Clinical trials of Cervical cancer

Executive Summary

Clinical trials are considered a better method for treating cervical cancer. The evaluation of new drugs, different combinations of treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new therapies are integrated into cervical clinical trials. New treatments with better efficacy and safety are the outcome of a clinical trial. The results of the clinical trials have been effective in reducing the symptoms and side effects during the treatment. Volunteers or patients willing to participate in the clinical trials should communicate with their doctor and healthcare team and research expertise to make well decided informed choices regarding participating in the problem while signing informed consent. The volunteers willingly participate as they know the studies are a way to help advance the treatment of early- and late-stage of cervical cancer. Some clinical trials study new ways to relieve symptoms and side effects during treatment. Others learn ways to manage the late effects that may happen a long time after cervical cancer treatment.

Clinical Trials of Cervical Cancer

On the path to finding different ways to treat cervical cancer, various research and clinical trials have been carried out to find safe and effective treatments other than the standard ones. Every drug that is used now was once tested in clinical trials. The clinical studies mainly focus on finding a safe, effective, and better treatment or diagnostic procedure. They evaluate new chemotherapy or radiotherapy drugs for better treatment of cervical cancer.

Clinical trials are used for all types and stages of cervical cancer ​1​.

Taking part in clinical trials can benefit people by receiving treatment before it is available. As the coin has two sides, there are some risks with the clinical trials, including its side effects and the possibility of new clinical trials not working. Clinical trials are also conducted on drugs and other therapies that can relieve the symptoms and side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. ​2​. People are strongly encouraged to talk with their health care team about the pros and cons of joining a specific study.

Participating in cervical clinical trials can have many reasons. For some people, taking part in a clinical trial is the only left out option to receive the best treatment for the type of cancer. Because standard treatments are not perfect, people are willing to face the uncertainty and challenges of a clinical trial to seek a better result. 

Some clinical trials study new ways to relieve symptoms and side effects during cervical cancer treatment. Others learn ways to manage the late effects that may happen a long time after treatment. 

Insurance and the costs of cervical cancer clinical trials change depending upon location and by study. Some of the expenses from participating in the clinical trial are reimbursed in several programs.

Clinical trials also have specific “eligibility criteria” rules that help research patients be safe. You and your research team carefully review these criteria together. People participating in a clinical trial can stop participating at any time for any medical or personal reasons. The reasons may include that the new treatment is not working or has severe side effects. Experts keep an eye on clinical trials for any problems with each study. 

References

  1. 1.
    Alldredge JK, Tewari KS. Clinical Trials of Antiangiogenesis Therapy in Recurrent/Persistent and Metastatic Cervical Cancer. The Oncologist. Published online March 29, 2016:576-585. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2015-0393
  2. 2.
    Dyer BA, Feng CH, Eskander R, et al. Current Status of Clinical Trials for Cervical and Uterine Cancer Using Immunotherapy Combined With Radiation. International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics. Published online February 2021:396-412. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.09.016