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India Today
24-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Affordable, made-in-India HPV test kits rolled out to fight cervical cancer
Two made-in-India HPV test kits - an essential diagnostic tool for cervical cancer - have been rolled out after successful evaluation by AIIMS Delhi results of the scientific review were announced in a meeting by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).The two evaluated HPV kits - Truenat HPV-HR Plus by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics, and Patho Detect by Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions developed under the Department of Biotechnology, now launched into the market, mark a step forward in combating cervical cancer, the second most common type of cancer among Indian HOW THE INDIGENOUS HPV KITS WORKThe newly validated kits use a chip-based real-time PCR (RT-PCR) technique, which is known for its accuracy and kits are designed to detect eight high-risk HPV genotypes, which are responsible for over 96% of cervical cancer cases evaluation of these kits was carried out by a team of experts at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, in collaboration with National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) Noida, and National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) Mumbai, along with support from the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). "The key feature of these kits is the inclusion of only the seven-eight most common cancer-causing types that will allow a very efficient and cost-effective screening programme which will be most suitable for India," Dr. Neerja Bhatla, former head of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS, Delhi and chief coordinator of the programme, told sets these tests apart is their ability to be used as point-of-care tools, meaning they can deliver results quickly and can be used even in resource-limited or rural healthcare settings. This is particularly important in India, where access to diagnostic labs can be a major barrier."Given the enhancement of RTPCR-based diagnostic facilities across the nation in the post-COVID era, the introduction of sensitive RTPCR-based HPV testing kits might prove to be cost effective screening method over classical HPV DNA and Pap smear for deployment in the national cancer screening programme," Dr Bhatla said.A PUBLIC HEALTH THREATHPV (human papillomavirus) is a common viral infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, quite often via sexual contact. The virus is so common that nearly all sexually active individuals will contract it at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). While most HPV are harmless, some virus variants pose severe health problems leading to various forms of cancer, including cervical cancer is a serious public health issue in India, which accounts for nearly one in every four cervical cancer cases globally. Each year, over 1.23 lakh women are newly diagnosed, and nearly 77,000 women lose their lives to the disease. Cervical cancer is a serious public health issue in India, which accounts for nearly one in every four cervical cancercases globally. () What makes this disease more concerning is that cervical cancer is preventable. While not all cervical cancer cases are because of HPV infection, most cases are caused by the virus. Therefore, early and regular screening for HPV can help catch the disease before it becomes WHO recently recommended that all countries adopt HPV testing as the primary screening method. According to the health agency's global strategy, women should undergo two HPV tests in their lifetime, once at the age of 35 and again at target is to screen 70% of eligible women by 2030, which would drastically reduce cervical cancer deaths.'A STEP FORWARD IN PREVENTIVE CARE'Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh underlined the growing importance of preventive healthcare and India's efforts to become a global leader in this the event where the two made-in-India HPV testing kits designed for quick screening of cervical cancer were launched, Jitendra Singh said it was the right time to acknowledge India's growing success in scientific innovation, especially in the healthcare cited the development of the world's first DNA vaccine for Covid-19, which was also made in India back in 2021, as a major achievement that brought international recognition and helped shift global perceptions. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh underlined the growing importance of preventive healthcare at the launch of two made-in-India HPV testing kits. (Photo: Department of Biotechnology) "India was once seen as a country that neither focused on preventive nor curative healthcare. That perception is changing," he said, also mentioning Nafithromycin, the country's first indigenous antibiotic, and a gene therapy trial for haemophilia, the results of which were published in the New England Journal of credited these milestones to the combined efforts of public institutions and private companies, describing it as a "whole-of-science and whole-of-government" current methods of screening for cervical cancer include Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), Papanicolaou test (Pap test or Pap smear) and HPV DNA testing. These tests are costly and time-consuming, and not always sensitive enough, said new HPV test kits are faster, more affordable, and suitable for use in remote Reel
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Indigenously developed HPV test kits for cervical cancer screening launched in Delhi
New Delhi: Indigenously developed (Human papillomavirus) HPV test kits for cervical cancer screening were launched here on Wednesday. The test kits have been developed under the Department of Biotechnology's (DBT) partnership programme Grand Challenges India (GCI) at the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The DBT supported research coordinated by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences ( AIIMS ) Delhi, with testing done at laboratories at AIIMS, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), Noida; and the National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). "The key feature of these kits is the inclusion of only the seven-eight most common cancer-causing types that will allow a very efficient and cost-effective screening programme which will be most suitable for India," Dr Neerja Bhatla, former head of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS, Delhi and chief coordinator of the programme said. The study titled 'Validation of Indigenous Human Papillomavirus Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening in India (i-HPV)' validated indigenously developed, rapid, point-of-care, RTPCR-based HPV diagnostic test kits for screening cervical cancer in premier research and development laboratories of India. "Given the enhancement of RTPCR-based diagnostic facilities across the nation in the post-COVID era, the introduction of sensitive RTPCR-based HPV testing kits might prove to be cost effective screening method over classical HPV DNA and Pap smear for deployment in the national cancer screening programme ," Dr Bhatla said. Cancer of the uterine cervix is the second most common cancer among Indian women. According to WHO data, one out of every five women in the world suffering from the disease is an Indian, Dr Bhatla stated. Besides the high incidence of cervical cancer owing to its late diagnosis and with consequent poor survival, 25 per cent of global mortality due to cervical cancer occurs in India, she said. Thus, there has been a pressing need for the development of control strategies for the prevention and screening of cervical cancer. The currently available methods of screening of cervical cancer include Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), Papanicolaou test (Pap test or Pap smear) and HPV DNA testing, she stated. Regular population screening by Pap smears has been successfully implemented in the developed world. Nevertheless, it is costly, resource-intensive and only moderately sensitive. VIA screening requires considerable training and re-training for quality assurance and has high false positivity rates with programmatic challenges, she said. HPV testing has the best diagnostic accuracy if it conforms to international standards of validation. As part of the Global Declaration for Cervical Cancer Elimination, WHO recommends a transition to HPV testing in all countries, whereby only two tests in a lifetime, at age 35 and again by age 45 years, will be sufficient. The target is to set up processes to screen 70 per cent of eligible women by 2030, Dr Bhatla stated.
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Indigenously developed HPV test kits for cervical cancer screening launched in Delhi
Indigenously developed (Human papillomavirus) HPV test kits for cervical cancer screening were launched on Wednesday (April 23, 2025). The test kits have been developed under the Department of Biotechnology's (DBT) partnership programme Grand Challenges India (GCI) at the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The DBT supported research coordinated by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, with testing done at laboratories at AIIMS, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), Noida; and the National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). "The key feature of these kits is the inclusion of only the seven-eight most common cancer-causing types that will allow a very efficient and cost-effective screening programme which will be most suitable for India," Dr Neerja Bhatla, former head of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS, Delhi and chief coordinator of the programme said. The study titled 'Validation of Indigenous Human Papillomavirus Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening in India (i-HPV)' validated indigenously developed, rapid, point-of-care, RTPCR-based HPV diagnostic test kits for screening cervical cancer in premier research and development laboratories of India. "Given the enhancement of RTPCR-based diagnostic facilities across the nation in the post-COVID era, the introduction of sensitive RTPCR-based HPV testing kits might prove to be cost effective screening method over classical HPV DNA and Pap smear for deployment in the national cancer screening programme," Dr Bhatla said. Cancer of the uterine cervix is the second most common cancer among Indian women. According to WHO data, one out of every five women in the world suffering from the disease is an Indian, Dr Bhatla stated. Besides the high incidence of cervical cancer owing to its late diagnosis and with consequent poor survival, 25% of global mortality due to cervical cancer occurs in India, she said. Thus, there has been a pressing need for the development of control strategies for the prevention and screening of cervical cancer. The currently available methods of screening of cervical cancer include Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), Papanicolaou test (Pap test or Pap smear) and HPV DNA testing, she stated. Regular population screening by Pap smears has been successfully implemented in the developed world. Nevertheless, it is costly, resource-intensive and only moderately sensitive. VIA screening requires considerable training and re-training for quality assurance and has high false positivity rates with programmatic challenges, she said. HPV testing has the best diagnostic accuracy if it conforms to international standards of validation. As part of the Global Declaration for Cervical Cancer Elimination, WHO recommends a transition to HPV testing in all countries, whereby only two tests in a lifetime, at age 35 and again by age 45 years, will be sufficient. The target is to set up processes to screen 70% of eligible women by 2030, Dr. Bhatla stated.
Economic Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
India faces a silent cervical cancer crisis: Every 8 minutes, a woman dies, but HPV vaccine and early screening could prevent it
The National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) has recommended categorising cancer as a notifiable disease to improve prevention and treatment in India. The organisation emphasised the importance of indigenous HPV tests and vaccines in cancer screening, alongside strengthening diagnostic infrastructure. Key recommendations include early detection, timely treatment, and a national cancer screening programme to reduce mortality rates, particularly from cervical and breast cancer. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Indigenous HPV tests: A game changer for early detection HPV Vaccination: A key to prevention Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A stark cancer reality: The need for comprehensive data Improving infrastructure and screening for better outcomes The 90:70:90 Target for 2030 The National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) is urging the Indian government to categorise cancer as a notifiable disease in order to improve its monitoring, prevention, and treatment strategies. This would allow health authorities to track cases more effectively and respond swiftly to emerging trends. NAMS has also highlighted the role of indigenous HPV tests and vaccines as crucial tools in the fight against cervical and breast cancer , with plans to incorporate them into the national health the 65th foundation day of NAMS, officials presented a comprehensive report from the task force on cervical and breast cancer in India. Dr Neerja Bhatla, a leading expert and vice president of NAMS, discussed the current state of cervical cancer testing, as reported by TOI. Although HPV testing is the primary method for detecting cervical cancer, its high cost has limited its widespread use. To overcome this challenge, indigenous HPV tests have been developed. These tests are more affordable, easier to use, and require less training, making them suitable for implementation in primary healthcare to the TOI report, Dr Bhatla noted, "Positive test results shouldn't cause alarm. They only indicate a potential risk. Cervical cancer develops gradually through a precancerous phase and remains preventable and treatable when detected early." The task force anticipates that these new tests will be incorporated into India's national programme, offering a simplified, cost-effective approach to cancer addition to improved testing, NAMS is advocating for the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the national immunisation programme. This vaccine is a critical tool in preventing cervical cancer, and the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has already recommended its inclusion. However, there are logistical challenges, particularly regarding whether a single or double dose regimen should be adopted. Experts are currently conducting trials on single-dose vaccines, with results expected in the coming HPV vaccine's potential to significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence is enormous, but logistical considerations must be addressed. The Indian government is working to ensure the capacity for nationwide implementation, which includes determining the most effective dosage and ensuring equitable to NAMS, comprehensive data collection is essential for effective policy formulation and cancer prevention. The task force's literature review found that cancer screening in India is currently insufficient, especially for cervical and breast cancers. NAMS officials stressed that all women over the age of 30 should undergo regular cancer screening, but the country's current screening rates remain cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, despite being the fourth most common globally. One woman dies from cervical cancer every eight minutes in the country, making it a significant public health concern. Similarly, breast cancer, which now accounts for 13.5% of all cancers in India, has seen a dramatic increase in incidence over the past few decades. Today, India records one breast cancer diagnosis every four SM Bose, a council member of NAMS, provided a detailed analysis of breast cancer care systems across India. The task force found that the country faces significant shortcomings in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. With approximately 200,000 new cases annually, the task force found that diagnostic services, particularly imaging and pathology, are inadequate. There is also a lack of access to advanced treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic address these gaps, NAMS is calling for an urgent upgrade to India's healthcare infrastructure. Strengthening diagnostic services and expanding treatment options will be crucial to improving outcomes for breast cancer patients. Furthermore, the task force advocates for a national screening programme that focuses on early detection and prevention, which is vital for reducing the cancer has set an ambitious target for the next decade: to achieve a 90% vaccination rate, 70% screening rate, and 90% timely treatment for diagnosed cervical cancer cases by 2030. Reaching these targets would significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in India, with the goal of bringing the rate to fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women need for comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment strategies in India is more urgent than ever. With innovative solutions such as indigenous HPV tests, vaccines, and improved healthcare infrastructure, there is hope for better early detection and more effective treatment. The push for cancer to be classified as a notifiable disease will further strengthen the country's ability to respond to the growing cancer crisis. By implementing these recommendations, NAMS believes that India can significantly reduce cancer mortality and ensure a healthier future for millions of women.(With inputs from TOI)
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India faces a silent cervical cancer crisis: Every 8 minutes, a woman dies, but HPV vaccine and early screening could prevent it
The National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) is urging the Indian government to categorise cancer as a notifiable disease in order to improve its monitoring, prevention, and treatment strategies. This would allow health authorities to track cases more effectively and respond swiftly to emerging trends. NAMS has also highlighted the role of indigenous HPV tests and vaccines as crucial tools in the fight against cervical and breast cancer , with plans to incorporate them into the national health programme. Indigenous HPV tests: A game changer for early detection On the 65th foundation day of NAMS, officials presented a comprehensive report from the task force on cervical and breast cancer in India. Dr Neerja Bhatla, a leading expert and vice president of NAMS, discussed the current state of cervical cancer testing, as reported by TOI. Although HPV testing is the primary method for detecting cervical cancer, its high cost has limited its widespread use. To overcome this challenge, indigenous HPV tests have been developed. These tests are more affordable, easier to use, and require less training, making them suitable for implementation in primary healthcare centres. According to the TOI report, Dr Bhatla noted, "Positive test results shouldn't cause alarm. They only indicate a potential risk. Cervical cancer develops gradually through a precancerous phase and remains preventable and treatable when detected early." The task force anticipates that these new tests will be incorporated into India's national programme, offering a simplified, cost-effective approach to cancer screening. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:-:- Loaded : 0% 0:00:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - -:-:- 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo HPV Vaccination: A key to prevention In addition to improved testing, NAMS is advocating for the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the national immunisation programme. This vaccine is a critical tool in preventing cervical cancer, and the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has already recommended its inclusion. However, there are logistical challenges, particularly regarding whether a single or double dose regimen should be adopted. Experts are currently conducting trials on single-dose vaccines, with results expected in the coming years. The HPV vaccine's potential to significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence is enormous, but logistical considerations must be addressed. The Indian government is working to ensure the capacity for nationwide implementation, which includes determining the most effective dosage and ensuring equitable distribution. Live Events A stark cancer reality: The need for comprehensive data According to NAMS, comprehensive data collection is essential for effective policy formulation and cancer prevention. The task force's literature review found that cancer screening in India is currently insufficient, especially for cervical and breast cancers. NAMS officials stressed that all women over the age of 30 should undergo regular cancer screening, but the country's current screening rates remain low. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, despite being the fourth most common globally. One woman dies from cervical cancer every eight minutes in the country, making it a significant public health concern. Similarly, breast cancer, which now accounts for 13.5% of all cancers in India, has seen a dramatic increase in incidence over the past few decades. Today, India records one breast cancer diagnosis every four minutes. Improving infrastructure and screening for better outcomes Prof SM Bose, a council member of NAMS, provided a detailed analysis of breast cancer care systems across India. The task force found that the country faces significant shortcomings in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. With approximately 200,000 new cases annually, the task force found that diagnostic services, particularly imaging and pathology, are inadequate. There is also a lack of access to advanced treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies. To address these gaps, NAMS is calling for an urgent upgrade to India's healthcare infrastructure. Strengthening diagnostic services and expanding treatment options will be crucial to improving outcomes for breast cancer patients. Furthermore, the task force advocates for a national screening programme that focuses on early detection and prevention, which is vital for reducing the cancer burden. The 90:70:90 Target for 2030 NAMS has set an ambitious target for the next decade: to achieve a 90% vaccination rate, 70% screening rate, and 90% timely treatment for diagnosed cervical cancer cases by 2030. Reaching these targets would significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in India, with the goal of bringing the rate to fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women annually. The need for comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment strategies in India is more urgent than ever. With innovative solutions such as indigenous HPV tests, vaccines, and improved healthcare infrastructure, there is hope for better early detection and more effective treatment. The push for cancer to be classified as a notifiable disease will further strengthen the country's ability to respond to the growing cancer crisis. By implementing these recommendations, NAMS believes that India can significantly reduce cancer mortality and ensure a healthier future for millions of women.
