Major Breakthrough in Cervical Cancer Treatment Celebrated as the Most Significent in Two Decades

Scientists have announced a major breakthrough in the treatment of cervical cancer, claiming that they have discovered an effective course of existing, affordable drugs that can be used before radiotherapy treatment. The findings of the trial, which were presented at the ESMO medical conference, revealed that this approach reduced the risk of death from cervical cancer by 35%. Cancer Research UK, the organization that funded the research, hailed the results as "remarkable" and hopes that clinics will soon adopt this treatment for patients. Cervical cancer affects numerous women in the UK each year, particularly those in their early 30s. Despite improvements in radiotherapy, the cancer returns in approximately one-third of cases, emphasizing the need for new approaches. Dr. Iain Foulkes of Cancer Research UK emphasized the importance of timing in cancer treatment, citing evidence that additional rounds of chemotherapy before surgery or radiotherapy can reduce the chances of cancer recurrence. The new treatment involves a six-week course of chemotherapy followed by standard radiotherapy and has been proven successful in a study of 250 women, with 80% still alive after five years and 73% showing no signs of cancer recurrence. The lead investigator of the trial, Dr. Mary McCormack, described this as the biggest improvement in cervical cancer treatment in over 20 years. Although the two chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment are readily available and affordable, experts warn that not all women may have the same beneficial outcomes, particularly those with advanced disease. Additionally, the drugs may cause side effects such as nausea, sickness, and hair loss. However, due to the accessibility and affordability of the drugs, they could potentially become a new standard of care in the near future.