Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health burden, with an estimated 604,127 new cases and 341,831 deaths reported worldwide in 2020. High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly types 16 and 18, is the primary cause, leading to oncogenic transformation through viral integration and inactivation of tumor suppressor proteins p53 and pRb. Prevention strategies include HPV vaccination and screening via Papanicolaou testing or HPV DNA testing. For early-stage disease (FIGO stages IA–IB2), surgical options such as radical hysterectomy or fertility-preserving procedures like trachelectomy are effective. Locally advanced disease (stages IB3–IVA) is managed with chemoradiation therapy, now enhanced by immunotherapy such as pembrolizumab, which has shown survival benefits in recent trials. Metastatic or recurrent disease is treated with chemotherapy, bevacizumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, with emerging therapies like antibody-drug conjugates (e.g., tisotumab vedotin) showing promise. Despite advancements, disparities in access to prevention and treatment persist, particularly in low-resource regions.

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health burden, with an estimated 604,127 new cases and 341,831 deaths reported worldwide in 2020. High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly types 16 and 18, is the primary cause, leading to oncogenic transformation through viral integration and inactivation of tumor suppressor proteins p53 and pRb. Prevention strategies include HPV vaccination and screening via Papanicolaou testing or HPV DNA testing. For early-stage disease (FIGO stages IA–IB2), surgical options such as radical hysterectomy or fertility-preserving procedures like trachelectomy are effective. Locally advanced disease (stages IB3–IVA) is managed with chemoradiation therapy, now enhanced by immunotherapy such as pembrolizumab, which has shown survival benefits in recent trials. Metastatic or recurrent disease is treated with chemotherapy, bevacizumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, with emerging therapies like antibody-drug conjugates (e.g., tisotumab vedotin) showing promise. Despite advancements, disparities in access to prevention and treatment persist, particularly in low-resource regions.