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Cervical cancer represents a huge burden for lower-income or resource-limited countries. Currently, 85-90% of deaths attributed to cervical cancer occur in areas such as Brazil, China, India, and areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Screening measures can be costly. But there are also additional concerns with screening: accessibility in more remote areas, pain and embarrassment, under-awareness on where to receive screenings. Identifying ways to reach these often excluded groups can significantly improve outcomes by offering better diagnostic measures, better treatments, and more nuanced care.

Underscoring the Need for Improving Screening Measures

As reported by STAT News, a research team from Rice University sought to develop a more cost-effective, accessible screening measure that could be used in resource-scarce areas. This genomic test is known as an HPV DNA test. The researchers, in a research article published in Science Translational Medicine, explain that their test, which is a prototype, sample-to-answer, point-of-care test for HPV16 and HPV18 DNA:

relies on isothermal DNA amplification and lateral flow detection, two technologies that reduce the need for complex implementation. We integrated all test components into a low-cost, manufacturable platform [and] demonstrated a clinically relevant limit of detection of 1000 HPV16 or HPV18 DNA copies per test.

The research team tested their HPV DNA test in two settings: the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Hospital Geral de Mavalane in Mozambique. It was effective in the first setting while using self-collected cervical swabs. However, the research team knew that testing the screening method in Mozambique would provide a deeper understanding of how the diagnostic tool worked in a resource-scarce setting.

Overall, the tests were relatively effective in Mozambique. The tests took only 45 minutes to show results; these results are portrayed visually, which can also combat accessibility issues in areas with lower literacy levels. Additionally, the tests were easy to perform and cheap, with a projected test cost of under <$5. However, there were occasions in Mozambique. The tests had lower sensitivity in samples with a lower concentration of cervical cells. Additionally, the tests occasionally showed false negatives. But the research team is not worried. As they continue developing this test, they hope to hone it to best address the needs of these underserved areas.

About Cervical Cancer

During their lifetime, many people become infected with strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most of these people will not develop cancer. However, there are a subset of individuals whose HPV will lead to cervical cancer; in fact, HPV is considered the leading cause of cervical cancer in around 70% of cases. Additional risk factors include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), early sexual activity, having many sexual partners, smoking cigarettes, being immunocompromised, or diethylstilbestrol exposure. Cervical cancer, or signs of cervical cancer, can be found through screening tests lik Pap smears. It is important to pursue regular screenings to identify any issues before they progress.

Symptoms may include:

• Pelvic pain and/or painful intercourse
• Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may smell bad
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between menstrual cycles, etc.)
• Fatigue
• Abnormal menstruation