One for the album: (From left) Thulasini, Kavinash, Thian, Prof Chong and Wang in a group photograph after the panel discussion introducing the PapLite Pro at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus in Subang Jaya. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
CERVICAL cancer, linked to persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer if detected early and managed effectively.
“I hope PapLite Pro can be utilised in healthcare settings and adopted by healthcare practitioners to make a significant difference in Pap smear screening,” said Prof Dr Chong Pei Pei.However, HPV infection of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus, or womb — causes 95% of cervical cancer cases, highlighting the crucial need for regular screening, early detection, vaccination, access to information and services to prevent and control the disease throughout a woman’s life.
In response to this need, Taylor’s University, through its Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab, has introduced the first-of-its-kind cervical cancer screening innovation, PapLite Pro.
This innovation addresses barriers such as the fear of discomfort during screening and improves visualisation of specific areas of the cervix, leading to enhanced precision in cell sampling and greater convenience for both women and medical practitioners.
“We have tested the PapLite Pro prototype with female volunteers and will need about a year to screen up to 400 women,” Taylor’s University Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab director and School of Biosciences lecturer Prof Dr Chong Pei Pei told the media after a panel session entitled ‘The role of Pap smears and technological advances for improved cervical screening’ at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus in Subang Jaya.
She explained that they have spent four years developing the innovation.
Insightful session on cervical cancer screening
At the outset of the panel session moderated by HPV awareness advocate Maggy Wang, Prof Chong acknowledged that low rates of cervical cancer screening are primarily due to a lack of awareness and insufficient concerted public health education, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Additionally, she noted that cultural sensitivity and embarrassment, particularly concerning male doctors performing the procedure, contribute significantly to the low participation rates.
“The new PapLite Pro device incorporates built-in lighting, making it easier to perform Pap smear screenings for cervical cancer,” Assoc Prof Dr Khine Pwint Phyu said in an interview.Prof Chong remarked that extensive health screening campaigns and organised national Pap smear programmes have contributed to improved screening rates in more developed countries.
Fellow panellist, National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) research coordinator Dr Kavinash Loganathan explained that the Health Ministry has set a guideline recommending that women over the age of 18 get a Pap smear once every three years.
However, he emphasised that only 55% of Malaysian women have had at least one Pap smear in their lifetime and 90.5% do not adhere to the recommended screening intervals.
“This shows a lack of understanding regarding the urgency of regular Pap smear screenings,” he elaborated.
Kavinash emphasised that getting a Pap smear is essential, regardless of sexual activity, as cervical cancer can develop through other ways.
“This is why the Pap smear is so important because it can detect abnormal cervical cells before they fully transition to cancer. By identifying these cells at the pre-cancerous stage, you can receive treatment and prevent cancer from developing,” he explained.
“It’s about detecting and stopping the development of cancerous cells before it’s too late.”
Prof Chong highlighted that the Pap smear is a simple, safe and cost-effective method for early detection of cervical cancer, capable of identifying abnormal cells before they become cancerous.
New standard in screening detection
On the research journey, Prof Chong told the audience that the team, along with Master’s students, developed various prototype designs, carefully considering material properties that would meet the medical standards to achieve “the correct tensile strength and flexibility” as well as lighting, ergonomics and other elements.
Prof Chong emphasised the importance of obtaining endocervical cells which is crucial for accurate cancer screening, and PapLite Pro is designed to ensure sufficient endocervical cells are sampled - helping to prevent the need for women to undergo repeat Pap smears.
Another panellist, nurse B. Thulasini, who specialises in women’s health, shared that two Taylor’s students met with her for their research. She found it “very easy to use” PapLite Pro compared to conventional Pap smear kits.
Thulasini elaborated that patients found PapLite Pro “very smooth, easy and comfortable,” with many surprised at how quickly and painlessly the procedure was completed.
“They were shocked that it was done within five minutes, especially compared to their previous painful and traumatising experiences,” she shared.
Kavinash emphasised that PapLite Pro is a time-saver, which is crucial for effective cancer detection and patient management.
Prof Chong hopes that PapLite Pro will increase the uptake of Pap smears, especially in areas with low screening rates.
“This will eventually lead to lower mortality and morbidity from cervical cancer, as earlier detection and appropriate treatment will improve patient outcomes.”
Later at Taylor’s Virtual Online Future Technology and Extended Reality (VORTEX XR) Lab, Prof Chong and School of Medicine lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Khine Pwint Phyu, who specialises in obstetrics and gynaecology, demonstrated the procedure for conventional Pap smear screening and discussed its challenges, as well as how the new innovation addresses these issues.
“One challenge with conventional Pap smear screening is the need for external light to clearly visualise the cervical area. The new PapLite Pro device incorporates built-in lighting, making it easier to perform Pap smear screenings for cervical cancer.
“This innovation is more user-friendly for clinicians, allowing them to perform the procedure independently, without assistance,” Dr Khine said in an interview.
Collaborative efforts from multiple disciplines
Prof Chong shared that the research involved collaboration among medical experts, academics and students from various disciplines, including the School of Engineering, Medicine, Biosciences and the dedicated support of the university’s research and enterprise commercialisation team.
The team worked to identify the appropriate use of materials and equipment, conducted efficacy testing and carried out a Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey with a comprehensive questionnaire to evaluate women’s knowledge about the disease, Pap smear and their experiences.
She noted that Hospital Sungai Buloh’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) department clinicians also provided feedback on the functionality of the prototype. Hospital Sungai Buloh is a partner hospital for teaching the university’s medical students.
The research cost RM85,000, funded by the Higher Education Ministry and Taylor’s University.
“We expect one to two years for the efficacy testing before it is ready for commercialisation,” she emphasised.
“Currently, PapLite Pro is at Technology Readiness Level 4 or 5 and we aim to advance it to Level 6 or 7 within a year,” she pointed out.
Prof Chong also highlighted a collaboration with the not-for-profit cancer organisation, NCSM, for health screening.
Regarding her expectations, she said, “I hope it can be utilised in healthcare settings and adopted by healthcare practitioners to make a significant difference in Pap smear screening.”
She also hopes to collaborate with the government and industry partners to ensure the innovation is accessible for the benefit of women in rural areas.
Balanced education
Demonstrating the institution’s commitment to excellence in education, Taylor’s has redesigned its curriculum, pedagogy and assessment to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. This redesign carefully curates the Taylor’sphere ecosystem, nurturing its people through the three intelligences of intellect, creativity and practical wisdom, all within an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.
At the event, Taylor’s University learning and teaching pro vice-chancellor Dr Thian Lok Boon emphasised in her welcome speech the institution’s commitment to addressing societal challenges and driving change in various communities.
This commitment is embodied within Taylor’sphere – an environment where multidisciplinary collaboration thrives.
The ecosystem aims to ensure its people will not only have the right knowledge and job skills but also essential life skills and social networks to put into practice what they have learnt and find solutions to real-world problems.
She further highlighted that the innovation represents a major advancement in women’s health, designed to make cervical screening more efficient.
“PapLite Pro is a testament to the potential of ‘purpose-led learning’ and how educational institutions can be catalysts for change, inspiring and equipping the next generation to tackle global challenges head on.”
For further information about Taylor’sphere, scan the QR code.
