Cervical Cancer

Jhpiego's Single Visit Approach Discussed In Reproductive Health Matters
Jhpiego's approach for detecting and treating pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix during a single visit to a trained provider, usually a nurse or midwife, has proved to be a cost effective and sustainable solution for the prevention of cancer of the cervix in low-resource countries. The single visit approach (SVA) combines testing and treatment in one visit, an important advantage in developing nations where access to high quality services remains a challenge.

Swinging 60s Saw A Rise In HPV Related Cancers
Rates for cancers linked to a sexually-transmitted virus have increased in the post World War II baby boomer generation according to new research* published in the British Journal of Cancer today (Wednesday February 4). Researchers looked at data from the Thames Cancer Registry to examine trends for the cancers linked to the human papilloma virus (HPV) - cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, cervix and penis.

GP Journal Focuses On HPV Vaccination, Medicolegal Issues, Management Of Life Threatening Allergies
The January/ February 2009 edition of Australian Family Physician, the flagship journal of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), features a range of articles and research focusing on key issues in general practice today.

Guided Therapeutics, Inc. Reports Preliminary Findings From FDA Pivotal Clinical Trial
Guided Therapeutics, Inc. (GT) (Pink Sheets: GTHP) today announced that its LightTouch™ non-invasive cervical cancer detection technology properly identified cervical disease missed by Pap tests and conventional pathology in a multi-site Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pivotal clinical trial. Based on the outcome of the study, GT plans to submit the trial results to the FDA as part of the Premarket Approval (PMA) application for the LightTouch.

HPV18 DNA Levels Are Not Prognostic For Precancerous Cervical Lesions
Perhaps surprisingly, the number of copies of the carcinogenic human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) relative to cellular DNA is not associated with the likelihood of progression to advanced precancerous lesions of the cervix, according to a study in the January 27 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Two types of HPV are most frequently associated with cervical cancer, HPV16 and HPV18.

Studies Released At Cancer Disparities Conference Examine Women's Health Issues
The following summarizes news coverage of women's health-related studies presented last week at the American Association for Cancer Research's Science of Cancer Health Disparities conference in Carefree, Ariz.

Studies Released At Conference Examine Racial, Ethnic Cancer Disparities
The following summarizes news coverage of studies presented this week at the American Association for Cancer Research's Science of Cancer Health Disparities conference in Carefree, Ariz.

LUMA Cervical Imaging System Installed In Edina At Minnesota Gynecology
SpectraScience, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SCIE), a medical device company, announced that it will place its LUMA(R) Cervical Imaging System to detect pre-cancers at Minnesota Gynecology and Surgery, located in Edina, Minnesota. Dr. James B. Presthus, co-founder of Minnesota Gynecology and Surgery, stated "The introduction of the LUMA System represents our continued dedication in providing the best care possible for our patients.

CMS Proposes Improvements To Cervical Cancer Proficiency Testing Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced proposals to further improve the regulations that are in place to assure the competency of those conducting the most common screening test for cervical cancer, the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. The proposed rule would update the current regulatory provisions that were promulgated under certain provisions of the Public Health Service Act.

Researchers: Guillain-Barre Syndrome After HPV Vaccine Needs Monitoring
The HPV vaccine does not increase the risk of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, according to a study released that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, April 25 to May 2, 2009. Guillain-Barré is a disorder that causes muscle weakness and tingling that can progress to paralysis. Although it can be life-threatening, most people recover with few remaining problems.

Guided Therapeutics, Inc. Reports Preliminary Findings From FDA Pivotal Clinical Trial
Guided Therapeutics, Inc. (GT) (Pink Sheets: GTHP) today announced that its LightTouch™ non-invasive cervical cancer detection technology properly identified cervical disease missed by Pap tests and conventional pathology in a multi-site Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pivotal clinical trial. Based on the outcome of the study, GT plans to submit the trial results to the FDA as part of the Premarket Approval (PMA) application for the LightTouch.

Abbott Introduces RealTime Molecular Assay In Europe For Detection Of HPV Infection
European clinicians will have a new weapon to combat cervical cancer with the introduction of Abbott Molecular's real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based diagnostic test for human papillomavirus (HPV). The CE-marked assay can identify patients infected with specific viral genotypes known to pose the highest risk for progression to cervical cancer.

FDA Denies Approval Of Gardasil For Use In Older Women
FDA on Friday denied approval of Merck's application for use of the human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil in women ages 27 to 45, Dow Jones/MarketWatch reports. The vaccine currently is approved for the prevention of genital warts and cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers.

HPV18 DNA Levels Are Not Prognostic For Precancerous Cervical Lesions
Perhaps surprisingly, the number of copies of the carcinogenic human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) relative to cellular DNA is not associated with the likelihood of progression to advanced precancerous lesions of the cervix, according to a study in the January 27 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Two types of HPV are most frequently associated with cervical cancer, HPV16 and HPV18.

CMS Proposes Improvements To Cervical Cancer Proficiency Testing Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced proposals to further improve the regulations that are in place to assure the competency of those conducting the most common screening test for cervical cancer, the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. The proposed rule would update the current regulatory provisions that were promulgated under certain provisions of the Public Health Service Act.

Studies Released At Cancer Disparities Conference Examine Women's Health Issues
The following summarizes news coverage of women's health-related studies presented last week at the American Association for Cancer Research's Science of Cancer Health Disparities conference in Carefree, Ariz.

Blogs Comment On 'Midnight' Regulations, Global AIDS Coordinator, Teen Births, Other Topics
The following summarizes recent women's health-related blog entries. ~ "How Barack Obama Can Take a Fast Track To Undoing Last-Minute Bush Regulations," Bonnie Erbe, Thomas Jefferson Street, U.S.

U.S. To Fund HPV Vaccination Campaign In Micronesia Region
The U.S. next month will launch a human papillomavirus vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer in the Pacific island nations of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau, Jean-Paul Chaine, regional epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Wednesday, Agence France-Presse reports. The program, which will cost $9 million, will fund HPV vaccinations for more than 30,000 girls ages 10 to 18.

Six Things Women Should Know About The Pap Test
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center shares important information about the cervical cancer screening exam, the Pap test. For many women, their annual Pap test is not something to look forward to; however, this test has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of women everywhere. The Pap test detects cell changes, which may cause cervical cancer.

African Americans Aware And Accepting, But Often Do Not Receive, The HPV Vaccine
Although only 25 percent of eligible African American adolescents have received the HPV vaccine, a new survey presented at the American Association for Cancer Research conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities, suggests they have a positive view of the treatment and might respond to more education. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Health is funding research to develop ways to increase the rate of HPV vaccination among those at highest risk.

Six Things Women Should Know About The Pap Test
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center shares important information about the cervical cancer screening exam, the Pap test. For many women, their annual Pap test is not something to look forward to; however, this test has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of women everywhere. The Pap test detects cell changes, which may cause cervical cancer.

U.S. To Fund HPV Vaccination Campaign In Micronesia Region
The U.S. next month will launch a human papillomavirus vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer in the Pacific island nations of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau, Jean-Paul Chaine, regional epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Wednesday, Agence France-Presse reports. The program, which will cost $9 million, will fund HPV vaccinations for more than 30,000 girls ages 10 to 18.

Cervical Cancer - Why Every Woman Should Go For A Smear Test
I Beat Cervical Cancer, But Have Friends Who Refuse To Go For A Smear - I Know How Jade Feels Says Dee 37 "I Beat Cervical Cancer . People Don't Understand How Important It Is To Go For A Smear Test" ... says Dee Standley, 37 from Richmond in London, who was horrified to wake up to the news of Jady Goody's latest prognosis today. She urges every woman to go for their smear tests regularly ...

Louisiana Lawmakers Debate Insurance Mandate For HPV Vaccine Coverage
Legislators in Louisiana on Tuesday debated whether to require that insurance companies cover the cost of vaccinating teen and pre-teen girls against human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

Connecticut Department Of Public Health Stresses Importance Of Annual Screening For Cervical Cancer
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), as part of national Cervical Health Awareness Month, is reminding women in Connecticut to schedule their annual cervical cancer screening, one of the most important tools in the early detection and prevention of the disease. "Although the number of new cases of cervical cancer has declined over the years, we are still losing too many lives due to this disease," stated DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.

Advaxis' Phase II Clinical Trial "HOLD" Lifted
Advaxis Inc (OTCBB: ADXS), a biotechnology company, received permission from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to test its lead drug candidate, Lovaxin C, in patients with grade 2/3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). With this approval of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for Lovaxin C, the FDA "HOLD" on Advaxis' clinical program has been lifted.

Six Things Women Should Know About The Pap Test
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center shares important information about the cervical cancer screening exam, the Pap test. For many women, their annual Pap test is not something to look forward to; however, this test has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of women everywhere. The Pap test detects cell changes, which may cause cervical cancer.

Department Of Health Recognizes January As Cervical Health Awareness Month
As a part of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Acting Secretary of Health Everette James today reminded women of the importance of cervical cancer prevention and the need for pap tests. "Every January as we begin a new year, we want to remind all Pennsylvanians to do what they can to improve their overall health," said James.