AIIMS Delhi Develops Blood Test to Monitor Cervical Cancer Treatment Progress

The first-of-its-kind test, based on ddPCR technology, detects fragments of HPV DNA in the bloodstream.

In a significant breakthrough for cancer care, researchers at AIIMS Delhi have developed a new blood test designed to monitor whether cervical cancer treatment is effective or if the disease has returned.

The test uses droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) technology.

Moreover, it detects fragments of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in the bloodstream. These fragments are strong indicators of tumour size and response to treatment.

Cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among women in India. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that over 1.27 lakh cases were reported in 2022, with approximately 80,000 deaths. More than 95% of cases are linked to persistent infections with high-risk HPV strains.

Monitoring the disease is traditionally expensive and physically demanding, requiring frequent scans and biopsies.

According to Dr Mayank Singh, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at AIIMS, the new test could significantly reduce financial strain on patients.

“Only those with elevated HPV markers would require further scans. In some cases, blood vessel activity spikes even before tumors appear on imaging, allowing us to detect relapses earlier,” he added.

The study, published in Scientific Reports, examined 60 cervical cancer patients and 10 healthy women.

Before treatment, cancer patients showed an average of 9.35 ng/µL of circulating HPV DNA, while healthy women recorded around 6.95 ng/µL. Three months post-treatment, the HPV DNA level dropped to approximately seven ng/µL, suggesting a positive therapeutic response.

Researchers utilized a high-sensitivity molecular test to identify HPV16 and HPV18, two of the most dangerous HPV types.

If validated, the test could serve as a valuable early diagnostic tool—a game-changer for India, where late-stage detection is common due to limited access to routine screening.

A simple blood test would enhance early diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring, significantly improving patient outcomes.

Currently, pap smears and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) are the most used screening methods in India.

Additionally, the government is administering HPV vaccines for girls aged 9 to 14, aiming to prevent cervical cancer altogether in future generations.

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