AIIMS develops simple blood test for early detection and monitoring of cervical cancer

This innovative approach from AIIMS could become a game-changer in cervical cancer care, particularly in low-resource settings, enhancing both early detection and long-term outcomes

In a pioneering move in the fight against cancer, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have developed a novel blood test that could revolutionize the way cervical cancer is monitored. The test detects fragments of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA circulating in the blood, offering a non-invasive method to assess tumour size, treatment response, and detect possible relapses.

Cervical cancer remains the second most prevalent cancer among women in India. According to the World Health Organization, the country reported over 1.27 lakh cases and approximately 80,000 related deaths in 2022. Over 95% of these cases are linked to prolonged infections with high-risk HPV strains, primarily HPV16 and HPV18. Currently, monitoring the disease requires frequent imaging and biopsies, which are both costly and physically demanding for patients.

Dr. Mayank Singh, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at AIIMS, emphasized the potential impact of the test, noting, “It could ease the financial load on patients by minimizing the need for repetitive scans. Elevated HPV DNA markers in the blood could serve as early indicators of relapse, sometimes even before changes appear on scans.”

Cost-effective cancer monitoring breakthrough

Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research analysed blood samples from 60 cervical cancer patients and 10 healthy women. At diagnosis, patients showed an average of 9.35 ng/µL of circulating HPV DNA. This level dropped to around 7 ng/µL three months after treatment, signalling effective response. In comparison, healthy participants had an average of 6.95 ng/µL. A highly sensitive molecular assay was used to identify and measure high-risk HPV DNA levels.

If validated through larger clinical studies, this blood test could also serve as an early detection tool—crucial in a country where many cases are diagnosed in advanced stages due to limited access to screening. A simple, cost-effective blood test could dramatically improve early intervention rates and post-treatment surveillance.

Currently, India relies on pap smears and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer screening. In a complementary move, the government plans to introduce HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14, aiming to reduce future disease incidence.

This innovative approach from AIIMS could become a game-changer in cervical cancer care, particularly in low-resource settings, enhancing both early detection and long-term outcomes.