New nasopharyngeal cancer screening test

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 have a higher risk for NPC.

(1) The location of nasopharyngeal cancer growing near the center of the head; (2) how this area is accessed through the patient's mouth using a specially designed brush; and (3) the procedure for sampling epithelial cell behind the uvula, at the back of the nasopharynx (CNW Group/NPScreen)

These individuals may benefit from an early screening test developed by NPScreen. The test detects nasopharyngeal cancer in the early stages, allowing quicker treatment and better chances for survival. The test is quick, non-invasive, and most importantly, 99% accurate

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 tumor is well developed, making treatment difficult with poor survival outcomes. When detected early and treated, the chances of full recovery are almost 90 percent.

"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," said Dr John Phillips, NPScreen president.

The screening process is managed as a simple, non-invasive office procedure. Using a uniquely designed instrument to brush the back of the patient's throat, the specialist takes a sample of surface cells, which are then analyzed 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.

There are numerous clinics in Canada, the U.S.A., Hong Kong and Singapore, where specialists are now using the NPScreen test to screen patients and their families for this aggressive cancer.