Latest news with #cervicalCancer
Medscape
14 hours ago
- Business
- Medscape
Could Liquid Biopsy Guide Treatment in Cervical Cancer?
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels in patients with cervical cancer before and during treatment were prognostic of disease progression and survival in a post hoc analysis of the phase 3 CALLA trial. The findings 'support the future utility of…ctDNA analysis to help guide treatment decisions for locally advanced cervical cancer,' said lead study author Jyoti Mayadev, MD, a radiation oncologist at Moores NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and professor of radiation medicine and applied sciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in La Jolla, California. Mayadev reported the results at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 annual meeting. They were published simultaneously in the Annals of Oncology . The previously published CALLA trial showed that patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced cervical cancer did not have improved progression-free survival (PFS) with the addition of concurrent durvalumab compared with placebo. The trial included 770 patients with previously untreated stage IB2-IIB node-positive or IIIA-IVA any node-status locally advanced cervical cancer who were randomly assigned to receive durvalumab (1500 mg intravenously once every 4 weeks) plus CRT (n = 385) or CRT alone (n = 385). CRT, consisting of external beam radiotherapy with intravenous cisplatin or carboplatin, was delivered once weekly for 5 weeks, followed by image-guided brachytherapy. Exploratory Analysis Methods and Results A preplanned exploratory analysis sampled ctDNA levels in a subset of 186 patients to determine if ctDNA could serve as a biomarker for treatment response. The study used an ultrasensitive tumor-informed ctDNA assay, personalized for each patient, to test plasma at baseline, cycle 3 day 1 (immediately post-CRT), and cycle 6 day 1 (3 months post-CRT), explained Mayadev during her presentation at the meeting. ctDNA was detected in 99% of baseline samples, with no difference across the treatment arms, she reported. Immediately after treatment, detectable levels decreased to 35.5% in the durvalumab/CRT arm and 39.8% in the CRT-only arm. By 3 months after treatment, levels declined further to 23.4% and 36.4%, respectively, demonstrating a 13% lower rate of detectable ctDNA in the durvalumab/CRT arm at this timepoint. The study showed that ctDNA levels were prognostic of both PFS and overall survival (OS), regardless of treatment arm. Among patients in whom ctDNA was detectable immediately posttreatment, 68% subsequently progressed, and among those without detectable ctDNA, 83% had not progressed by the time of data cutoff, for a positive predictive value of 61%, a negative predictive value of 83%, and a sensitivity and specificity of 68% and 78%, respectively. ctDNA Detected 5.5 Months Before Radiographic Progression The median lead time from ctDNA detection on the ultrasensitive assay until radiographic or clinical evidence of progression was 5.5 months, ranging from 1.5 to 16.5 months. Looking specifically at PFS and OS, patients with ctDNA levels were prognostic of PFS and OS for patients in both treatment arms at all timepoints measured. In the durvalumab/CRT arm, low vs high ctDNA at baseline conferred a hazard ratio of 0.60 for PFS and of 0.63 for OS. In the CRT-only arm, low vs high ctDNA conferred hazard ratios of 0.62 and 0.85 for PFS and OS, respectively. Similarly, detectable ctDNA levels immediately posttreatment compared with undetectable levels identified patients at a higher risk for progression and death, regardless of treatment arm. With detectable ctDNA as the reference, PFS and OS hazard ratios were 0.23 and 0.20 in the durvalumab/CRT arm and 0.15 and 0.18 in the CRT-only arm, respectively. Having no ctDNA detected 3 months after treatment cessation reduced the risks for progression and death by at least 95% for patients in both treatment arms, Mayadev said during her presentation. Multivariate analysis showed that detection of ctDNA immediately posttreatment conferred a hazard ratio of 5.27 ( P < .001) for PFS, independent of disease stage at baseline or treatment allocation, she said. 'Our study found that persistent ctDNA levels posttreatment strongly correlated with an increased risk of relapse and were likely reflective of residual disease that, in some instances, went undetected by other means,' wrote Mayadev and co-authors in their paper. 'On average, ctDNA was detected 5.5 months before radiographic progression. In clinical practice, this could allow for proactive treatment management to potentially improve patient outcomes — for example, earlier consideration of adjuvant therapies, such as immunotherapy or systemic therapy, or a switch to a novel therapeutic regimen. In cases of recurrence, tracking ctDNA levels in real-time could also help assess response to salvage therapy, providing a dynamic tool for optimizing therapeutic decisions.' 'This really is a good analysis showing how ctDNA is definitely a better prognostic marker than standard poor prognostic clinical factors such as nodal status and even updated FIGO staging for cervical cancer,' said Mark Einstein, MD, the discussant for the paper, who is professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City. However, he said the positive predictive value and sensitivity 'are good, but they're not great. The negative predictive value, though, is excellent, and this would reveal that the test might have some value as a negative predictive marker of recurrence rather than a positive predictive marker of recurrence.' But, the bigger question, he said, is 'what are we going to do with that information? If we actually do know that someone has a positive ctDNA, are we going to get into the situation that we are in with ovary cancer, with CA125 without measurable disease, where it just creates a lot of anxiety without necessarily restarting treatment? This could identify central disease before it actually becomes distant, which could lead to potentially curative surgical options, and it might put someone on increased surveillance in imaging, but I think we need to really look at this prospectively.' Also commenting on the study, Sarah Kim, MD, a gynecologic surgeon specializing in the treatment of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, pointed out what she found useful and what additional questions need to be answered. 'Further studies need to be done to validate these results and determine the clinical utility in the setting of adjuvant therapy or recurrence,' she said in an interview with Medscape Medical News . 'I think these are important findings and potentially clinically impactful for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer,' said Kim. 'They support the use of ctDNA to detect minimal residual disease and/or the use of ctDNA as a prognostic marker, which is lacking in cervical cancer. We have seen similar results in patients with endometrial cancer, where the ctDNA increases prior to any detection of disease on imaging.' The trial was sponsored by AstraZeneca. Mayadev disclosed leadership roles with the American Brachytherapy Society and NRG Oncology; honoraria from AstraZeneca; consulting or advisory roles with Agenus, AstraZeneca/MedImmune, Merck, Primmune Therapeutics, and Varian Medical Systems; research funding from Varian Medical Systems; and travel, accommodations, and other expenses from Merck. Einstein disclosed a consulting or advisory role with Antiva Biosciences, Asieris Pharmaceuticals, and Merck, and research funding from Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and PapiVax Biotech, Inc. Kim had no disclosures.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
At-home health tests are here. But they aren't always the best option
The doctor is in — the mailbox, that is. You can now do self-administered tests for everything from thyroid function to HIV in the privacy of your own home — and that list continues to grow, as the Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first at-home cervical cancer test. While the tests can make it easier for people to access health care and can be helpful for those who have extreme anxiety about sensitive or invasive medical exams, experts warn that most of the tests cannot replace an actual in-person visit. Here's what doctors say you can test for at home, and when you should make the trek to your physician's office. What kinds of at-home tests are available? There are two kinds at 'at-home tests.' In one type, the patient collects the sample and sends it off to a lab; the new cervical cancer test is like this. The other gives an instant result — think COVID-19 and pregnancy tests. What are the benefits of at-home tests? HIV home-testing kits can improve rates of diagnosing sexually transmitted infections in rural communities and help people who are nervous about going to the doctor to seek a sensitive test, said Dr. Joseph Cherabie, an infectious diseases specialist in St. Louis. 'You really want to get people to care as quickly as possible, but some people could be very anxious about that results as well," Cherabie said. "And they have very negative reactions.' Labs are required to report a positive HIV test, instead of putting the onus on the patient who took the test, Cherabie said, and and, often, the patient is matched up with HIV support services. 'If you are part of a sexual and gender minority community, going to a doctor's office can be full of a lot of historical trauma, and you may prefer to just do testing at home without anyone judging you or asking you invasive questions about your sex life,' Cherabie said. The new cervical cancer test — which tests for strains of human papillomavirus, or HPV — involves a testing swab that's like a tampon, said Dr. Susan Modesitt, a gynecologic oncologist at Emory University in Atlanta. It is not, Modesitt said, a replacement for a Pap smear, the exam in which a metal speculum is inserted in the vagina to scrape cervix cells. A doctor's visit also involves a pelvic exam, a chance to talk about abnormal bleeding — a sign of endometrial cancer — and other symptoms and issues, like menopause or STIs. 'There are so many other reasons to see your doctor and get an exam outside of a cervical cancer screening,' she said. I live in a rural area — can I take an at-home test? Some at-home tests can replace a trip to the doctor's office. That's especially true in rural areas, where it can be difficult to get a colonoscopy. 'The colonoscopy requires a pre-op, and you have to drive maybe 70 miles for it,' said Dr. Steven Furr, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians who practices in rural Alabama. 'You get anesthesia. It's actually almost like a surgical procedure in many ways. "So, for a lot of people, that's pretty arduous. That's where an at-home test can come in handy.' But, Furr said, if your test reveals issues, you need to go to your doctor. Plus, patients should always discuss test results with their physician instead of interpreting them on their own, he said. Who shouldn't do at-home tests? If you have symptoms of what you're testing for, go to the doctor. At-home colon cancer tests aren't the right option for people with a history of colon cancer or high-risk conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, said Dr. Zachariah Foda, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins. He added that they're also not recommended for people who are having GI symptoms. While there are tests for many things — running anywhere from $15 to $400, depending on what is being evaluated — Furr said it's essential to make sure that your test is FDA-approved so you can better trust the results. 'Anytime we get people involved in their own health care and help them understand what's going on, I think that's a good thing and it gives us a chance to talk,' he said. 'Any kind of screening is better than no screening.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
At-home health tests are here. But they aren't always the best option
The doctor is in — the mailbox, that is. You can now do self-administered tests for everything from thyroid function to HIV in the privacy of your own home — and that list continues to grow, as the Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first at-home cervical cancer test. While the tests can make it easier for people to access health care and can be helpful for those who have extreme anxiety about sensitive or invasive medical exams, experts warn that most of the tests cannot replace an actual in-person visit. Here's what doctors say you can test for at home, and when you should make the trek to your physician's office. What kinds of at-home tests are available? There are two kinds at 'at-home tests.' In one type, the patient collects the sample and sends it off to a lab; the new cervical cancer test is like this. The other gives an instant result — think COVID-19 and pregnancy tests. What are the benefits of at-home tests? HIV home-testing kits can improve rates of diagnosing sexually transmitted infections in rural communities and help people who are nervous about going to the doctor to seek a sensitive test, said Dr. Joseph Cherabie, an infectious diseases specialist in St. Louis. 'You really want to get people to care as quickly as possible, but some people could be very anxious about that results as well,' Cherabie said. 'And they have very negative reactions.' Labs are required to report a positive HIV test, instead of putting the onus on the patient who took the test, Cherabie said, and and, often, the patient is matched up with HIV support services. 'If you are part of a sexual and gender minority community, going to a doctor's office can be full of a lot of historical trauma, and you may prefer to just do testing at home without anyone judging you or asking you invasive questions about your sex life,' Cherabie said. The new cervical cancer test — which tests for strains of human papillomavirus, or HPV — involves a testing swab that's like a tampon, said Dr. Susan Modesitt, a gynecologic oncologist at Emory University in Atlanta. It is not, Modesitt said, a replacement for a Pap smear, the exam in which a metal speculum is inserted in the vagina to scrape cervix cells. A doctor's visit also involves a pelvic exam, a chance to talk about abnormal bleeding — a sign of endometrial cancer — and other symptoms and issues, like menopause or STIs. 'There are so many other reasons to see your doctor and get an exam outside of a cervical cancer screening,' she said. I live in a rural area — can I take an at-home test? Some at-home tests can replace a trip to the doctor's office. That's especially true in rural areas, where it can be difficult to get a colonoscopy. 'The colonoscopy requires a pre-op, and you have to drive maybe 70 miles for it,' said Dr. Steven Furr, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians who practices in rural Alabama. 'You get anesthesia. It's actually almost like a surgical procedure in many ways. 'So, for a lot of people, that's pretty arduous. That's where an at-home test can come in handy.' But, Furr said, if your test reveals issues, you need to go to your doctor. Plus, patients should always discuss test results with their physician instead of interpreting them on their own, he said. Who shouldn't do at-home tests? If you have symptoms of what you're testing for, go to the doctor. At-home colon cancer tests aren't the right option for people with a history of colon cancer or high-risk conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, said Dr. Zachariah Foda, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins. He added that they're also not recommended for people who are having GI symptoms. While there are tests for many things — running anywhere from $15 to $400, depending on what is being evaluated — Furr said it's essential to make sure that your test is FDA-approved so you can better trust the results. 'Anytime we get people involved in their own health care and help them understand what's going on, I think that's a good thing and it gives us a chance to talk,' he said. 'Any kind of screening is better than no screening.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
What your ‘embarrassing' symptoms ‘down there' are REALLY trying to tell you – and when it could be deadly
WHEN you notice something out of the ordinary down below, it's only natural to worry. While some changes are normal, others can be a sign of something more serious - and even warrant pretty swift medical attention. But how can you tell one from the other? We've asked the experts, so you don't have to. The overwhelming message is that keeping any unusual signs in and around your nether regions to yourself is the worst thing you can do. More often that not, your GP will tell you not to worry, but it's better to get checked than leave it too late. Here… a team of leading medics share what could be causing those lumps, bumps, unusual smells and strange itches… and reveal when you must seek help. Spotting between periods NOTICING blood when it's not your Time Of The Month can be worrying. After all, 'spotting' is a key symptom of cervical cancer. But Dr Hannah Burrage, lead GP at Livi says that up to 35 per cent of women will experience a 'blip in their usual bleeding patterns'. She tells Sun Health: 'It may be as simple as the type of contraception you are on, for example, the progesterone-only pill. 'Other causes that need further investigation include polyps or fibroids which are growths on the different layers of our womb.' If your spotting is consistent, check in with your GP. Spotting could be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia. To get tested, visit for free STI testing. Symptoms, treatment and latest research on anal cancer 'Make sure you are up to date with your cervical smear test,' says Dr Burrage. 'The NHS offers screening every three years from age 25 to 49 and every five years from age 50 to 64.' Superdrug Online Doctor, Dr Babak Ashrafi adds: 'If the bleeding becomes heavier or is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or pelvic pain, consult a doctor urgently.' Peeing without realising THERE are different types of incontinence - that is when you pee without realising or wanting to. 'Stress incontinence may make us think twice before bouncing on a trampoline,' says Dr Burrage. Urge incontinence is when you leak urine as you feel a sudden intense urge to go. 'Urge incontinence is the classic 'key in lock' scenario, where a leakage of urine happens with a sudden need to pass urine which is often hard to control,' says Dr Burrage. She adds that menopause, constipation, a chronic cough, hysterectomy, pelvic floor damage, often after a vaginal birth, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make incontinence more likely. To help ease symptoms, Dr Burrage suggests cutting down on caffeine and reducing your fluid intake in the hours before bed. 'There are useful Apps to help with pelvic floor exercises such as Squeezy (£2.99, IOS and Android).' Medications may help overcome incontinence; book an appointment with your GP who will assess if these are right for you. There is also overflow incontinence, which is when you are unable to fully empty your bladder, causing leaking, or total incontinence. If it continues for a long period of time, your GP can refer you to see a urologist. Foamy urine FOAM in your pee can be alarming, but it isn't always a cause for concern, Superdrug's Dr Ashrafi tells Sun Health. 'Typically, foamy urine occurs due to a faster urine stream, which temporarily traps air bubbles or mild dehydration, which makes your urine more concentrated.' Persistently foamy urine could signal a condition called proteinuria, where protein leaks into the urine. Dr Ashrafi says: 'This often points to issues with kidney function. 'Your kidneys help filter out waste while retaining essential proteins in the blood. 'Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and even some medications may trigger it.' Both of these health conditions would require a trip to the GP - plus, high blood pressure doesn't typically cause any symptoms. Signs of type 2 diabetes are peeing more than usual, feeling more thirsty, tired and losing weight without trying to. A UTI could also lead to foamy urine. Dr Ashrafi says some people advise drinking cranberry juice can reduce the risk of UTIs. 'Immediate medical attention is necessary if you also experience swelling in your legs or around your eyes,' adds Dr Ashrafi. 'This can indicate a problem with the kidneys, such as proteinuria, where excess protein leaks into the urine.' Going to the loo: What's normal and what is NOT PEEING What's normal There are lot's of fluctuations between people. But peeing between six and seven times in a 24-hour period is normal for most. Four to 10 times a day can be normal for someone, too, according to Bladder and Bowel community. It's normal to wake up in the night to pee. And urine should be a champagne sort of colour. Pee should come out in a steady stream and you shouldn't need to force it. What's NOT normal You might consider that your peeing habits have become abnormal if you: are going more often than you used to keep going in the night experience pain it doesn't feel like you fully 'empty' the stream is not steady or is weak leak urine see blood in urine There are lots of things that can influence how much we pee. Urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and total incontinence all refer to disruptions in the way your bladder stores and gets rid of urine. You can read about them on the NHS website. The causes range from an enlarged prostate, constipation, not drinking enough water, caffeine and medications. Serious conditions such as prostate cancer can influence your peeing habits. So get any changes cheked out! POOING What's normal People tend to go for a poo once a day or three to four times a week. As long as the stool is easy to pass and is smooth and sausage or snake shaped (yes, medically, that is how scientists describe a healthy poo on the Bristol Stool Chart!). What's NOT normal Any changes to pooing habits should be seen to by a doctor because they could signal bowel cancer. The symptoms can include: Persistent constipation or diarrhoea Very dark stools, blood in stool or blood on the tissue paper Pencil-thin poos Pancreatic cancer can also cause stools that are described as being pale, oily, difficult to flush and bad-smelling. It's important not to brush off these symptoms - seeing a GP could be the difference between life and death. Other health conditions that may change your bowel habits include IBS. Stools that are hard, difficult to pass or pellet-like can signal constipation. Read how to 'go' easier here. READ MORE A GP reveals how normal is your poo Can you tell the healthy poos from the unhealthy ones? The 5 things your pee is telling you How getting up to pee in the night could be a sign of silent killer – when to see your doctor Anal mucus IT feels icky to talk about but it is a normal part of the body's functioning. Anal mucus, also known as rectal discharge, is produced to help lubricate the movement of your stools. 'Mucus is produced within your intestines to protect the lining and enable food to pass through smoothly,' Dr Todd Green, lead GP, also at Livi, tells Sun Health. It's not usually anything to worry about. 'However, large amounts of mucus or repeated episodes, particularly accompanied by blood in the poo, may indicate inflammation in the intestines,' he warns.. According to Dr Green, this can result from infections such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning, or less commonly, it may indicate an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis. 'If you think you have gastroenteritis and notice mucus or any blood in the poo, consult your GP urgently to check for a more serious bowel infection that may need treatment,' warns Dr Green. Sharp pain when going for a poo HAVING a poo should be painless, but episodes of constipation or diarrhoea can occasionally cause discomfort. 'Otherwise, the most common causes of pain when having a poo are haemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures,' says Dr Green. 'Haemorrhoids occur when the soft 'cushions' lining the inside of the anus become inflamed and irritated, usually resulting from excessive pressure from straining on the toilet, chronic coughs or heavy lifting.' Anal fissures, on the other hand, are common tiny tears within the anus that can occur at any age and may similarly result from constipation. 'A healthy diet with plenty of fibre and fluids can help prevent and treat both haemorrhoids and anal fissures,' says Dr Ashrafi. 'Pharmacists can help with treatments for haemorrhoids to reduce itch and discomfort, while GPs can provide prescription treatments for anal fissures.' More seriously, pain when having a poo can indicate inflammatory bowel disease or bowel cancer. 'If you experience repeated pain on the toilet, with or without bleeding, then consult your GP,' says Dr Green. What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer? IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough. While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver. If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems. The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include: Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction. Other signs include: Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools. But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease. Small lumps around the anus SMALL lumps around your bottom? You may feel something unusual around the anus when using the toilet, or experience associated symptoms. 'If they are painful lumps, especially when accompanied by constipation and/or bleeding, then they're more likely to be haemorrhoids,' says Dr Green. Less commonly, lumps around the anus can indicate a more serious problem, such as an abscess. An abscess would likely make you feel unwell, too, as it is an infection of an anal gland or other tissue in the area. A lump is also a symptom of cancer. The main symptoms of anal cancer are small lumps around and inside the bottom, itching, pain, or bleeding from the bottom, and discharge. Bowel cancer may cause a lump in the tummy. But look out for changes to your poo and bowel frequency such as blood in stool, abnormal diarrhoea or constipation and feeling like you need to go for a poo even if you've just been. If you notice a new lump around the anus, whether or not there are any other symptoms, book an appointment with your GP. You may also mistake anal warts for these small lumps. Anal warts may appear on their own or in clusters. These warts are a symptom of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is extremely common and passed during sexual/skin-to-skin contact. You should visit a sexual health clinic if these warts become painful, itch or bleed. Odours down there FOR women, vaginal discharge is normal. It fluctuates in consistency depending on the time of your cycle. But it's important to look out for any changes in vaginal discharge that don't feel right to you. Dr Burrage says: 'Thrush can often cause an itch and a thick cottage cheese-like discharge whilst bacterial vaginosis (BV) is often a thinner grey discharge that has a fishy smell.' Medication can be used to treat both of these conditions - you can go to a pharmacy to ask for treatment initially. But if you have repeated episodes, you need to visit your GP or sexual health clinic for advice. 'Consider washing with just water and avoiding scented products,' says Dr Barrage. This will be best for your vaginal health and warding off infections. Men can get thrust too, although it's less common. Dr Ashrafi says: 'It typically appears as redness, itching and a white, sometimes thickened discharge on the head of the penis. 'It can be triggered by factors such as antibiotic use, a weakened immune system or unprotected sex with a partner who has thrush.' For both men and women, Dr Ashrafi says: 'If you're sexually active and notice any abnormal discharge, take an STI test.' For example, large amounts of discharge, discharge that is green, yellow, red or blood-stained. Dr Ashrafi adds: 'Men can also experience unpleasant odours from the genitals, which may indicate poor hygiene, a bacterial or fungal infection, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 'If the smell is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms like itching, redness or discharge, it's important to see a healthcare professional for assessment.' Itchy genitals and itchy anus WHETHER both areas are itchy, or just one, this can be incredibly uncomfortable. Both men and women can experience thrush, the key symptom of which is itching. 'These occur more often in warm, moist conditions,' Dr Green says. 'Avoid tight-fitting underwear especially for prolonged periods and keep skin in these areas clean and dry. 'Avoid the use of soaps, fragranced wash products or wet wipes.' But Dr Ashrafi says that skin conditions like eczema, STIs, irritants such as strong soaps and anal warts can also be the cause. 'If the itching is severe or persists despite treatment, seek guidance from your GP.' Dr Green says less commonly, an itchy rash on the genitals - usually in middle-aged women but sometimes also in men - can be caused by a condition called lichen sclerosus. 'The itch tends to be worse at night and can also affect the skin around the anus, which gradually turns white over time,' says Dr Green. Symptoms can be controlled with prescription creams, however, lichen sclerosus carries a 'small increased risk of cancer of the anogenital skin'.
South China Morning Post
20-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's Phase Scientific gets US$34 million to advance test for cancer risk factor HPV
Hong Kong's Phase Scientific International (PSI) has raised US$34 million from private investors to further develop a non-invasive test for human papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer. Advertisement The test developed by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park-based company, best known as a provider of COVID-19 tests during the pandemic, was the world's first urine-based HPV test, it said in a statement on Tuesday. Founder and CEO Ricky Chiu Yin-to said the company aimed to commercialise a home collection kit after the completion of a large-scale clinical study next year, which was expected to confirm favourable results the test had obtained so far. 'The market potential is huge because urine sampling is non-invasive and easy to do, which will help raise the compliance rate on regular testing,' he said. Some 95 per cent of cervical cancer is caused by persistent HPV infection of the cervix, according to the WHO. Advertisement PSI had overcome technical barriers for using urine as a medical sampling medium through a patented technology that concentrates and purifies urine samples, Chiu said.
