Device to Detect Cervical Cancer

A new medical device is designed to identify molecular changes in the cervix and optically assess if the cervix is normal, malignant, dysplastic (pre-cancerous), or benign.

Called the Cancer Detection Ratiometer (CD-R), the device can optically assess cervical tissue using auto-fluorescent lighting at pre-established wavelengths to diagnose the state of the cervix. The device reports to the doctor any abnormal cell activity on the cathode ray tube (CRT) screen. The device may eventually eliminate the long waiting for Pap test results. The CD-R has shown sensitivity and specificity equal to or greater than 90% in in vitro studies, according to Dr. Stephane Lubiez, a gynecologic oncologist based in New York (NY, USA).

The new device is being developed by Mediscience Technology Corp. (Cherry Hill, NJ, USA), in collaboration with Dr. Robert Alfano and his team at the City College of New York (NY, USA).

"Rapid results are important because, although cervical cancer develops slowly, the earlier cancerous or pre-cancerous cervical conditions are detected, the greater the likelihood for a cure,” said Dr. Lubiez. "Many things can interfere with accurate Pap test results; among them not enough cells on the slide or improperly preparing the smear.”

Currently, the five-year survival rate for invasive cervical cancer that is caught at its earliest stage is nearly 100%.





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Mediscience Technology
City College of New York