CURRENT CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN CERVICAL CANCER THERAPY

Abstract

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, resulting in over 300,000 deaths annually. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus. Viral oncoproteins E5, E6, and E7, in conjunction with host factors, drive and sustain the malignant phenotype. Cervical cancer is largely preventable, and early detection significantly improves survival rates. In high-income countries with effective vaccination and screening programs, the disease incidence is low. Conversely, in low- and middle-income countries with limited resources, many women present with advanced, often untreatable disease, leading to high mortality rates. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, administered singly or in combination.