Breakthrough in Cervical Cancer Treatment Could Reduce Deaths By The Disease By 35%
“This is the biggest improvement in outcome in this disease in over 20 years."
- Dr Mary McCormack
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have unveiled a new approach to treating cervical cancer that could reduce the likelihood of death from the disease by 35%. Presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) medical conference on Sunday, this novel treatment combines existing, affordable drugs with standard radiotherapy, and the results are nothing short of "remarkable," according to Cancer Research UK, which funded the study.
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern that affects many women, particularly those in their early 30s both in the UK and worldwide. Approximately 3,200 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK every year. Despite improvements in radiotherapy, recurrence remains a challenge in up to 30% of cases, highlighting the urgency for new, more effective strategies.
This innovative treatment involves a six-week course of carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, followed by the standard chemoradiation therapy, which combines chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This intensive approach aims to destroy as many cancer cells as possible before proceeding with the usual treatment.
The results of the study are nothing short of astonishing. After five years, it was found that 80% of patients who received this combined treatment were still alive, and 73% had not experienced a cancer recurrence. In comparison, the control group, which received the standard treatment alone, had a slightly lower survival rate, with 72% still alive and 64% without a cancer relapse.
Dr. Mary McCormack, the lead investigator of the trial, declared, "Our trial shows that this short course of additional chemotherapy delivered immediately before the standard chemoradiation therapy can reduce the risk of cancer returning or death by 35%. This is the biggest improvement in outcome in this disease in over 20 years."
These results have raised hopes that this treatment approach could become the new standard of care for cervical cancer patients. Furthermore, the drugs used in this study, carboplatin and paclitaxel, are not only highly effective but also accessible and cost-effective, making them suitable for rapid adoption.
Dr. Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, emphasised the importance of timing in cancer treatment, saying, "Not only can it reduce the chances of cancer coming back, it can be delivered quickly using drugs already available worldwide."
However, experts also acknowledge that not all cervical cancer patients may benefit equally from this treatment, particularly those with more advanced disease. The drugs involved in this therapy can lead to side effects like sickness, nausea, and hair loss, underlining the importance of tailoring treatment to each patient's needs.
This breakthrough offers newfound hope for cervical cancer patients and exemplifies the potential of combining existing treatments to create groundbreaking solutions. The road to defeating cervical cancer is becoming clearer, offering a brighter future for thousands of women affected by this disease.
