Welcome to the selfPOCNAD project website

Project Aim:

In SelfPOCNAD we propose to develop an industrial prototype for a rapid (*same day*) platform for cervical cancer screening using patient collected samples. The platform includes automated sample pre-treatment, preparation, analysis and target detection.

The industrial prototype will use a limited quantity of sample material so as to avoid clogging of the sample preparation section of the chip. It will make use of the same detection method that is used in PreTect HPV-Proofer; Nucleic Acid Based Amplification (NASBA). The introduction of this platform in doctors’ offices (Point of Care) is expected to significantly improve compliance of women with Cervical Cancer screening programs. This increased compliance may drastically decrease Invasive Cervical Cancer (ICC) and save lives.

ICC is the second most common cause of cancer in women. Each year there are more than 470.000 new cases globally; 33.000 of these in the EU. Once the disease is established, it is difficult to cure, leading to the death of 233.000 women annually – 15.000 of these in the EU. However, if discovered in the early stages, it is preventable (and treatable). Some EU member states have a well organized screening and prevention program, but the weak link is the compliance with the program. Therefore means of improving the compliance, especially in new member states, may save the lives of 3 – 5000 European women each year.