1 month ago
New Cervical Cancer Pill Shows Promise
A new pill called SHetA2 shows promise in stopping cervical cancer caused by the HPV virus.
It doesn't prevent HPV infection but stops the virus from turning cells cancerous.
Cervical cancer is a big problem, especially in India, where it's the second most common cancer among women.
The pill works by breaking the connection between the virus and a protein in our cells, allowing the body's immune system to destroy the harmful virus.
It's meant for people who already have precancerous lesions.
The pill is still being tested and may take up to five years to be available.
It's expected to be more affordable than other cancer treatments.
But remember, getting vaccinated and regular check-ups are still important to prevent and detect cervical cancer early.
SHetA2 is a small molecule therapy that stops HPV from causing cervical cancer.
It targets proteins in the body to break the connection between HPV and cancer-causing proteins.
The therapy is meant for those with precancerous lesions of cervical cancer.
It is currently in pre-clinical and early clinical trials and may take up to five years to be available.
Vaccination and early detection through tests like pap smears remain crucial for preventing and treating cervical cancer.
- Who
- Women with precancerous lesions of cervical cancer
- What
- SHetA2, a small molecule therapy, targets HPV proteins to prevent cancer
- Where
- Developed by Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, and evaluated by ICMR-NICPR
- When
- Currently in pre-clinical and early clinical trials
- Why
- To prevent HPV from causing cervical cancer in those already infected
Preventive Measures
Treatment Options
Vaccination
Preventive Measures
Vaccination is crucial for preventing HPV infection, which causes most cervical cancer cases.
Treatment Options
While vaccination is important, treatment options like SHetA2 are necessary for those already infected.
Early Detection
Preventive Measures
Early detection through tests like pap smears and HPV DNA tests is essential for effective treatment.
Treatment Options
Early detection is important, but advanced treatments like SHetA2 can offer hope for those with precancerous lesions.
Key facts
- Cervical Cancer Cases in India (2024)
- 79,000
- Cervical Cancer Deaths in India (2024)
- 36,319
- Percentage of Cervical Cancer Among Women
- 10%
- Percentage of Cervical Cancer in Indian Population
- 5.1%
- HPV Vaccination Age Group
- 14-year-old girls
- SHetA2 Development Stage
- Pre-clinical and early clinical trials
- Expected Time for Market Availability
- Up to five years
Quotes
Dr. Showket Hussain
Senior scientist at ICMR National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research
“However, as an orally administered small-molecule drug, it is expected to be considerably more affordable than many biologic or immunotherapy-based cancer treatments. It may reduce the need for hospitalisation, prolonged hospital visits, or infusion-based care, as the medication may be taken at home by many.”
indianexpress.com
“It works by breaking the connection between the HPV-E7 protein and a host protein inside human cells. Normally, this host protein protects E7 and allows it to keep damaging healthy cells. When SHetA2 breaks this connection, the harmful E7 protein is destroyed by the body’s normal immune defences.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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