Screening and awareness have contributed significantly to catching cervical cancer early and at its most treatable stage. Now doctors are pleased with progress that is being made in alternative treatment options that can help beat later stage cervical cancer. Even patients whose cancer doesn’t respond well to a treatment now have other options that may prolong their lives.
Most recent breakthroughs have been made in immunotherapy, which boost the patient’s immune system so that it recognizes cancer cells and can aid in destroying them. According to the Cancer Research Institute and the American Cancer Society, these new FDA approved treatments are showing great promise for cancer patients.
Immunotherapy
This class of treatment uses monoclonal and targeted antibodies to inhibit tumor growth or to carry chemotherapy directly to the tissues to kill the cancer cells. Targeted therapy can actually remove the “brakes” that cancer cells put up to protect themselves from a patient’s powerful immune system.
Used in conjunction with other therapies, immunotherapy is being used to provide options for resistant and/or metastatic cancers.
Advances in radiation therapy
Advanced radiation technology also has made a difference for patients, with the ability to direct radiation to the precise tissues that need it. At City of Hope, a world leader in research and treatment of cancer, experts are using volumetric modulated arc therapy, or VMAT, which is the latest generation of radiation therapy being used to treat cancer. With VMAT, the radiation is both rotated and adjusted in its shape, angle, and strength to provide precisely the treatment needed for the patient.
Cervical cancer treatment and prevention
The three pillars of treatment for cervical cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but doctors hope that advances in treatment, especially immunotherapies, will reduce the need for surgery.
Meanwhile, cervical cancer continues to be the most treatable cancer when caught early, with survival rates of 90% or more, but doctors emphasize that prevention is the best medicine. This means regular screening through pap tests and getting vaccinated against HPV, the virus that causes the majority of cervical cancers.
Don’t wait to discuss your cancer risk and options for prevention of cervical cancer. Regular checkups are critical, and any of the following symptoms should be discussed with your doctor right away:
- Painful urination or urgent need to urinate
- Unexplained swelling in legs
- Persistent lower back or pelvic pain
- Vaginal discharge that is thick, odorous or tinged with blood
- Unusually heavy or long menstrual periods
- Vaginal bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse
If you have questions or want to know more about prevention and treatment options for cervical cancer, contact Stark Women’s Center to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.