New Non-invasive Test to Enable Early Detection of Cervical Cancer

New Non-invasive Test to Enable Early Detection of Cervical Cancer

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Researchers have developed a new non-invasive test technology that could help in early detection of cervical cancer, giving hope for effortless screening and prevention in the future.

As reported by MPO, the new test that can detect crucial cervical cancer biomarkers in urine was developed by researchers from Waseda University in Japan in collaboration with a German scientist, Martin Müller, from the German Cancer Research Center.

The ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test has proven effective in detecting high-risk HPV16 E7 oncoproteins from urine samples. It provides an alternative noninvasive screening procedure that could encourage more women to test for cervical cancer regularly.

New Test for Cervical Cancer

Instead of using the widely known Pap smear or an HPV DNA test, which are usually invasive, researchers used ELISA to detect the E7 oncoproteins, which are usually associated with the cervical cancer virus.

During its trial, the test identified proteins specific to cervical in urine samples from women with different stages of intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a globally known precursor to cervical cancer.

According to the research findings, the ELISA test successfully detected E7 oncoproteins in 80 percent of women with CIN1, 71 percent with CIN2, and 38 percent with CIN3.  This shows that the ELISA test can detect cervical cancer in its early stages by detecting the HPV16 E7 proteins, which are crucial biomarkers for cervical cancer.

Regular Testing and Ealy Cancer Detection

By motivating women to test for cervical cancer without the discomfort associated with the traditional Pap method, the new technology can help in early cervical cancer detection. This allows women with developing cancer to seek early medical intervention before the onset of the symptoms, thereby averting the onset of the cancer symptoms.

According to Professor Etsuro Ito, who led the research team, the new urine-based cancer test holds great potential in the prevention and early detection of cervical cancers.

He expressed optimism that further development of the test and future validation clinical studies could pave the way for its widespread use in clinical settings.

The research findings were published in the Microorganisms journal on June 14, 2024.