https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:19:24 +0000 MyBB https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/showthread.php?tid=4 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:30:49 +0000 jasongeek]]> https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/showthread.php?tid=4 December 11, 2025


An FDG PET/CT scan uses a radioactive sugar called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) to highlight areas of the body with high glucose consumption, such as tumors, which are often highly metabolically active. This helps doctors detect, diagnose, stage, and monitor diseases like cancer.
A major advance in cancer imaging improves treatment decision-making and opens access to clinical trials for patients with metastatic breast cancer that has advanced primarily, or only, to the bones—a historically understudied group.

A prospective, multicenter cancer clinical trial by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN) has validated an improved method for predicting treatment benefits in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer that has spread primarily or exclusively to the bones. These patients make up a large portion of individuals who are living with advanced breast cancer—yet are routinely excluded from clinical trials that rely on standard imaging-based assessments (i.e., RECIST 1.1). The study demonstrated that metabolic change assessed by FDG-PET/CT accurately predicted progression-free survival as early as 12 weeks after treatment initiation.

The study’s lead investigator, Jennifer M. Specht, MD, a medical oncologist at the University of Washington and Fred Hutch Cancer Center, presented the results of the FEATURE trial (EA1183, NCT04316117) at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Heather A. Jacene, MD, a nuclear medicine physician from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, co-led the trial with Dr. Specht.


“Our study provides the first prospective validation of FDG-PET/CT and PERCIST response criteria in patients presenting with bone-only or bone-dominant metastatic breast cancer,” said Dr. Specht (pictured). “This methodology has the potential to inform patients about whether their treatment is working, rather than waiting for late-stage disease progression.”

Bone is the most common site of breast cancer metastases, and patients with this condition often have more indolent disease than those whose cancer has spread to visceral organs, she said.

The FEATURE trial sought to overcome two long-standing limitations in research and care by applying readily available clinical tools.


“Standard imaging methods, such as CT, MRI, and bone scans, can detect metastases but do not accurately assess how well systemic therapies are working," said Dr. Jacene (pictured). "The conventional assessment of treatment response in solid tumors, known as RECIST 1.1, classifies bone metastases as non-measurable and non-targetable.”

FEATURE evaluated FDG-PET/CT, an advanced imaging technique that measures metabolic activity in cancer cells, including bone lesions. The trial utilized the PERCIST criteria to evaluate FDG PET metabolic changes, with a modification to adjust for lower metabolic uptake in bone lesions (mPERCIST). These guidelines are specifically designed for advanced imaging techniques such as PET/CT. Together, these clinical tools have the potential to provide a more sensitive, biologically relevant evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

The FEATURE trial included 138 patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT imaging before starting treatment and again at 12 weeks. Patients were then scanned at regular intervals with standard imaging and followed for clinical outcomes for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.

The trial met its primary objective by demonstrating that test results at 12 weeks after therapy initiation could indicate whether patients would continue to do well without their disease worsening. Patients without progressive metabolic disease (PMD) at 12 weeks after treatment initiation had a median progression-free survival of 1.6 years (19.4 months), compared with a mere 3 months in those with PMD. This finding successfully establishes a correlation between 12-week treatment responses and progression-free survival.

As part of the primary analysis plan, the team evaluated whether FDG-PET/CT modified PERCIST criteria independently predicted PFS. The results indicated that when scans performed at 12 weeks showed no signs of disease progression, the hazard of cancer worsening was approximately 83% lower. This finding is highly statistically significant, underscoring the strong predictive value of early metabolic response.

“The FEATURE trial shows that FDG-PET/CT with mPERCIST is not only feasible, but clinically meaningful for assessing treatment response in this historically understudied group,” said Dr. Specht. “For the first time, we have a clinically accessible strategy to evaluate how well patients with bone-dominant or bone-only metastatic disease are responding to systemic therapy—with accuracy to guide treatment decisions.”

Dr. Jacene added, “We now have the data to support that with FDG-PET/CT, we can measure the ‘unmeasurable’.”

Dr. Specht, Dr. Jacene, and the ECOG-ACRIN research team are calling for continued evaluation of FDG-PET/CT and mPERCIST in clinical trials and for broader integration of metabolic response assessment in patients with bone-only or bone-dominant metastatic breast cancer.

“If we want to improve outcomes, we need to stop treating bone-only or bone-dominant metastatic breast cancer as unmeasurable,” they emphasized. “This study provides a practical solution—one that can help patients receive the right therapy sooner, and that can finally bring this large patient group into the clinical research landscape.”

Results of other secondary objectives will be presented when the data are mature.

This multi-center trial involved investigators and patients at 35 hospitals and cancer centers across the United States and in Ireland. It received support from the National Cancer Institute, one of the US National Institutes of Health, and was accessible through NCI’s National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) and the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP).

About ECOG-ACRIN
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group is a membership-based scientific organization known for advancing precision medicine and biomarker research through its leadership of major national clinical trials that integrate innovative genomic approaches. Nearly 21,000 member researchers and advocates from about 1,400 academic medical centers and community hospitals collaborate across 40 scientific committees to design studies spanning the cancer care spectrum, from early detection to the management of advanced disease. To learn more, visit www.ecog-acrin.org and follow us on X/Twitter @EAonc, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

https://ecog-acrin.org/press-release-an-...etastases/]]> December 11, 2025


An FDG PET/CT scan uses a radioactive sugar called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) to highlight areas of the body with high glucose consumption, such as tumors, which are often highly metabolically active. This helps doctors detect, diagnose, stage, and monitor diseases like cancer.
A major advance in cancer imaging improves treatment decision-making and opens access to clinical trials for patients with metastatic breast cancer that has advanced primarily, or only, to the bones—a historically understudied group.

A prospective, multicenter cancer clinical trial by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN) has validated an improved method for predicting treatment benefits in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer that has spread primarily or exclusively to the bones. These patients make up a large portion of individuals who are living with advanced breast cancer—yet are routinely excluded from clinical trials that rely on standard imaging-based assessments (i.e., RECIST 1.1). The study demonstrated that metabolic change assessed by FDG-PET/CT accurately predicted progression-free survival as early as 12 weeks after treatment initiation.

The study’s lead investigator, Jennifer M. Specht, MD, a medical oncologist at the University of Washington and Fred Hutch Cancer Center, presented the results of the FEATURE trial (EA1183, NCT04316117) at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Heather A. Jacene, MD, a nuclear medicine physician from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, co-led the trial with Dr. Specht.


“Our study provides the first prospective validation of FDG-PET/CT and PERCIST response criteria in patients presenting with bone-only or bone-dominant metastatic breast cancer,” said Dr. Specht (pictured). “This methodology has the potential to inform patients about whether their treatment is working, rather than waiting for late-stage disease progression.”

Bone is the most common site of breast cancer metastases, and patients with this condition often have more indolent disease than those whose cancer has spread to visceral organs, she said.

The FEATURE trial sought to overcome two long-standing limitations in research and care by applying readily available clinical tools.


“Standard imaging methods, such as CT, MRI, and bone scans, can detect metastases but do not accurately assess how well systemic therapies are working," said Dr. Jacene (pictured). "The conventional assessment of treatment response in solid tumors, known as RECIST 1.1, classifies bone metastases as non-measurable and non-targetable.”

FEATURE evaluated FDG-PET/CT, an advanced imaging technique that measures metabolic activity in cancer cells, including bone lesions. The trial utilized the PERCIST criteria to evaluate FDG PET metabolic changes, with a modification to adjust for lower metabolic uptake in bone lesions (mPERCIST). These guidelines are specifically designed for advanced imaging techniques such as PET/CT. Together, these clinical tools have the potential to provide a more sensitive, biologically relevant evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

The FEATURE trial included 138 patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT imaging before starting treatment and again at 12 weeks. Patients were then scanned at regular intervals with standard imaging and followed for clinical outcomes for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.

The trial met its primary objective by demonstrating that test results at 12 weeks after therapy initiation could indicate whether patients would continue to do well without their disease worsening. Patients without progressive metabolic disease (PMD) at 12 weeks after treatment initiation had a median progression-free survival of 1.6 years (19.4 months), compared with a mere 3 months in those with PMD. This finding successfully establishes a correlation between 12-week treatment responses and progression-free survival.

As part of the primary analysis plan, the team evaluated whether FDG-PET/CT modified PERCIST criteria independently predicted PFS. The results indicated that when scans performed at 12 weeks showed no signs of disease progression, the hazard of cancer worsening was approximately 83% lower. This finding is highly statistically significant, underscoring the strong predictive value of early metabolic response.

“The FEATURE trial shows that FDG-PET/CT with mPERCIST is not only feasible, but clinically meaningful for assessing treatment response in this historically understudied group,” said Dr. Specht. “For the first time, we have a clinically accessible strategy to evaluate how well patients with bone-dominant or bone-only metastatic disease are responding to systemic therapy—with accuracy to guide treatment decisions.”

Dr. Jacene added, “We now have the data to support that with FDG-PET/CT, we can measure the ‘unmeasurable’.”

Dr. Specht, Dr. Jacene, and the ECOG-ACRIN research team are calling for continued evaluation of FDG-PET/CT and mPERCIST in clinical trials and for broader integration of metabolic response assessment in patients with bone-only or bone-dominant metastatic breast cancer.

“If we want to improve outcomes, we need to stop treating bone-only or bone-dominant metastatic breast cancer as unmeasurable,” they emphasized. “This study provides a practical solution—one that can help patients receive the right therapy sooner, and that can finally bring this large patient group into the clinical research landscape.”

Results of other secondary objectives will be presented when the data are mature.

This multi-center trial involved investigators and patients at 35 hospitals and cancer centers across the United States and in Ireland. It received support from the National Cancer Institute, one of the US National Institutes of Health, and was accessible through NCI’s National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) and the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP).

About ECOG-ACRIN
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group is a membership-based scientific organization known for advancing precision medicine and biomarker research through its leadership of major national clinical trials that integrate innovative genomic approaches. Nearly 21,000 member researchers and advocates from about 1,400 academic medical centers and community hospitals collaborate across 40 scientific committees to design studies spanning the cancer care spectrum, from early detection to the management of advanced disease. To learn more, visit www.ecog-acrin.org and follow us on X/Twitter @EAonc, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

https://ecog-acrin.org/press-release-an-...etastases/]]> https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/showthread.php?tid=3 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:27:49 +0000 jasongeek]]> https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/showthread.php?tid=3 December 3, 2025

Genetically modified cell-based therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapies, hold extraordinary promise for patients with rare cancers, but progress can be hampered by regulatory, manufacturing, and financial systems that are not designed to serve very small patient populations. Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) outlined strategies in a newly published commentary in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) that address these barriers for therapies under development in small or rare patient populations. 

Access the full commentary here

The commentary, “Enabling Access to Genetically Modified Cell Therapies Through Flexible Approaches to Manufacturing and Cost Recovery,” proposes three key strategies to align regulatory and manufacturing expectations with the operational realities of developing therapies for small populations, enabling timely and sustainable patient access.

Tailored manufacturing and quality measures that maintain rigor while enabling safe and reproducible manufacturing for small populations.
Adaptable regulatory frameworks that support diverse manufacturing models, including centralized, decentralized, and point-of-care approaches.
Sustainable financial mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships or protocols supported by the National Institutes of Health, to sustain development and access, and generate evidence needed for approval. 

“Genetically modified cell therapies are advancing rapidly, but progress will depend on addressing the regulatory, manufacturing, and financial barriers that limit both their development and ability to reach patients.” – John Connolly, Chief Scientific Officer, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy


“Sustainable development and access to cell therapies, particularly for rare cancers, will require coordinated approaches across sectors. This commentary reflects a shared effort to ensure that innovation in the lab can be readily translated into new treatments.” – Jeff Allen, President & CEO, Friends of Cancer Research


A special thank you to the working group members who contributed to the proposals in this commentary through their participation in planning discussions and review of the accompanying meeting white paper.

For more information on Friends Cell and Gene Therapies project, please visit: https://friendsofcancerresearch.org/cell...therapies/


Authors
Mark D. Stewart,1 Christopher R. Cabanski,2 Jeff D. Allen,1 John E. Connolly,2 Ben M. Beneski,3 Boro Dropulić,4 Steven A. Feldman,5 Lee A. Fleisher,6 Patrick J. Hanley,8 Kristen Hege,9 Natasha Kekre,10 Holly Fernandez Lynch,7 Crystal L. Mackall,5


Affiliations

1.Friends of Cancer Research 2. Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy 3. Allogene Therapeutics 4. Caring Cross 5. Stanford University School of Medicine 6. Rubrum Advising 7. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania 8. Children’s National Hospital; The George Washington University 9. Independent Advisor 10. University of Ottawa

https://friendsofcancerresearch.org/news...pulations/]]> December 3, 2025

Genetically modified cell-based therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapies, hold extraordinary promise for patients with rare cancers, but progress can be hampered by regulatory, manufacturing, and financial systems that are not designed to serve very small patient populations. Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) outlined strategies in a newly published commentary in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) that address these barriers for therapies under development in small or rare patient populations. 

Access the full commentary here

The commentary, “Enabling Access to Genetically Modified Cell Therapies Through Flexible Approaches to Manufacturing and Cost Recovery,” proposes three key strategies to align regulatory and manufacturing expectations with the operational realities of developing therapies for small populations, enabling timely and sustainable patient access.

Tailored manufacturing and quality measures that maintain rigor while enabling safe and reproducible manufacturing for small populations.
Adaptable regulatory frameworks that support diverse manufacturing models, including centralized, decentralized, and point-of-care approaches.
Sustainable financial mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships or protocols supported by the National Institutes of Health, to sustain development and access, and generate evidence needed for approval. 

“Genetically modified cell therapies are advancing rapidly, but progress will depend on addressing the regulatory, manufacturing, and financial barriers that limit both their development and ability to reach patients.” – John Connolly, Chief Scientific Officer, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy


“Sustainable development and access to cell therapies, particularly for rare cancers, will require coordinated approaches across sectors. This commentary reflects a shared effort to ensure that innovation in the lab can be readily translated into new treatments.” – Jeff Allen, President & CEO, Friends of Cancer Research


A special thank you to the working group members who contributed to the proposals in this commentary through their participation in planning discussions and review of the accompanying meeting white paper.

For more information on Friends Cell and Gene Therapies project, please visit: https://friendsofcancerresearch.org/cell...therapies/


Authors
Mark D. Stewart,1 Christopher R. Cabanski,2 Jeff D. Allen,1 John E. Connolly,2 Ben M. Beneski,3 Boro Dropulić,4 Steven A. Feldman,5 Lee A. Fleisher,6 Patrick J. Hanley,8 Kristen Hege,9 Natasha Kekre,10 Holly Fernandez Lynch,7 Crystal L. Mackall,5


Affiliations

1.Friends of Cancer Research 2. Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy 3. Allogene Therapeutics 4. Caring Cross 5. Stanford University School of Medicine 6. Rubrum Advising 7. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania 8. Children’s National Hospital; The George Washington University 9. Independent Advisor 10. University of Ottawa

https://friendsofcancerresearch.org/news...pulations/]]> https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/showthread.php?tid=2 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:23:40 +0000 jasongeek]]> https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/showthread.php?tid=2 December 17, 2025

New York, NY – The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is pleased to announce the Winter 2025 Class of CRI Irvington and Immuno-Informatics Postdoctoral Fellows, making investments in 26 promising postdoctoral fellowship trainees whose research spans tumor immunology, cancer prevention, data science, and cellular engineering.

This cohort represents a growing need, as fellowship applications dramatically increased this year in the face of funding uncertainty. CRI responded with an ongoing commitment to filling these gaps, funding 50 percent more fellows this year than originally anticipated.

“Postdocs are the invisible engine of biomedical discovery,” said Miriam Merad, MD, PhD, of CRI’s Scientific Advisory Council. “At a time when federal support is faltering, CRI is once again stepping up – just as it did decades ago when cancer immunology had few champions. Supporting these young scientists is not just an act of resilience; it’s a commitment to the future of science and the patients who depend on it.”

Each CRI Fellowship provides $243,000 over three years and supports high-impact research at leading academic institutions.

“A future immune to cancer begins with bold ideas—and the brilliant scientists who pursue them,” said Alicia Zhou, PhD, CEO of CRI. “At CRI, we are proud to support the next generation of leaders in cancer immunotherapy through our steadfast investment in early-career research and training.”

From a single bold idea in 1971 to a global network of more than 1,600 fellows, CRI’s support for early-career scientists has helped turn immunotherapy from a fringe concept into a front-line cancer treatment. Today’s fellows are not just continuing that legacy—they’re redefining what’s possible

https://www.cancerresearch.org/media-roo...-post-docs]]> December 17, 2025

New York, NY – The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is pleased to announce the Winter 2025 Class of CRI Irvington and Immuno-Informatics Postdoctoral Fellows, making investments in 26 promising postdoctoral fellowship trainees whose research spans tumor immunology, cancer prevention, data science, and cellular engineering.

This cohort represents a growing need, as fellowship applications dramatically increased this year in the face of funding uncertainty. CRI responded with an ongoing commitment to filling these gaps, funding 50 percent more fellows this year than originally anticipated.

“Postdocs are the invisible engine of biomedical discovery,” said Miriam Merad, MD, PhD, of CRI’s Scientific Advisory Council. “At a time when federal support is faltering, CRI is once again stepping up – just as it did decades ago when cancer immunology had few champions. Supporting these young scientists is not just an act of resilience; it’s a commitment to the future of science and the patients who depend on it.”

Each CRI Fellowship provides $243,000 over three years and supports high-impact research at leading academic institutions.

“A future immune to cancer begins with bold ideas—and the brilliant scientists who pursue them,” said Alicia Zhou, PhD, CEO of CRI. “At CRI, we are proud to support the next generation of leaders in cancer immunotherapy through our steadfast investment in early-career research and training.”

From a single bold idea in 1971 to a global network of more than 1,600 fellows, CRI’s support for early-career scientists has helped turn immunotherapy from a fringe concept into a front-line cancer treatment. Today’s fellows are not just continuing that legacy—they’re redefining what’s possible

https://www.cancerresearch.org/media-roo...-post-docs]]> https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/showthread.php?tid=1 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:15:02 +0000 jasongeek]]> https://www.medicalpressreleases.com/press-releases/showthread.php?tid=1 Dec 4, 2025
ACS researchers aim to reduce cervical cancer deaths with new screening recommendations

ATLANTA, December 4, 2025 — The American Cancer Society (ACS) released updated guidelines today for cervical cancer screening, reflecting advances in disease detection and accessibility in the United States. The updated guideline for women at average risk and individuals with a cervix at average risk introduces two key changes: self-collection of vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as an option for cervical cancer screening, and provides new guidance on when individuals can safely exit screening for the disease. The update is published in a report in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, the flagship journal of ACS.

“These updated recommendations will help to improve compliance with screening and reduce the risk of cervical cancer,” said Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president, early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the report. “They are made possible as we continue to evolve our approach to screening for cervical cancer, primarily through research advancements, and the development of self-collection tools to broaden access to screening.”

Cervical cancer screening programs have been successful at dramatically decreasing cancer incidence by more than half since the mid-1970s. However, 13,360 cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, and an estimated 4,320 people will die from the disease, with racial and socioeconomic disparities continuing to contribute to this number.

ACS cervical cancer guidelines
ACS recommends that average-risk women and individuals with a cervix at average risk initiate cervical cancer screening at age 25 and undergo primary HPV testing every five years through age 65. Research has shown that long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers. If primary HPV testing is not available, individuals 25-65 years of age should be screened by co-testing with an HPV test in combination with a cytology (Pap) test every five years, or cytology testing alone every three years.

What’s new?
For primary HPV testing, clinician-collected cervical specimens are preferred, but self-collected vaginal specimens are acceptable for cervical cancer screening. When self-collected vaginal specimens are HPV negative in the screening setting, repeat testing in three years is recommended.

For discontinuing screening, ACS recommends that an average risk woman, or an individual with a cervix at average risk, have negative primary HPV tests or negative co-testing using HPV tests and cytology testing at ages 60 and 65. If primary HPV tests or co-testing are not available, three consecutive negative cytology tests at the recommended screening interval, with the last test at age 65, are acceptable.

Why these changes?
The updated report is part of an ongoing guideline development process by ACS scientists and volunteers. ACS monitors medical and scientific literature for new evidence that may support a change in current guidelines or the development of new guidelines, and for information about cervical cancer screening that should be conveyed to clinicians and target populations. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved HPV self-collection testing as a safe and effective new screening option.

Do these guidelines apply to all women?

ACS does NOT recommend screening for:

Women under age 25 (cervical cancer is rare before age 25)
Women older than age 65 who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk
Women who have had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix), unless they have a history of high-grade precancerous lesions

“In addition to funding research to help reduce the risk of cervical cancer, ACS established the National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer (ACS NRTCC) in late 2022,” Smith added. “The ACS NRTCC is a coordinated effort with the mission to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer primarily by improving prevention and screening uptake and addressing health disparities.”

The American Cancer Society’s advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), continues to work at all levels of government to advocate for access to cervical cancer screenings.

“Geographic disparities continue to exist in cervical cancer incidence and mortality, with individuals living in rural areas more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage cervical cancer. Over 46 million, or 14%, of the U.S. population live in rural areas that often require the need to travel long distances to access health care,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the ACS CAN. “Self-collection options are a critical resource for these individuals and other underserved populations. ACS CAN remains committed to partnering with policymakers to strengthen access to cervical cancer screening and necessary follow-up care without added costs. This is an important step towards ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.”

Today’s published guideline report also includes a patient page supporting the new guideline. CA journal Patient Pages provide highly relevant, evidence-based medical content in a structured, concise format that addresses typical patient questions about diseases, their related symptoms, prevention, and treatment. This tool helps patients understand specific conditions and treatment options.

ACS researcher Dr. Deana Baptiste is a contributing author of the report.

https://pressroom.cancer.org/updated-cer...lines-2025]]> Dec 4, 2025
ACS researchers aim to reduce cervical cancer deaths with new screening recommendations

ATLANTA, December 4, 2025 — The American Cancer Society (ACS) released updated guidelines today for cervical cancer screening, reflecting advances in disease detection and accessibility in the United States. The updated guideline for women at average risk and individuals with a cervix at average risk introduces two key changes: self-collection of vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as an option for cervical cancer screening, and provides new guidance on when individuals can safely exit screening for the disease. The update is published in a report in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, the flagship journal of ACS.

“These updated recommendations will help to improve compliance with screening and reduce the risk of cervical cancer,” said Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president, early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the report. “They are made possible as we continue to evolve our approach to screening for cervical cancer, primarily through research advancements, and the development of self-collection tools to broaden access to screening.”

Cervical cancer screening programs have been successful at dramatically decreasing cancer incidence by more than half since the mid-1970s. However, 13,360 cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, and an estimated 4,320 people will die from the disease, with racial and socioeconomic disparities continuing to contribute to this number.

ACS cervical cancer guidelines
ACS recommends that average-risk women and individuals with a cervix at average risk initiate cervical cancer screening at age 25 and undergo primary HPV testing every five years through age 65. Research has shown that long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers. If primary HPV testing is not available, individuals 25-65 years of age should be screened by co-testing with an HPV test in combination with a cytology (Pap) test every five years, or cytology testing alone every three years.

What’s new?
For primary HPV testing, clinician-collected cervical specimens are preferred, but self-collected vaginal specimens are acceptable for cervical cancer screening. When self-collected vaginal specimens are HPV negative in the screening setting, repeat testing in three years is recommended.

For discontinuing screening, ACS recommends that an average risk woman, or an individual with a cervix at average risk, have negative primary HPV tests or negative co-testing using HPV tests and cytology testing at ages 60 and 65. If primary HPV tests or co-testing are not available, three consecutive negative cytology tests at the recommended screening interval, with the last test at age 65, are acceptable.

Why these changes?
The updated report is part of an ongoing guideline development process by ACS scientists and volunteers. ACS monitors medical and scientific literature for new evidence that may support a change in current guidelines or the development of new guidelines, and for information about cervical cancer screening that should be conveyed to clinicians and target populations. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved HPV self-collection testing as a safe and effective new screening option.

Do these guidelines apply to all women?

ACS does NOT recommend screening for:

Women under age 25 (cervical cancer is rare before age 25)
Women older than age 65 who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk
Women who have had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix), unless they have a history of high-grade precancerous lesions

“In addition to funding research to help reduce the risk of cervical cancer, ACS established the National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer (ACS NRTCC) in late 2022,” Smith added. “The ACS NRTCC is a coordinated effort with the mission to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer primarily by improving prevention and screening uptake and addressing health disparities.”

The American Cancer Society’s advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), continues to work at all levels of government to advocate for access to cervical cancer screenings.

“Geographic disparities continue to exist in cervical cancer incidence and mortality, with individuals living in rural areas more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage cervical cancer. Over 46 million, or 14%, of the U.S. population live in rural areas that often require the need to travel long distances to access health care,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the ACS CAN. “Self-collection options are a critical resource for these individuals and other underserved populations. ACS CAN remains committed to partnering with policymakers to strengthen access to cervical cancer screening and necessary follow-up care without added costs. This is an important step towards ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.”

Today’s published guideline report also includes a patient page supporting the new guideline. CA journal Patient Pages provide highly relevant, evidence-based medical content in a structured, concise format that addresses typical patient questions about diseases, their related symptoms, prevention, and treatment. This tool helps patients understand specific conditions and treatment options.

ACS researcher Dr. Deana Baptiste is a contributing author of the report.

https://pressroom.cancer.org/updated-cer...lines-2025]]>