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London
A new cervical cancer treatment that can cut the risk of death by 40 per cent in patients has been found, the most significant improvement in treating this type of cancer that affects millions of women.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, according to the World Health Organization. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
According to Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, the INTERLACE trial showed that a small course of chemotherapy before the standard chemoradiation treatment can reduce the risk of death by 40 per cent, and cut recurrence chances by 35 per cent.
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Cervical cancer treatment currently involves chemoradiation, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The new findings indicate that six weeks of induction chemotherapy before CRT can improve survival rates, much before opting for surgery.
The treatment was given to a group of patients five years ago, and 80 per cent of them are still alive, said Cancer Research UK on its website. Among the test participants, the cancer did not come back for 73 per cent.
Dr Iain Foulkes from Cancer Research UK stressed that timing is important in treating cervical cancer. “The simple act of adding induction chemotherapy to the start of chemoradiation treatment for cervical cancer has delivered remarkable results in this trial.”
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Two already approved chemotherapy medicines were used, which are affordable and easily available, which makes the test treatment significant.
“This is the biggest improvement in outcome in this disease in over 20 years,” Dr Mary McCormack, the lead investigator of the trial from University College London’s Cancer Institute and University College London Hospital said.
“I’m incredibly proud of all the patients who participated in the trial; their contribution has allowed us to gather the evidence needed to improve treatment of cervical cancer patients everywhere,” Cancer Research UK quoted her as saying.
As per data from WHO, 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 350,000 deaths were reported across the world in 2022.
Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated at the early stages.
Cost-effective preventive strategies include prophylactic vaccination and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions.
(With inputs from agencies)