Alternative to Pap Test Is Approved by F.D.A.

[Sherman A1]

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the first alternative to the long-used Pap test as a primary screening method for cervical cancer, in the face of opposition from some women’s groups and health organizations.

The new test, developed by Roche, detects the DNA of the human papilloma virus, which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer, in a sample taken from the cervix. Pap testing involves examining the cervical sample under a microscope to detect abnormalities.

A committee of outside advisers to the F.D.A. unanimously endorsed the Roche test in a meeting last month.

But a coalition of 17 consumer, women’s and health groups opposed the approval, arguing that the new screening method had not been adequately tested and could upend a practice that has successfully prevented cervical cancer for decades.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/25/business/alternative-to-pap-test-is-approved-by-fda.html?emc=edit_th_20140425&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=42530878&_r=0

[Chemisse]

1. Why not use the HPV test to determine how often the paps are needed?

I had a blood test several years ago that showed I do not have antibodies to HPV, and thus do not have it. The practitioner at the time told me - since I am monogamous - that I could stop having regular pap smears. (yeah!!!)

Nevertheless, I have had 2 different pcps since then and they both insist I still need to get annual pap smears.

So first I think the medical community needs to be convinced that a lack of HPV presence eliminates the cervical cancer risk (if that is indeed true).

Conversely, just the presence of the virus does not mean the woman has or will have cervical cancer, so I just can't see how this can replace paps for diagnostics.

It is an interesting development, but I hope it will not lead to a series of knee-jerk changes in popular attitude, such as those seen regarding mammograms over the years.