Cervical cancer treated better sans surgery: Study
In stage 3 of the disease, chemotherapy works well together with radiotherapy instead of radiotherapy alone.
Mumbai: Two studies commissioned by the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) have revealed that treatment of cervical cancer is more effective sans surgery. According to the first study, advanced cervical cancer (stage 2) has a higher rate of cure when treated together with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. According to second study, stage 3 of cervical cancer, which is common in India can be treated better with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The trust-run TMH on Wednesday announced the two studies on cervical cancer that will result in a better survival rate in advanced stages of the disease along with significant reduction in relapse of cervical cancer and subsequent death. The studies’ findings were announced a day before Women's Day on Thursday.
Dr Sudeep Gupta, oncologist, TMH, who has conducted the study, said “The team of researchers found through a randomised controlled trial that women with advanced cervical cancer up to stage 2 have a higher rate of cure when treated with simultaneous chemotherapy and radiotherapy.” He said that while chemotherapy and surgery has been in use for cervical cancer (stage 2), here on, there will be no need for surgery if patients are treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
In stage 3 of the disease, chemotherapy works well together with radiotherapy instead of radiotherapy alone. In India, cervical cncer claims around 67,000 deaths annually.