Abstract

CERVICAL CANCER: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL REVIEW OF MOLECULAR PATHOGENESIS, DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES, AND EMERGING THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES

Sneha S., Sruthi S., J. Anbu*, Sadhana Goswami

Abstract

The relevance of the cervical cancer problem is evidenced by the prevalence of late diagnosis and inefficient screening tools in developing countries. The present paper addresses various aspects of pathogenetic mechanisms, current limitations of diagnostics, and innovative treatment approaches used to treat cervical cancer. Particular attention is paid to novel developments in immunotherapy, molecule-based treatment regimens, and delivery systems. The first reason is related to the role played by the human papillomavirus in the development of cervical cancer owing to its influence on the tumor suppression mechanism. Despite the high efficiency of traditional treatment approaches (surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy), these methods have many limitations because of poor tolerance to therapy and the emergence of resistance. Newer treatment approaches based on immuno-modulation and precise therapy provide promising results. Moreover, certain natural components, e.g., fulvic acid, demonstrate positive effects for cancer patients' condition improvement. Recent developments related to advanced delivery systems (nanoparticles and thermosensitive in situ gel), also play a significant role in improving the quality of cancer treatment.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Human papillomavirus (HPV); Immunotherapy; Targeted therapy; Fulvic acid; Nanoparticle drug delivery.