Cervical Cancer Research

Cervical cancer research allows doctors and patients to learn more about specific aspects of cervical cancer. For example, researchers are currently testing the safety and effectiveness of new anticancer drugs. Researchers are also studying different methods and doses of radiation therapy. Although cervical cancer research trials may pose some risks, researchers take very careful steps to protect their patients.

 

An Overview of Cervical Cancer Research

Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat cervical cancer. Some clinical trials are also studying therapies that may improve the quality of life for women during or after cervical cancer treatment. Cervical cancer research studies are designed to find out whether new treatments are safe and effective.
 
Although cervical cancer research has already led to many advances, researchers are continuing to search for more effective methods for dealing with cervical cancer.
 

Current Focus of Cervical Cancer Research

Scientists are currently researching:
 
  • New approaches for treatment, including anticancer drugs and drug combinations
  • Different methods, doses, and schedules of radiation therapy
  • Combination treatments that combine chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy
  • Biological therapy.
 
Cervical cancer research scientists also are studying surgery that will remove sentinel lymph nodes. A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node that is affected by cancer. Today, surgeons often have to remove many lymph nodes and check each of them for cancer. However, if research shows that it is possible to identify the sentinel lymph node, doctors may be able to avoid additional surgery to remove other lymph nodes.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD