## India Launches Multicenter Study to Develop Low-Cost HPV Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has announced the launch of a multicenter study to develop indigenous and low-cost human papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer screening. This initiative aims to address the high burden of cervical cancer in India and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The study, supported by the DBT-BIRAC Grand Challenges India in collaboration with the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), will involve validation of HPV tests 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.
Currently available HPV tests are expensive and require sophisticated laboratory setups, making them inaccessible to many women in LMICs. This study aims to develop tests that are affordable, automated, and require minimal technical expertise or infrastructure.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, with an estimated 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths annually. LMICs like India contribute to nearly 80% of the global disease burden.
The project aims to develop and validate indigenous HPV tests that can detect the major cancer-causing HPV genotypes in the Indian population. These tests will be evaluated according to international quality standards, ensuring their accuracy and effectiveness.
The study will also evaluate tests with fewer HPV types, which could improve accuracy and make the tests more cost-effective. This is crucial for achieving the WHO's 2030 target of eliminating cervical cancer and incorporating HPV testing into national cancer programs.
The development of low-cost HPV tests has the potential to significantly improve cervical cancer screening rates and reduce the disease burden in India and other LMICs. This will ultimately contribute to improved women's health and well-being.