A new test for cervical cancer screening is likely to detect precursors of the cancer much earlier than previous methods. The test, developed under the direction of Martin Widschwendter, professor at the University of Innsbruck, detects precancerous stages before they are microscopically visible. This was researched as part of a research program to develop a screening test for all cancers specific to women.
New test examines DNA methylation of cervical cells (Symbolbid)
To date, abnormal cells have been identified on the cervix, the University of Innsbruck announced in a broadcast on Wednesday. Depending on the cell change, close examinations are carried out to monitor it or the changed cells are removed before they can develop into an invasive cancer.
The new test called “WID-CIN”, on the other hand, examines the DNA methylation of cervical cells. DNA methylation is a genetic change that can be influenced by environmental factors. This tells the cells which parts of the genetic code to read. These so-called epigenetic changes can increase the risk of certain diseases such as cancer. The researchers not only want to identify the precursors of cancer, but also predict future cancer risk.
‘Our work has shown how examining a cervical sample can provide information about a woman’s risk of three other types of cancer – breast, ovarian and uterine cancer – in addition to detecting cervical lesions,’ said Widschwendter. Using a single sample, the risk is to be identified using different molecular signatures.
WID CIN test more accurate
The WID-CIN test surpassed the previous method of cytology, it said. “The new WID test is more accurate and detects precancerous stages even before microscopic changes occur. This means that the screening can be carried out in a more targeted manner,” explained Chiara Herzog, a molecular medicine specialist at the EUTOPS Institute at the University of Innsbruck. The test detected more than half of the women infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) who had no visible cell changes at all, but who developed a pronounced precancerous lesion within the following four years.
The study, published in the journal Genome Medicine, examined 1,254 cervical screening samples. The samples came from women from the cervical screening program in the Stockholm region of Sweden with cell changes from CIN1 to CIN3 – women with early to high-grade cell changes -, from women with HPV but without cell changes in the cervix, and from women without cell changes in the cervix who developed CIN3 within four years.
In the next phase of the study, the researchers want to examine women who have been vaccinated against HPV. Cervical cancer can also be caused by subtypes that are not recognized by current tests. In the WID-CIN test, those responsible also saw an opportunity for early detection here.
The research project was funded by the Horizon 2020 FORECEE project, the gynecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal and the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research. Widschwendter was also supported by an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (BRCA-ERC).
(APA/red, Photo: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)