New Advances in Cervical Cancer and Its Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Despite advances in primary and secondary prevention, cervical cancer remains a major global health concern, affecting millions of women. In recent decades, major advances have been achieved in understanding cervical cancer biology and oncogenesis. For over twenty years, persistent HPV infection has been understood to be a necessary precursor in the development of invasive cervical cancer. The implementation of screening programs, including Pap smears and HPV testing, has enabled the early detection of cervical abnormalities, supporting timely diagnosis and intervention. As a result, a growing number of cases are identified at early stages, with about 40% of patients diagnosed at childbearing age. Surgery, with or without radiotherapy or chemotherapy, is a viable option for small, localized tumors in the absence of sidewall or distant disease. Furthermore, growing evidence supports the efficacy and safety of fertility-sparing techniques as a viable treatment option for young women with early-stage cervical cancer who strongly wish to preserve their childbearing potential. Therefore, early detection and conservative treatment are crucial in improving outcomes and reducing disease burden and present a key opportunity to implement targeted interventions that could enhance survival and preserve quality of life. On the other hand, for patients with locally advanced/ metastatic or recurrent disease, it is crucial that we investigate different pharmacological regimens or combinations, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the last decade, a range of pharmacological strategies have been investigated, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, DNA damage repair inhibitors, and antibody–drug conjugates, with promising results. This Special Issue of IJMS will focus on recent advances in cervical cancer and its various treatments, aiming to optimize oncological tailored treatment by considering current clinical implications, balancing the disease stage with patient age and fertility preference, and future perspectives. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ilaria Cuccu
Dr. Violante Di Donato
Guest Editors

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