Hail of biggest cervical cancer drug advance in 20 years

Scientists say they may have made the biggest breakthrough in treating cervical cancer in 20 years, using a course of existing, inexpensive drugs ahead of usual radiotherapy treatment.

Trial findings show the approach cuts the risk of women dying from the disease or the cancer returning by 35 per cent.

Cancer Research UK, which funded the project, called the results “remarkable”.

Cervical cancer affects thousands of women each year in the UK.  Despite improvements in radiotherapy care, cancer returns in up to a third of cases, meaning new approaches are in dire need.

Dr Iain Foulkes from Cancer Research UK, said “Timing is everything when you’re treating cancer.  A growing body of evidence is showing the value of additional rounds of chemotherapy before other treatments like surgery and radiotherapy in several other cancers.  Not only can it reduce the chances of cancer coming back, it can be delivered quickly by using drugs already available worldwide.

We’re excited for the improvements this trial could bring to cervical cancer treatment and hope short courses of induction chemotherapy will be rapidly adopted in the clinic.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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