## Aiims Launches Study for Indigenous, Low-Cost HPV Tests to Fight Cervical Cancer
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims), New Delhi, has launched a significant multicentre study to develop affordable and accessible human papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer screening. This initiative, supported by DBT-BIRAC Grand Challenges India and the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), aims to make cervical cancer screening more accessible and effective in India and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The validation of these HPV tests will be conducted at Aiims New Delhi, the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) Noida, and the National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) Mumbai. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of developing indigenous solutions for cervical cancer prevention.
The current high cost and complex laboratory setups required for HPV tests have been a major barrier to widespread screening, particularly in LMICs. This new study aims to address this challenge by developing tests that are both affordable and easy to use, even in resource-limited settings.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, and in India, it is the second most prevalent cancer after breast cancer. According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) data, an estimated 663,301 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide in 2022, with 348,874 succumbing to the disease. LMICs like India bear a disproportionate burden of this disease, accounting for nearly 80% of the global cases.
The development of indigenous, low-cost HPV tests holds immense potential to improve cervical cancer screening and prevention in India and other LMICs. These tests will be automated, require minimal technical expertise, and be accessible to a wider population. Additionally, the project aims to validate these "made in India" HPV tests against international quality standards, ensuring their reliability and accuracy.
This initiative aligns with the WHO's 2030 target of eliminating cervical cancer. By incorporating HPV testing into the national cancer program and making it more accessible, India can significantly reduce the burden of this preventable disease and save countless lives. The evaluation of tests with fewer HPV types is a novel aspect of this study that will improve the accuracy of the test and make it more cost-effective for the program.