Study Reveals Short Course of Induction Chemotherapy Decreases Cervical Cancer Recurrence Risk
A recent study has uncovered a potentially groundbreaking treatment for cervical cancer that could significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and death. The research, which involved administering a short course of induction chemotherapy (IC) before standard treatment, showed a remarkable one-third reduction in the likelihood of the disease recurring or causing fatality.
The trial, funded by Cancer Research UK, assessed the effectiveness of IC, which involved using already approved and affordable drugs to eliminate as many cancer cells as possible before proceeding with chemoradiation (CRT), a combination therapy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The results of the study have been described as remarkable by Cancer Research UK. After five years, the data revealed that 80% of patients who received IC along with CRT were alive. Furthermore, 73% of them had not experienced any recurrence or spread of their cancer. In comparison, patients who underwent standard treatment had a survival rate of 72%, with only 64% avoiding cancer relapse or spread.
Dr. Mary McCormack, the lead investigator of the trial from University College London’s Cancer Institute and University College London hospital, expressed her pride in the patients who participated in the study. Their contribution has provided the necessary evidence to enhance the treatment of cervical cancer patients globally. Dr. McCormack highlighted that the short course of additional chemotherapy delivered just before standard CRT led to a remarkable 35% reduction in recurrence or death risk, marking the most significant improvement in cervical cancer treatment outcomes in over two decades.
Cervical cancer, predominantly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, affects approximately 3,200 individuals each year in the UK. Since 1999, CRT has been the established treatment. However, despite advancements in radiation therapy techniques, up to 30% of cases experience cancer recurrence.
The five-year survival rate for cervical cancer currently stands at approximately 70%, according to Cancer Research UK. In the randomized controlled trial spanning over a decade, conducted across hospitals in the UK, Mexico, India, Italy, and Brazil, 500 participants with visible but non-metastatic cervical cancer were involved. Throughout the study, IC employed the use of carboplatin and paclitaxel, affordable and readily available drugs already approved for patient use. This suggests that these drugs could be swiftly integrated into the standard care treatment approach.
Professor Jonathan Ledermann, a senior author of the study’s results from UCL Cancer Institute, hailed these findings as a significant advancement in treatment. Dr. Iain Foulkes, the executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the importance of timing in cancer treatment. He explained that the addition of induction chemotherapy at the onset of chemoradiation demonstrated remarkable results in the trial. Moreover, evidence is accumulating for the value of integrating additional rounds of chemotherapy before surgical or radiotherapy interventions in multiple cancer types. Not only does this approach reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence, but it can also be effortlessly implemented using widely available drugs across the globe. Dr. Foulkes expressed excitement about the potential improvements this trial could bring to cervical cancer treatment and hoped that short courses of induction chemotherapy would quickly be embraced in clinical practice.
It should be noted that the study’s preliminary results were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology congress on Sunday. Further analysis and peer-review will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the findings. Nonetheless, this study opens up new possibilities for enhancing cervical cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.
