Urine test detects cervical cancer virus proteins

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with almost all cases linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Current screening methods typically involve an invasive Pap smear or HPV DNA test, but emerging research suggests that measuring the cancer-causing activity of HPV may provide a more accurate assessment of cancer risk. Scientists have now found a way to detect HPV oncoproteins in urine, in a non-invasive approach that could encourage more women to participate in regular screening.

A team led by Waseda University’s Professor Etsuro Ito set out to develop an ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect high-risk HPV16 E7 oncoproteins in urine samples. The test was found to identify these proteins at extremely low levels in the urine of women with different stages of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a precursor to cervical cancer.

As documented in the journal Microorganisms, the ELISA test detected E7 proteins in 80% of women with CIN1, 71% with CIN2 and 38% with CIN3, suggesting that the presence of E7 oncoproteins correlates with lower-grade CIN lesions. The researchers theorise that this discrepancy may be due to variations in the HPV life cycle or oncogenic activity.

“We believe that the E7 oncoprotein is critical in the early stages of HPV-related cervical carcinogenesis and E7 may play a more significant role in the progression of CIN1 and CIN2 than in CIN3,” Ito said.

This innovative approach aligns with global health goals to reduce cervical cancer rates, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to traditional screening methods is limited. With further development, the test could become a standard tool in the fight against cervical cancer, helping to save lives through earlier detection and treatment.

“We are optimistic that further development and validation of this assay will lead to its widespread use in clinical settings,” Ito said.

“This means that women may be able to screen for cervical cancer without the discomfort and inconvenience of a traditional Pap test.”

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