Cervical cancer screening in Cuba

oncgnostics in Kuba 2020privat: Dr. Alfred Hansel

During the first days of March, Dr. Alfred Hansel took a close look at the healthcare system of Cuba. The Managing Director of oncgnostics GmbH participated in the Cuban-German Healthtech Summit in Havana. Cervical cancer and its early detection is a big issue in Cuba.

Dr. Alfred Hansel, Managing Director of oncgnostics GmbH, attended the event to get a first-hand impression of the Cuban health-care system and the corresponding market. During a delegation trip organised by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, representatives of 10 German companies from the medical sector met with representatives of the Cuban health-care industry. The latter gave an insight into their work and the Cuban health care system, while the German companies gave short presentations to the Cuban audience. Opportunities for cooperation were discussed in subsequent bilateral talks. Dr. Hansel had a particularly thorough exchange with representatives of the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital, who was very interested in GynTect, the cervical cancer screening test developed by oncgnostics GmbH, and who invited Dr. Hansel for a visit at the hospital’s lab.

Early detection of cervical cancer

The Cuban health-care system is progressive. Pap smears have been used for cervical cancer screening since the late 1960s. Cuban women can undergo the test once every three years. And it was successful! The number of new cases as well as the death rate fell steadily. But since the 1990s the trend has reversed, with more and more women suffering from cervical cancer and even more women dying of it. The reasons are yet unknown. An examination every three years may not be enough. Moreover, only about 70% of women actually go for the regular cervical cancer screening.

Cooperation on a study

The Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital, the largest hospital in Cuba and a reference centre for research and education, would like to contribute to improving cervical cancer prevention in Cuba by means of a clinical trial in the near future.

‘Representatives of the hospital showed great interest in GynTect, our test for the detection of cervical cancer, and are currently in the starting phase of a study that will demonstrate the advantage of the HPV test over the Pap smear. We have talked intensively about using GynTect to complement the study. In the next few days, we will develop the ideas raised in Cuba in order to possibly implement them soon’, says Dr. Alfred Hansel

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Human papillomaviruses (HPV) – What is it?

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Human papillomaviruses are a group of widespread viruses. In most cases, people affected by the virus are unaware of the infection. However, certain types of HPV are responsible for the development of tumours, such as cervical cancer.

Almost everyone gets infected with HPV at some point in their lives. HP viruses are mainly transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, but also by sexual intercourse. The infection often remains undetected because no symptoms are noticed and the infection heals by itself. However, harmless or unpleasant warts, such as genital warts, can occur. In a few cases and with certain types of HPV, chronic HPV infection occurs, which can last for several years. This can lead to malignant cell changes. The consequence may be precancerous lesions or cancer. In particular, HP viruses are responsible for the development of cervical cancer. However, tumours in the mouth, vagina, penis and anal area can also be caused by human papillomaviruses.

High-risk HPV types

Not all HP viruses are causing cancer. To date, more than 200 HPV types have been conclusively identified, according to the Robert Koch Institute. They can be classified into five different groups: Alpha, beta, gamma, mu and nu HPV. Only the alpha-HPV group can infect the skin and mucousal cells in humans.

In general, these types can be subdivided into high- and low-risk types. The low-risk types (“low risk” viruses) can cause warts in the genital area. However, a life-threatening disease can be rarely feared when infected with low-risk HPV types. In contrast, high-risk types (high-risk viruses) can cause malignant cell changes, i.e. cancer.

Protection against HPV infection

Vaccination against HPV is the most effective protection against an HPV infection. Not even condoms provide sufficient protection during intercourse. Children aged nine and older can be vaccinated against certain high-risk HPV types. In general, vaccination should preferably be applied before the first sexual intercourse. This is true for both boys and girls alike, because vaccination not only protects against cervical cancer. There are also other types of cancer associated with HPV, as mentioned above. In addition to vaccination, women should visit their gynaecologist regularly for cancer screening.

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