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Experts Predict DNA Test for HPV Will Become New Gold Standard in Detection



Recent research has confirmed the virus that causes the vast majority of cervical cancer cases - the Human Papillomavirus - is also the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Studies show that more than one in four women ages 14-59, and half of all women in their early 20s, are infected. In fact, researchers maintain that approximately 80% of American women will become infected with HPV by the time they're 50. What's more, because the virus can lay dormant and asymptomatic for years, many of those who have HPV are most likely unaware of it.



"The danger in harboring HPV undetected is, of course, the threat of cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S.," explains Dr. Shashi Pawar, PhD, DABMG, and the Director of Genetics at Acupath Laboratories in New York. Cervical cancer strikes approximately 10,000 women each year, and causes nearly 4,000 deaths annually.



"The traditional PAP exam will tell us when cancerous or precancerous cells are present; however, it cannot predict whether or not cancer is likely to develop based on the presence of HPV," Dr. Pawar continues. "When we know the cause of cancer, as we do in this case, it means that half the battle is already won."



A New Gold Standard in Detection and Prevention


The molecular test, called the "HC2 High-Risk HPV DNA Test," works by identifying the "DNA footprint" of the virus itself. "This test can tell us whether or not HPV is present, and if it is, it also can tell us if the HPV strain is one of the 13 high-risk types we know can cause cervical cancer - out of more than 100 known strains of the virus," Dr. Pawar adds. In particular, two strains of HPV are known to cause nearly three quarters of all cervical cancer cases. The test can usually be performed concurrently with a liquid cytology PAP, in order to provide both a current cervical health report and a predictive measure of future risk.



"While the High-Risk HPV DNA Test is a critical development in the early detection of the cause of cervical cancer, prevention is even more crucial," Dr. Pawar points out. HPV is one of the most challenging viruses to contain, however. Because it can cause genital warts that can proliferate throughout the pelvic region, prophylactics are not an effective barrier against transmission. Moreover, Dr. Pawar notes, "The most recent studies indicating surprisingly high infection rates among young women suggest that sexual activity is beginning earlier, when women are not as aware of the consequences of infection with HPV and other STDs."



An HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is FDA-approved for girls and women ages 9-26, and the Centers for Disease Control has recommended it be administered to all girls between ages 11 and 12. Another similar vaccine is expected to be approved later this spring. Dr. Pawar explains, "Although there have been recent reports about girls' reticence to have the vaccine due to the pain and the regimen of multiple injections, the future benefit of preventing a much more painful - and sometimes fatal - cancer far outweighs the momentary discomfort."



The Future of Cervical Cancer Detection


A panel of experts at the 23rd Annual International Human Papillomavirus Conference predicted that, as vaccination compliance expands, the High-Risk HPV DNA Test would eclipse the traditional PAP exam as the primary cervical cancer screening tool. Dr. Pawar concurs, "Even when we have achieved a high percentage of girls and young women getting the vaccine, we cannot stop testing for cervical cancer." However, she adds, "We will need to consider how we screen women, and the most accurate and efficient way will be with this simple, precise test."



About Dr. Shashi Pawar, PhD, DABMG


With over twenty years of varied experience in molecular genetics and molecular pathology, Dr. Shashi Pawar serves as the director of Genetics at the Acupath Laboratories, Inc. She is American board of medical genetics certified in clinical Molecular genetics and clinical Cytogenetics. Additionally, she has published in dozens of highly acclaimed medical journals and publications, including the Proceedings of National Academy of Science and the Journal of Biological Chemistry. At Acupath laboratories Inc. Dr. Pawar implements cutting edge technology in molecular diagnostics to bring clinical diagnostics tests within easy reach of the Physicians and patients.



About Acupath:


Acupath Laboratories, Inc. is an innovative national specialty medical laboratory located twenty miles east of Manhattan in Plainview NY. Acupath's reputation is built on the foundation of our nationally recognized board certified pathologists, molecular geneticists, and cytogeneticists leaders in their fields; many have sub-specialty certification. Acupath performs only pathology, molecular and cytogenetic exams; ensuring the highest standards in the industry. www.acupath.com.






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