A Markham, Ontario-based company has developed a specialied test which screens for nasopharyngeal cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancer, known as NPC, is a rare but deadly disease. It is global in scope, and individuals with a Hong Kong, Southeast Asian, Inuit, North African, or Middle Eastern background are at higher risk for NPC. These individuals may benefit from this early screening test.
In the early stages, NPC has few obvious symptoms, and the cancer often grows undetected, hidden in the nasopharynx, near the center of the head. Usually it is diagnosed after the tumour is well developed, making treatment difficult with poor survival outcomes. When detected early and treated, the chances of full recovery are almost 90 pr cent.
NPScreen has developed a genetic test that reportedly detects the cancer in its early stages, when it is still curable. The company claims that the test is quick, non-invasive, and most importantly, 99 per cent accurate.
“We are excited about the launch of this innovative, unique screening process that we believe will dramatically change the course of nasopharyngeal cancer and save thousands of lives EVERY year.” says Dr John Phillips, President, NPScreen.
The test involves using a uniquely designed instrument to brush the back of the patient’s throat, to take a sample of surface cells, which are then analysed for the presence of the Epstein-Barr viral genome sequence. The Epstein-Barr virus infects the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx and is closely linked to the development of NPC.
EH News Bureau
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