Urine test could replace cervical cancer smear

The latest research from scientists at the University of Manchester show that urine tests can be as effective as smear tests for preventing cervical cancer

The study, led by Dr. Emma Crosbie and published in BMJ Open, revealed that urine tests were as effective as the cervical smear for detecting high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cancer of the cervix of the uterus.

The research team suggests that a urine test could help increase the number of women screened for cervical cancer, which affects more than 3,000 women each year in the United States. United Kingdom.

The research was funded by the NIHR Biomedical Research Center in Manchester.

Urine tests could also play a role in developing countries, where cervical cancer is up to 15 times more common and smear tests virtually non-existent.

The NHS cervical screening program tests the so-called "high-risk" types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the health of cervical cells in women who test positive for HPV at high risk.

About 1 in 20 women have abnormal changes that may eventually become cancer and are referred for colposcopy, where the cervix is ​​examined under magnification allowing the abnormal areas to be seen, sampled and treated, even before they cause cancer.

According to the team, cervical smear samples, badl samples taken by the patient and urine samples are all effective for detecting high-risk HPV infection.

Cervical cancer is more common in women aged 30 to 35 years. But the precancerous stage is detectable in the 5 to 10 years that preceded, when nearly a third of women do not show up for their smear.

Dr. Emma Crosbie said:

"We are very excited about this study, which we believe could potentially significantly increase participation rates in cervical cancer screening in a key demographic group."

"Many young women avoid the cervical cancer screening program of the NHS because they find it embarrbading or uncomfortable, especially if they suffer from gynecological conditions such as endometriosis. "

She then commented:

"Campaigns to encourage women to participate in cervical cancer screening have been helpful. The brilliant Jade Goody campaign has increased the number of participants by nearly 400,000 women.

"Unfortunately, the effects are not sustainable and participation rates tend to decrease over time. We clearly need a more sustainable solution. "

Of the hundred types of HPV, some are related to cervical cancer and others, such as bad warts. Most cervical cancers are caused by the high-risk types HPV-16 and HPV-18.

A total of 104 women from the colposcopy clinic at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester participated in the study and were examined using two brands of HPV test kits. About two-thirds of women were tested positive for any type of high-risk HPV and one-third for HPV 16 or 18.

Of this total, eighteen women had pre-cancerous cervical changes requiring treatment.

With the Roche HPV Test Kit, urine, 15 auto-badl samples and cervical smears were collected.

With the Abbott HPV Screening Kit, urine collected 15 of these samples, as well as badl self-samples and 16 cervical smears.

Dr. Crosbie also said:

"These results provide an exciting proof of principle that the HPV urinary test can detect precancerous cervical cells, but we must test it on a larger number of women before they can use it in the NHS. We hope this will happen soon.

"Urine is very simple to collect and most hospitals in developed and developing countries have access to laboratory equipment for processing and testing samples.

"Let's hope this is a new chapter in our fight against cervical cancer, a devastating and pernicious disease."