Novel Method Developed to Accurately Detect Cervical Cancer

A new clinical trial helps women to more accurately detect cervical cancer, one of the most common types of cancer affecting the U.S.

Researchers at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center have conducted a clinical trial that offers women an accurate way to detect cervical cancer. The method includes a free Pap test and HPV screening that effectively assesses the women's risk of developing the cancer.

The American Cancer Society predicts that this year more than 12,100 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,220 women will die of the disease. 

The novel Pap test and HPV screening proves to be effective in accurately identifying pre-cancerous cellular changes that could lead to develop cervical cancer. On treating this condition in an early stage, the chances of curing the cancer increases dramatically.

This new FDA approved process, when compared to the conventional Pap test, had dramatically increased the detection of pre-cancerous condition by 64 percent.

"By making the cervical cells easier to see, the new liquid-based Pap test produces better results for screening and detecting cervical cancer and its precursors," researchers said.

More than 99 percent of the women had HPV that develops into cervical cancer. The new DNA-based technology is 40 percent more accurate than the traditional Pap test.

"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," said Dr. Mark Martens.

Patients with cancer-causing HPV strains were tested from the liquid-based Pap specimen to determine whether one or both tests will improve cancer detection. For this test women should be at least 21 years of age or older and should not have had a Pap test or hysterectomy in the last 4 months.