Latest research on Cervical Cancer

Executive Summary

Several research studies have been conducted to seek more information on cervical cancer, their related prevention methods, their diagnostic process at the initial phase, and the best treatments strategies. Doctors have examined new drugs that control tumor growth in a better way. Improved detection and screening methods are integrated using fluorescent spectroscopy to detect changes in precancerous cervix cells. Researchers are also looking at the impact of the HPV vaccine on boys to reduce the risk of HPV transmission. A therapeutic vaccine is being developed for women who already have cervical cancer and helps train the immune system to recognize cervical cancer cells and destroy them. Research focuses on improving surgical techniques and evolving fertility-preserving surgery.

Targeted therapy involves using angiogenesis inhibitors that are considered to “starve” the tumor. Some clinical trials explore different immunotherapy combinations, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Palliative care is being integrated to improve the patients’ quality of life.

Advancement in Cervical Cancer Research

Based on Latest research on cervical cancer doctors are learning more about Cervical cancer, ways to prevent them, how to treat them best, and how to deliver the best care to children diagnosed with a tumor in the brain or spinal cord. The following research areas may include new alternatives for cervical cancer patients through clinical trials ^​1​. 

• Improved detection and screening methods – Because cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected early, researchers are developing better ways to detect pre-cancer and cervical cancer. For example, fluorescent spectroscopy uses fluorescent light to detect changes in precancerous cervix cells.
• HPV prevention – HPV vaccines help prevent HPV strains that cause cervical cancers. Gardasil is approved by the FDA for boys and men ages 9 through 26 to prevent genital warts. Researchers are also looking at the impact of the HPV vaccine on boys to reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
• Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy, also known as biologic therapy, enhances the body’s natural defenses to fight the tumor. It uses materials formed either by the body or in a laboratory to target, improve, or restore the functioning of the immune system. A therapeutic vaccine is being developed for women who already have cervical cancer ^​2​. These vaccines help ‘train’ the immune system to recognize cervical cancer cells and destroy them. 
• Fertility-preserving surgery – Research focuses on improving surgical techniques and finding which patients can be treated successfully without losing the ability to have children ^​3​. 
• Targeted therapy – Targeted therapy aims at any factor contributing to the growth and development of cancer cells. It can be a specific protein, gene or tissue environment. This treatment blocks the growth and spread of tumor cells while limiting damage to healthy cells. Angiogenesis inhibitors drugs block the action of a protein known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that has been shown to help women live longer if cervical cancer spreads to other parts of the body. VEGF promotes the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. Because a tumor needs the nutrients delivered by blood vessels to grow and spread, the goal of angiogenesis inhibitors is to “starve” the tumor. 
• Combination therapy – Some clinical trials explore different immunotherapy combinations, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
• Palliative care/supportive care – Clinical trials are going on to find better ways to lessen the side effects and symptoms of current cervical cancer treatments to enhance patients’ comfort and quality of life.

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