Cervical Cancer Screening: Delhi AIIMS launches multi-centre study to test accuracy of HPV tests

New Delhi: In a bid to make Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests more accessible and affordable, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has launched a study to evaluate indigenous HPV tests for cervical cancer screening in India. 

This initiative, spearheaded by AIIMS in collaboration with NICPR Noida and NIRRCH Mumbai, aims to assess the effectiveness of these tests while emphasizing quick results and cost-effectiveness.

According to Dr Neerja Bhatla, HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS, Delhi, the results will be quick and cost-effective, reported news agency ANI.

"The results of the indigenous HPV tests study are expected to come in a few months then we will be able to say that we have internationally validated indigenous tests and then these make-in-India tests will be fit to export to any country in the world because they meet the international specifications," said Dr Bhatla

The current cost of HPV tests in India ranges from Rs 1500-2000, but with the introduction of indigenous kits, significant cost reduction is anticipated without compromising accuracy

"It will definitely be more cost-effective than what is in the pocket now. And secondly, it will be more cost-effective than any of the other tests because it is more accurate," she added.

According to ANI, AIIMS stated, "With this vision, we are launching a multi-centre study with the support of DBT-BIRAC Grand Challenges India in collaboration with WHO's International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC). The testing will be performed at AIIMS, New Delhi, NICPR Noida and NIRRCH Mumbai".

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In India, it is the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer. Every two minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer around the world.

Globally, cervical cancer poses a significant health burden, with an estimated 663,301 new cases and 348,874 deaths reported in 2022, according to GLOBOCAN statistics. Low-middle-income countries like India account for nearly 80 per cent of the disease burden. In India alone, there are approximately 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths annually.

Aligned with WHO's 'Call For Elimination of Cervical Cancer' initiative, India aims to achieve a cervical cancer-free world by 2030, with targets set to screen 70 per cent of women and vaccinate 90 per cent of girls. The launch of the indigenous HPV tests study represents a significant step towards achieving these goals, offering hope for improved cervical cancer screening and prevention measures in India and beyond.