AI Summary
Scientists at the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center have developed a test for detecting a type of cervical cancer that often goes undetected by Pap tests. This type of cancer, called adenocarcinoma, accounts for 25% of cervical cancer cases and has higher mortality rates than other types of cervical cancer. The goal of the test is to catch the disease early before it develops into cancer. The Pap test has reduced the incidence of cervical squamous cell cancer, but not adenocarcinoma.
In findings with potentially important implications for cervical cancer screening, scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center (MECC) have developed a test for detecting a type of cervical cancer that Pap tests often miss. The findings published online today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI).
Our novel test appears sensitive for detecting cervical adenocarcinoma [ADC]-;which now accounts for up to 25% of cervical cancer cases-;as well as its precursor lesions, adenocarcinoma in situ [AIS], that often develop into ADCs.”
Howard Strickler, M.D., M.P.H., co-senior and corresponding author of the JNCI paper and a member of MECC
“Because ADCs are often missed by current screening methods, they have higher mortality rates than the more common cervical squamous cell cancer,” Dr. Strickler added. “Our goal is to catch the disease early, before it develops into cancer.” Dr. Strickler is also professor and head of the division of epidemiology and the Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Epidemiology and Population Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
A novel approach to testing
The widespread use of the Pap test, in which a pathologist examines tissue samples for abnormal cells, has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical squamous cell cancer over the past six decades. However, the incidence of ADC has not decreased, probably because the Pap test is less