Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

Locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) is defined as cancer that has not spread from the cervix to any other major organs and can be classified as stage 1B2 to 4A. Women with locally advanced cervical cancer have a higher rate of recurrence and worse survival than those with early-stage disease. After surgery alone, the rate of relapse is at least 30 percent, and five-year survival rates range from 80 percent for stage IB disease to 30 percent for stage III disease.

The standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) is chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Pre-treatment lymph nodes (LN) evaluation may have an important therapeutic role. A multidisciplinary approach to cervical cancer treatment has led to a marked improvement in outcome. Major advances are neoadjuvant chemotherapy, chemoradiation and preventive vaccination.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor of the cervix, which is the lowermost part of the uterus.

The most common cause of almost all cervical cancer cases is Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many people with HPV do not develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. HPV can cause warts in various parts of the body, including the genitals, or cervical cancer.

Signs and symptoms of locally advanced cervical cancer include, but are not limited to, a mass in the vaginal area, swelling of the legs as a result of enlarged lymph nodes, blockage in the urinary tract, irregular bleeding and discharge, and pain.

All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it most often occurs in women over age 30. Cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because of screening tests, such as a pap smear, and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections. When detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and associated with long-term survival and good quality of life.

Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Treatment

As with any cancer type, the stage of the disease determines the treatment method. In locally advanced cervical cancer, the cancer spreads outside the cervix, clinging to the pelvic side walls or causing swelling in the feet. Another symptom is blocking urine flow into the bladder when the tumor is against to the lower vagina.

Cervical cancer is a disease that usually spreads locally. It usually metastasizes through the lymph tract. Organ metastasis through the blood vessel is much less common.

The main treatment for early-stage cervical cancer is radical surgery or primary radiation depending on the patients’ general condition. Radiation therapy (RT) has been the main treatment option for locally advanced cervical cancer.

There are clinical trials studying drugs for cervical cancer. Massive Bio can help you understand whether you would qualify for these trials. Please feel free to contact Massive Bio at 844-627-7246 or [email protected] for more information about cervical cancer and its treatment options.