A new cervical cancer treatment has been found to cut the risk of death by 40% in patients, marking a significant advancement in the fight against this disease. 

According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The INTERLACE trial, funded by Cancer Research UK, demonstrated that a brief course of chemotherapy before the standard chemoradiation (CRT) treatment can substantially improve outcomes. 

Specifically, the trial showed that six weeks of induction chemotherapy before CRT can reduce the risk of death by 40% and lower recurrence rates by 35%. 

Five years after treatment, 80% of participants in the trial are still alive, and 73% have not experienced a recurrence of cancer.

Dr. Iain Foulkes from Cancer Research UK discussed the importance of timing in cervical cancer treatment, noting the impressive results achieved by adding induction chemotherapy to the treatment regimen.

The trial utilized two already approved, affordable chemotherapy drugs, making this treatment accessible and affordable to a larger population.

 Dr. Mary McCormack, the lead investigator, called it the most significant improvement in cervical cancer outcomes in over two decades.

Globally, the WHO reported 660,000 new cervical cancer cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022. Early diagnosis and treatment, along with cost-effective preventive measures like vaccination and screening, remain crucial for curing cervical cancer.