Taylor’s University Unveils PapLite Pro™

In a significant stride towards the global battle against cervical cancer, the university’s Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab, has introduced the PapLite Pro™ — a cervical sampling medical innovation designed to potentially transform the landscape of cervical cancer screening in Malaysia and beyond.

Cervical cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a call for the global elimination of cervical cancer by 2030, emphasising the critical need for widespread Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, regular screening, and accessible treatment options.

In Malaysia, the urgency of this mission is palpable, as cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44¹. 

Despite being preventable, the disease continues to pose a formidable threat due to various barriers, including cultural stigmas, invasive screening techniques, and a widespread lack of awareness.

A Game-Changer

“This all-in-one innovation promises to enhance the precision, efficiency, and comfort of cervical screening, potentially marking a turning point in the nation’s battle against this preventable disease,” said Professor Dr. Chong Pei Pei, Director of the Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab, and a Professor at the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at Taylor’s University.

Conventional screening methods often face limitations, including false-negative and false-positive results due to inadequate light for sampling to be obtained, slide preparation issues, and errors in laboratory detection and interpretation.

These shortcomings can lead to misdiagnoses, delayed treatments, and, poorer outcomes for patients.

“The PapLite Pro™ is also designed to eliminate shadows cast by the healthcare professional's hand, providing an unobstructed visualisation of the endocervix,” she added.

“Its ergonomic design ensures that sufficient cervical cells are collected from the correct area of the cervix, resulting in more accurate diagnostic test results compared to conventional Pap smear tools.”

Dr. Chong, who has been envisioning an improved tool for the Pap smear procedure since 2020, spearheaded the research and development of the PapLite Pro™ prototype .

The medical innovation, which is currently undergoing its efficacy testing is expected to be ready for commercial roll-out within the next 24 months.

Dr. Chong revealed that PapLite Pro™ is patent pending, and the university is actively seeking partners to fund its production for pre-commercialisation purposes. Once efficacy trials are completed, PapLite Pro™ is expected to increase cervical cancer screening.

She added that doctors and other medical professionals involved in the study have praised PapLite Pro™ , noting that it significantly enhances the pap smear procedure and offers substantial improvements in both precision and ease of use.

A Healthier Future

During the launch at the university’s Lakeside Campus, a panel of leading experts shared valuable insights into the current landscape of cervical cancer screening. They emphasised the critical role of early detection in improving treatment outcomes and enhancing quality of life.

“In Malaysia, the stigma surrounding cervical cancer, coupled with the invasive nature of traditional screening techniques and a general lack of awareness, has significantly hindered the uptake of cervical cancer screening,” noted Dr. Kavinash Loganathan, Research Coordinator at the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.

The event also presented a Pap test simulation at Taylor’s Virtual Online Future Technology & Extended Reality (VORTEX XR) Lab. This unique experience showcased the differences between conventional Pap tests and PapLite Pro™, highlighting its innovative features and benefits.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Thian Lok Boon, Taylor’s University Pro Vice-Chancellor of Learning & Teaching, emphasised the multidisciplinary collaboration across the School of Engineering, School of Biosciences, and School of Medicine, with the dedicated support of the university’s research and enterprise commercialisation team that brought PapLite Pro™ to life.

Dr. Thian believes that 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 more information on PapLite Pro™ and to learn more about Taylor’s Impact Labs, please visit https://university.taylors.edu.my/en/discover-us/taylors-impact-labs.html

Reference: ¹ https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/14/statistics-on-cervical-cancer-in-malaysia-alarming

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