VANCOUVER, BC - A new technology developed by the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) that could introduce one-step testing and treatment for cervical cancer is now the subject of a clinical trial in Vancouver. BCCA, in partnership with MD Anderson and the University of Texas, has received a $10.3 million grant from the National Institute of Health for the study.

Over the next three years, 400 women in B.C. will be asked to participate in a trial testing this new, less invasive, and more accurate screening procedure. This study uses an "optical wand," a thin probe that shines light onto the cervix, and measures the amount of light that comes back. This returning light can be analyzed by a computer to identify cancerous or pre-cancerous abnormalities in the cervix.

"With this technology, you will be able to directly test the cervix, and if you get a positive reading, you can - in the majority of cases - provide treatment then and there," explains Dr. Lou Benedet, BCCA oncologist and researcher.

Currently, the accepted screening for cervical cancer is the "Pap" test, where cells are taken from the surface of the cervix, and sent to a cytologist who looks for abnormalities. Patients must then wait for the results of the test, have a follow-up test if necessary - and possibly a biopsy - then wait again for results and treatment. The delay between the initial screening and treatment can be six weeks or more.

"The delay in waiting for test results can cause a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty," says Dr. Calum MacAulay, head of Cancer Imaging at the BCCA and a study researcher. "For women in North America, reducing this wait time is one of the key benefits."

Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death for women world-wide. While survival rates for women in the developed world are excellent, approximately 190,000 women in developing nations die from the disease every year. Of all the cervical cancers world-wide, 80 percent occur in developing countries.

As a leader in the field of cervical screening - BCCA was one of the first organizations in the world to develop a comprehensive program through a central lab - the Agency is hoping that its new technology will help reduce the mortality rates from cervical cancer around the world.

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"The real value of what we are doing here goes far beyond the borders of B.C.," says Dr. Benedet. "For developing regions without the infrastructure of labs and technologists, an area midwife can easily use this portable system to screen women. With this technology, we can hopefully decrease the high mortality rates."

Over the course of this study, researchers plan to refine the technology into a format that can be easily transported and set up in remote locations, or restrictive conditions. Ideally, the screening system will be the same size as a laptop computer

To qualify for the clinical trial, women must have had an abnormal Pap test result, and be referred to one of the BC Cancer Agency gynecological oncologists conducting the trial at the BCCA Coloposcopy Clinic in the Vancouver Hospital. Interested women can request an information pamphlet from the BCCA.

The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.

For more information, or to request an interview, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
(604) 877-6272