Elizabeth Allocco, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology
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Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Yet for many patients, barriers to screening and follow-up care still stand in the way of early detection.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School are working to change that by studying a faster, more accessible approach to testing, one that could deliver results during a single visit.
The research focuses on point-of-care testing for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, and the leading risk factor for cervical cancer. By providing results in real time, this approach could help patients and providers make decisions immediately, without the delays that often come with traditional lab testing.
“There’s a need for better screening and diagnostic testing for cervical and vulvar cancer,” said Heidi Leftwich, DO, associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology. “We’re trying to find quicker and more efficient ways to identify cancer risk and better serve patients.”
What is point-of-care testing?
Currently, cervical cancer screening typically involves a Pap smear or HPV test during a pelvic exam. The sample is sent to a lab and results may take days or longer to receive.
Point-of-care testing aims to change that timeline.
“We could take a sample from the cervix and run the test, and within about 30 minutes give someone a result,” said Elizabeth Allocco, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology. “HPV infection is the major risk factor for cervical cancer, so this allows us to detect that risk very quickly.”
The approach builds on advances in HPV testing, which in recent years has improved clinicians’ ability to detect early changes that can lead to cancer. By bringing that testing directly to the clinical setting, or even to lower-resource environments, could expand access and speed up care.
Reducing barriers to follow-up care and advancing health equity
For many patients, the biggest challenge isn’t getting tested; it’s what happens next. Follow-up appointments can be difficult to schedule, especially in areas facing provider shortages or for patients balancing work, family and transportation challenges. Additional barriers include limited internet or phone access, language and time constraints.
“We see barriers to follow-up all of the time,” said Dr. Allocco. “Being able to give someone information during their visit and have a meaningful conversation about it right then can make a huge difference.”
In some cases, patients may wait weeks for an appointment or may not return at all. Point-of-care testing could help address that gap by allowing providers to discuss results, answer questions and plan next steps during the same visit.
“Cervical cancer is so preventable,” said Allocco. “There’s a long window where we can detect changes early and treat them before they become cancer.”
Early-stage research with patient-centered goals
The current study, supported by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, is still in its early stages. Researchers are evaluating how well the testing approach works and how feasible it is to implement in clinical settings.
For now, the focus is on the patient experience.
“We’re hoping patients feel that this is something easy and not burdensome,” said Leftwich. “If it’s seamless, that’s the first step toward making it something that could be done routinely during a visit.”
