July 17, 2024 07:01 PM IST
Whether it is fertility-preserving surgery or immunotherapy, the long-term outcomes can be controversial, leading to recurrence of cervical cancer in women.
Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix and is associated with the high-risk human papillomavirus – an extremely common virus that spreads through sexual contact. Among Indian women, cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kanav Kumar, surgical oncologist at Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Head & Neck Cancer Institute of India, Mumbai, said, “Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, accounting for 18.3% of new cancer cases in 2020. It is estimated that 1 in 53 Indian women will suffer from cervical cancer in their lifetime.” But why is cervical cancer so common among Indian women?
Long-term consequences of surgery:
In case of cervical cancer, surgery plays a vital role which involves extensive removal of the uterus, ovaries and regional lymph nodes known as hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. However, in young women, fertility-preserving surgery can be performed which involves removal of only the cervix and surrounding tissue. Despite the potential benefits, minimally invasive techniques have not gained widespread acceptance due to conflicting reports about their long-term outcomes.
Also Read: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Understanding the stages of cervical cancer
Adjuvant radiation therapy with surgery:
Radiation therapy, whether alone or in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation), is the most common treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Technological advances, such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), enable precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, reducing treatment-related toxicity and improving survival rates.
Role of Chemotherapy:
Cisplatin is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. When given along with radiation therapy, it acts as a radiosensitizer, improving treatment outcomes.
Also Read: 7 symptoms of cervical cancer you should know
Role of immunotherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer:
Although the role of immunotherapy has been validated in some cases of metastatic cervical cancer (stage 4), its role in the treatment of locally advanced cancer remains unproven and controversial.
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