Taipei Medical University (TMU) researchers found three key genes that are associated with endometrial cancer and could be used to develop a molecular Pap smear genetic test with a more than 90 percent accuracy.
The university shared the discovery at this year’s TMU-UoN (University of Newcastle, Australia) Joint Symposium on Recent Advances in Women’s Health in Taipei on Friday and yesterday.
The incidence of endometrial cancer has been increasing in Taiwan, with about 1,300 new cases every year. It was included on a list last year of the 10 most common cancers that affect women.
However, no effective screening tests exist for women who are at risk of developing endometrial cancer, but show no symptoms.
About 40 percent of endometrial cancer patients are diagnosed at a late stage and the five-year survival rate is below 50 percent, said TMU Shuang Ho Hospital deputy superintendent Lai Hung-cheng (賴鴻政), who led the research team.
The team spent about three years analyzing the world’s largest endometrial cancer genetic database and discovered three key genes — BHLHE22, CD01, CELF4 — that are associated with the cancer and could be used as biomarkers.
They found that if any two of the three genes are found on a person’s cervical scraping, the risk of that person developing endometrial cancer is 236 times more than a normal person, Lai said adding that the research’s accuracy rate was about 95 percent.
Five medical centers have received approval to conduct clinical testing based on the results, and they plan to collect Pap smears from about 1,000 women over the age of 40 and who suffer from abnormal vaginal bleeding, he said.
The specimens would then undergo molecular genetic testing, and if the testing provided a positive result, the patient would be advised to get an endometrial biopsy or hysteroscopy for further diagnosis, Lai said.
He said if the molecular Pap smear genetic test proves to be effective, it could save about 80 percent of what is spent on endometrial cancer diagnosis in Taiwan, which is about NT$70 million (US$2.39 million) per year.
Considering that most countries issue more than five denominations of banknotes, the central bank has decided to redesign all five denominations, the bank said as it prepares for the first major overhaul of the banknotes in more than 24 years. Central bank Governor Yang Chin-lung (楊金龍) is expected to report to the Legislative Yuan today on the bank’s operations and the redesign’s progress. The bank in a report sent to the legislature ahead of today’s meeting said it had commissioned a survey on the public’s preferences. Survey results showed that NT$100 and NT$1,000 banknotes are the most commonly used, while NT$200 and NT$2,000
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ANNUAL EVENT: Two massive Pokemon balloons are to be set up in Daan Park, with an event zone operating from 10am to 6pm This year’s Taipei Floral Picnic is to be held at Daan Park today and tomorrow, featuring an exclusive Pokemon Go event, a themed food market, a coffee rave picnic area and stage performances, the Taipei Department of Information and Tourism said yesterday. Two massive Pokemon balloons are to be set up in the park as attractions, with an exclusive event zone operating from 10am to 6pm, it said. Participants who complete designated tasks on-site would have a chance to receive limited-edition souvenirs, it added. People could also try the newly launched game Pokemon Pokopia in the trial area, the department said. Three PokeStops are
This year’s Taipei Floral Picnic is to be held at Daan Park this weekend, featuring an exclusive Pokemon Go event, a theme food market, a coffee rave picnic area and stage performances. Pokemon Go Two massive Pokemon balloons are to be set up in the park as photo attractions, with an exclusive event zone operating from 10am to 6pm. Participants who complete designated tasks on-site would have a chance to receive limited-edition souvenirs. Pokemon trainers could also experience the newly launched game Pokemon Pokopia in the trial area. Three PokeStops are to be set up in the park. Trainers are invited to take
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