Results from a clinical trial recently shared by the European Society for Medical Oncology show great promise in using “Induction Chemotherapy” to reduce deaths from cervical cancer. This information is significant because there is still a high rate of recurrence in locally advanced cervical cancer treated by chemoradiation. As a physician, it brings me reassurance and hope that I may soon have another treatment option to offer my patients.
Three important takeaways from the clinical trial include:
1. Initial results from the trial
This information is a result of a randomized phase 3 clinical trial in 500 women. Half the women received the current recommended treatment (a combination of chemotherapy and radiation) and the other half received what we call, “Induction Chemotherapy” meaning they received six weeks of chemotherapy prior to the start of their chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The studied showed that over five years 80 percent of the individuals who received the induction chemotherapy were still alive and 73 percent were without disease. In comparison, the group who did not receive the additional chemotherapy treatment showed, 72 percent of patients were still alive and 64 percent were without disease.
2. Treatment medications are readily available.
The two drugs, carboplatin and paclitaxel, used for the induction chemotherapy are currently accessible and are often well tolerated by patients.
3. Potential new standard of care for treating cervical cancer.
This is an important breakthrough in cervical cancer treatment, and we may soon see the addition of induction chemotherapy as the new standard or category 1 recommendation of care in treating cervical cancer.
Remember, screening is essential to prevent cervical cancer and it is recommended women visit their gynecologist annually. Please contact your Tower Health physician or schedule an appoint if you are experiencing symptoms of cervical cancer such as any abnormal bleeding, bleeding between periods, persistent discharge, pelvic pain, or changes in urinary frequency or bowel habits. If you are looking for a new physician, please call 1-833-34-TOWER.
Learn more about cancer care at McGlinn Cancer Institute.