cervical cancer is of two types, i.e., Squamous cell cervical cancer, which is the more common among women and Adenocarcinoma cervical cancer, which is not very common. Both these forms of cervical cancer are treated in the same way.

Getting oneself checked for cervical cancer with these new cost-efficient methods can help women in saving their lives as well as avoiding their families from facing mental stresses.