A frequent visitor to our pages, UK device company Zilico Ltd., is showcasing its pioneering cervical cancer diagnostic technology at this year’s Medica 2016.
Background
Cervical cancer is the 7th most common disease globally, and the third most prevalent in woman. The disease is caused by the persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which triggers changes in the cervical cells. Although colposcopy is an important method in detecting cervical cancer, in practice, the procedure has not changed significantly over the last 90 years, diagnosis depending on the subjective assessment of visual indicators by the clinician.
Zilico’s ZedScan™ portable, handheld device uses patented Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to detect the development of pre-cancerous abnormalities of the cervix, known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In so doing, it not only removes subjectivity and increases accuracy, but it also helps clinicians manage growing colposcopy referrals generated by the introduction of primary HPV testing. As such, the company claims its new diagnostic system is having a significant impact on the changing clinical pathway for cervical cancer.
In a recent review of over 1500 women referred to an NHS colposcopy clinic, the adoption of ZedScan resulted in a significant increase in disease detection and improvements in clinical performance.
The patient case study revealed a 13% increase in detection of high-grade disease (HGCIN) across all patients, with 50% increase reported in women with low-grade cytology. In 92% of these cases, disease was confirmed with a single biopsy.
If rolled out across the UK, this would equate to an additional 200 women being identified with HGCIN every week, or approximately 10,000 women each year who can therefore be diagnosed and treated much earlier, thus preventing disease from developing.
Company comments
Sameer Kothari, Chief Executive of Zilico Ltd, said: “ZedScan is now used in many hospitals across the globe as an adjunct to the current diagnostic process to offer a more accurate diagnosis in real time and assist clinicians with improved patient management.
“Colposcopy referrals are expected to increase dramatically following the introduction of HPV screening and ZedScan can provide a cost-effective means to accommodate this growth. It can also increase compliance with hospital guidelines for performance and waiting times.”
Source: Zilico Ltd.
MEDICA 2016 is taking place from 14 – 17 November and throughout the show, Zilico will be located in Hall 16, Stand F18-5.
published: November 2, 2016 in: Congresses and Meetings, Gynaecology/Obstetrics, Oncology