Cover Taylor’s University announced its cervical cancer screening innovation, PapLite Pro, this week, a technological innovation aimed at improving the accuracy and speed of screening (Photo: Taylor’s University)
Taylor’s University announced its cervical cancer screening innovation, PapLite Pro, this week, a technological innovation aimed at improving the accuracy and speed of screening (Photo: Taylor’s University)
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The Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab at Taylor’s University announced its cervical cancer screening innovation, PapLite Pro, aimed at improving the accuracy and speed of screening
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44 in Malaysia, with 1,740 new cases reported in 2020 alone and a staggering mortality rate of 57 per cent. Though largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening, this disease continues to affect the lives of Malaysian women. Adding to this concern is the fear and stigma associated with pap smear procedures, with many Malaysian women skipping their recommended screenings or avoiding follow-up screenings after a bad experience with their first pap smear.
The end goal is clear: getting more women in Malaysia to undergo a pap smear at least once in three years could significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Early and regular screenings will help identify the disease’s earliest stages and ensure the proper treatments are prescribed.
The fear surrounding pap smears significantly hampers the means of achieving that end goal. Addressing this urgent need for advancements in cervical cancer screening, Taylor’s University has taken a pioneering step forward with the announcement of PapLite Pro, an innovative cervical screening tool developed by its Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab.
Above A panel of experts including women's healthcare professional Nurse Thulasini, National Cancer Society of Malaysia research coordinator Dr Kavinash Loganathan, Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei and moderator Maggy Wang
A panel of experts including women's healthcare professional Nurse Thulasini, National Cancer Society of Malaysia research coordinator Dr Kavinash Loganathan, Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei and moderator Maggy Wang
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Traditionally, many women have avoided pap smears due to the discomfort and invasiveness of the procedure. PapLite Pro is poised to revolutionise cervical cancer screening by addressing that barrier, offering a less invasive, more comfortable screening experience.
The device enhances the visualisation of the endocervix using light, significantly improving the precision of cell sampling, which is crucial for accurate diagnostic results. By facilitating a clearer view of the endocervix, the PapLite Pro can potentially help healthcare professionals obtain a more accurate sampling in one go, rather than repeating swap sampling, which typically causes discomfort and pain to the patient.
On August 8, 2024, Taylor’s University hosted a gathering of medical professionals, researchers, and industry partners, all united in their mission to advance women’s health through innovation. A panel of experts, including National Cancer Society of Malaysia research coordinator Dr Kavinash Loganathan, emphasised the critical role of early detection in improving treatment outcomes and the quality of life for women. They also highlighted how technological advancements, such as PapLite Pro, are integral to overcoming the challenges associated with traditional cervical screening methods.
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“The all-in-one Pap smear innovation eliminates shadows cast by the hand of the healthcare professional to better visualise the cervix. It is also ergonomically designed for improved ease of collecting sufficient cervical cells from the correct area of the cervix, resulting in accurate diagnostic test results compared to conventional Pap smear tools,” says Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei, the Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab Director, and a Professor at the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at Taylor’s University.
For the past two to three years, Dr Chong and her team spearheaded the research and development of the PapLite Pro, which has just been patented and is currently undergoing efficacy testing before it can be released to the market.
Above VORTEX XR Lab director John Hii Ing Kieng, Faisal Athar Mohd Fadzil, Dr Khine Pwint Phyu, Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei, Dr Thian Lok Boon, and Nurlaili Mohd Azizi accompanied by XR virtual simulation student developers from Taylor’s University VORTEX XR Club
VORTEX XR Lab director John Hii Ing Kieng, Faisal Athar Mohd Fadzil, Dr Khine Pwint Phyu, Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei, Dr Thian Lok Boon, and Nurlaili Mohd Azizi accompanied by XR virtual simulation student developers from Taylor’s University VORTEX XR Club
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The event featured a simulation at Taylor’s Virtual Online Future Technology & Extended Reality (Vortex XR) Lab, where attendees experienced firsthand the superior capabilities of PapLite Pro compared to conventional Pap tests.
“There is a greater need to embed technological innovation as well as AI and machine learning in medical procedures to automate these processes and reduce human error. They’re not meant to replace medical personnel,” shares Dr Chong, adding that some hospitals in Malaysia still use the same pap smear equipment that’s been around for the last 50 years, given the general affordability and availability of these materials.
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Developed with 3D printing and the interdisciplinary collaboration of the School of Engineering, the School of Biosciences, and the School of Medicine at Taylor’s University, PapLite Pro represents a significant technological leap forward in the fight against cervical cancer in Malaysia. It offers hope for better screening uptake and, ultimately, saves lives.
Through its commitment to purpose-led learning and innovation, Taylor’s University continues to lead the way in addressing critical societal challenges and improving healthcare outcomes for women across the nation.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
