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The pervasive issue of gynaecological cancer poses a significant challenge to women’s health globally. A critical subject of concern in the medical community is the need to improve the early diagnosis of these pathologies, recognizing its pivotal role in influencing the prognosis and management of the disease.
Early detection is crucial for detecting the wide range of malignancies that comprise gynaecological cancers, which include those of the ovary, vulvar, vaginal, endometrial, cervical, ovarian, and fallopian tubes. In Spain, the total number of diagnosed cases has witnessed an increase over recent decades, attributed in part to demographic growth [1].
Particularly prevalent among these is endometrial cancer, which is detected in its earliest stages in more than 75-80% of cases, resulting in a commendably high cure rate [2]. On the other hand, ovarian cancer, which is ranked second in terms of incidence, is identified in advanced stages in nearly 70-80% of cases, making it the most aggressive gynaecological cancer with the lowest prognosis for recovery [3]. Cervical cancer, ranking third in both incidence and mortality, underscores the pivotal role of women’s adherence to screening campaigns in mitigating its prevalence and mortality [4].
Aside from the incidence relevance in the population, two diagnostic-related challenges surface. Firstly, the absence of specific clinical markers impedes the establishment of screening programs or effective diagnostic methods for early detection, with existing screening programs limited to cervical cancer.
Secondly, Primary Care (PC) and emergency services, as the frontline of care, confront challenges in associating nonspecific symptoms with potential oncological issues due to the low incidence of certain cancers and the multitude of pathologies they address. This often leads to delays in scheduling diagnostic tests and appropriate specialist referrals.
Early diagnosis of any form of cancer, including gynaecological cancers, is essential to increase survival rates and improve patients’ quality of life. In many cases, detection at earlier stages allows for less invasive and more effective treatment options. Notwithstanding the progress made in research and medical technology, significant obstacles continue to endure at this moment. These challenges require concerted efforts to address issues related to symptom detection and the absence of specific biomarkers.
Technological advancements are crucial in enhancing the early diagnosis of gynaecological cancer and expanding screening programs to encompass all types of cancers affecting women. Ongoing advancements in the ecosystem include in vitro techniques for early detection, thermal body measurements to identify anomalies, micro-needle patches capable of identifying cervical cancer tumour biomarkers, and platforms for detecting tumour gangliosides in blood for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Moreover, the integration of data analysis, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and various other technologies contributes to the development of novel methods and tools for symptom analysis, triage, and/or prediagnosis. These advancements streamline the referral process to appropriate specialists in cases where gynaecological cancer is suspected, also promoting early diagnosis.
The e-llas Hub claims there are a multitude of opportunities present within the ecosystem to address this challenge. By adopting an open innovation framework, it is considered critical to foster collaborations among healthcare professionals, innovative companies, and research institutions to accelerate the integration of these developments into clinical practice.
Referencias:
[1] SEOM (2021). Cancer Figures in Spain 2021. SEOM: Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica. seom.org/images/Informe_
[2] Dra. Luisa Sánchez Lorenzo (2023). Cáncer de endometrio-útero. SEOM: Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica. Cáncer de endometrio-útero – SEOM: Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica © 2019
[3] Dr. Josep Mª. del Campo (2022). Cáncer de ovario. SEOM: Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica] Cáncer de ovario – SEOM: Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica © 2019
[4] Dra. Luisa Sánchez Lorenzo (2023). Cáncer de cervix. SEOM: Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica Cáncer de cervix – SEOM: Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica © 2019
NP-ES-AOU-WCNT-240004 (v1) 02/2024
For more information, please contact your healthcare professional.
NP-ES-AOU-WCNT-240001 (v1) 02/2024