Scientists make biggest breakthrough in treating cervical cancer that could cut deaths by 35%

Scientists have made the biggest breakthrough in the treatment of cervical cancer that could cut deaths by 35 per cent, British media reported on Monday (Oct 23). According to a report by Sky News, scientists have said that already-available drugs could cause a 35 per cent reduction in deaths caused by this particular cancer.

Scientists from University College London's (UCL) Cancer Institute and University College Hospital (UCLH) said that a short course of induction chemotherapy (IC) before standard treatment for cervical cancer, chemoradiation (CRT), could reduce rates of relapse and death significantly.

The trial found that after five years, 80 per cent of women with cancer who received IC and CRT were alive and 73 per cent had not seen it return or spread. The trial also found that in the regular treatment group, 72 per cent of those with cancer were alive and 64% had not seen it return or spread.

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The trial, which took place for 10 years involved 500 patients across the United Kingdom (UK), India, Mexico, Italy and Brazil. The preliminary results were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology congress.

Dr Mary McCormack, the lead investigator of the trial, said this was the biggest improvement in the outcome in cervical cancer in more than two decades. CRT had been the standard treatment for this type of cancer, but despite improvements in radiation therapy techniques, cancer returns in up to 30% of cases.

When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The US CDC has said when cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

"Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer," the CDC adds.

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