Latest news with #cervicalcancer
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Rapid Review: Cervical Cancer
Although often preventable, cervical cancer continues to be underdiagnosed in areas lacking access to routine Pap smears or human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Screening, along with public health initiatives promoting HPV vaccination, are central to global elimination efforts. Advances in treatment— including minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy — have also expanded options for individualized care. According to a recent comprehensive review and meta-analysis, AI-assisted colposcopy outperformed clinicians in all comparative measurements, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Specifically, AI assessment had an accuracy of 81% compared to 74% by clinicians, with the biggest difference seen in specificity where AI achieved 83% compared to 67%. AI also achieved high levels of accuracy when assessing pap smears, with an overall accuracy of 94%. Identification of these pathological changes are important; when high-risk HPV types persist, they can integrate into the host genome and trigger a series of molecular changes. These changes disrupt normal cell cycle regulation and can lead to the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), which can progress from low-grade lesions to high-grade dysplasia and eventually invasive carcinoma if left untreated. Learn more about the presentation of cervical cancer. A recent cross-sectional analysis of the National Immunization Survey-Teen register found that 'safety concerns' was the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy among parents of adolescents eligible for the HPV vaccine, and that this has been an increasing trend throughout the past decade, rising from 17.5% in 2014 to 29.1% in 2020. In contrast, other reasons for vaccine hesitancy such as 'not necessary,' 'lack of knowledge,' and 'not sexually active' all saw a decreasing trend throughout this time. HPV vaccination disparities are most pronounced in adolescents from rural areas due to reduced access to healthcare and limited provider recommendation. HPV vaccination, particularly when administered before the onset of sexual activity, significantly reduces the risk of developing high-grade cervical lesions. Learn more about screening guidelines for cervical cancer. For average-risk women aged 30-65, the USPSTF recommends one of three screening strategies: cytology alone every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing alone every 5 years, or co-testing (cytology + HPV) every 5 years. Annual screening is not recommended due to lack of additional benefit and potential harms such as overtreatment. Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure, not a screening method, and is not used routinely in women without abnormal screening results. Learn more about the workup for patients suspected of cervical cancer. Current HPV testing is more sensitive than cytology for detecting CIN, and cytology alone may miss some precancerous lesions that HPV testing would detect. In addition to greater sensitivity, HPV testing allows for longer screening intervals, which can reduce the burden of testing in patients unnecessary follow-up procedures. Learn more about approach considerations in patients with cervical cancer. The USPSTF recommends that routine cervical cancer screening be discontinued in women older than 65 years who are not at high risk and have had an adequate history of prior screening. Adequate prior screening is specifically defined as having either three consecutive negative cytology (Pap smear) results within the past 10 years or two consecutive negative high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) tests within the same timeframe, with the most recent test conducted within the last 5 years. This guidance reflects the understanding that the risk of developing cervical cancer after age 65 is very low in women who have had regular negative screenings and no history of cervical precancer or cancer. However, it is important to note that women with a history of high-grade precancerous lesions (such as CIN2 or CIN3), cervical cancer, or those who have not been adequately screened should continue regular surveillance past age 65. This recommendation is part of a broader risk-based approach that aims to balance early detection with the potential harms of over-screening. Learn more about treatment options for patients once diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Health Canada Approves KEYTRUDA® for the treatment of adult patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT)¹
Approval is based on the results from phase III KEYNOTE-A18/ENGOT-cx11/GOG-30472 KIRKLAND, QC, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ -- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced today that Health Canada has granted approval for KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for the treatment of FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer.1,2 The approval is based on data from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-A18 trial, also known as ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047, which demonstrated statistically significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA® in combination with CRT compared with patients randomized to placebo plus CRT.3 "The approval of KN-A18 is an important addition to the treatment of gynecological cancers, as it has demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVa," stated Shannon Salvador, Gynecologic Oncologist at the Jewish General Hospital and President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada.4 "This recent approval adds another therapeutic option for patients in an important disease space." "This approval marks a pivotal moment for patients, as it represents the first indication in Canada for KEYTRUDA® in combination with chemoradiotherapy," said André Galarneau, PhD, Executive Director & Vice President, Oncology Business Unit at Merck Canada. "Reaffirming our commitment to cervical cancer, we are eager to continue expanding treatment options for patients impacted by this disease."5 About KEYNOTE-A18 / ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047KEYNOTE-A18 is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial ( NCT04221945).2 The trial investigated the efficacy of pembrolizumab in combination with CRT (cisplatin and external beam radiation therapy [EBRT] followed by brachytherapy [BT]) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.1 The trial enrolled 1,060 newly diagnosed patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix defined as FIGO 2014 stage IB2 to IIB with positive lymph nodes or stage III to IVA regardless of nodal status.3 There were 599 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA. Randomization was stratified by planned type of EBRT (Intensity modulated radiation therapy [IMRT] or volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT] vs. non IMRT and non VMAT), stage at screening of cervical cancer (FIGO 2014 Stage IB2 IIB vs. FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA), and planned total radiotherapy dose (EBRT + brachytherapy dose of <70 Gy vs. ≥70 Gy as per equivalent dose [EQD2]).1 Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of two treatment arms: Pembrolizumab 200 mg IV every 3 weeks (5 cycles) concurrent with cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV weekly (5 cycles, an optional sixth infusion could be administered per local practice) and radiotherapy (EBRT followed by BT), followed by pembrolizumab 400 mg IV every 6 weeks (15 cycles).1,3 Placebo IV every 3 weeks (5 cycles) concurrent with cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV weekly (5 cycles, an optional sixth infusion could be administered per local practice), and radiotherapy (EBRT followed by BT), followed by placebo IV every 6 weeks (15 cycles).1,3 Treatment continued until RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by investigator or unacceptable toxicity.1 Assessment of tumour status was performed every 12 weeks from completion of CRT for the first two years, followed by every 24 weeks in year 3, and then annually. The major efficacy outcome measures were PFS as assessed by investigator according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, or histopathologic confirmation, and OS.1 The trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both PFS (HR (Hazard Ratio) 0.70; 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.55–0.89; p = 0.002) and OS (HR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50–0.90; p = 0.004) in the overall population. In an exploratory subgroup analysis for the 459 patients (43%) with FIGO 2014 Stage IB2–IIB disease, the PFS and OS HR estimates were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.63–1.32) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.55–1.44), respectively, suggesting that the improvements in PFS and OS observed in the overall population were primarily driven by the later-stage subgroup of patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III–IVA disease. The efficacy results in the exploratory subgroup analysis of 599 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease showed that pembrolizumab plus CRT demonstrated improvements in PFS (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.59; 95% CI 0.43, 0.81) and OS (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.40, 0.85) in the overall population.1 For the FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA population, the most common treatment-related adverse events (reported in at least 20% of patients) were anemia, nausea, diarrhea, white blood cell count decreased, neutrophil count decreased, vomiting, platelet count decreased, and hypothyroidism.6 For complete information, refer to the KEYTRUDA® product monograph. About cervical cancer Cervical cancer forms in the cells lining the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus.7 Despite concerted efforts in screening and prevention across Canada, cervical cancer has become the fastest growing cancer type in females.8,9 In 2024 alone, it was estimated that there were approximately 1,600 women diagnosed with cervical cancer and an estimated 400 deaths as a result of the disease.10 About KEYTRUDA®KEYTRUDA® is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy that works by helping increase the ability of the body's immune system to help detect and fight tumour cells. KEYTRUDA® is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumour cells and healthy cells.11,12,13 KEYTRUDA® was first approved in Canada in 2015 and currently has indications in several disease areas, including advanced renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal cancer, endometrial carcinoma, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, melanoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.14 About Merck At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn @MerckCanada. Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site ( ® Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. Used under license.© 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. CA-NON-04142 References: 1 KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph, page 285-286.2 The ASCO Post. KEYNOTE-A18: Overall Survival in Cervical Cancer Improved by Pembrolizumab Plus Chemoradiotherapy. Pembrolizumab or placebo with chemoradiotherapy followed by pembrolizumab or placebo for newly diagnosed, high-risk, locally advanced cervical cancer (ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047/KEYNOTE-A18): overall survival results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, page 1329. 6 KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph, page 146.7 Canadian Cancer Society. What is cervical cancer? 8 Canadian Cancer Statistics 2023, page 22. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2023, page 80. Canadian Cancer Society. Cervical cancer statistics. KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph, page 300.12 KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph, page 188.13 KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph, page 192.14 KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph, pages 1-3. Media Contacts: Merck Canada Media Relations1-833-906-3725mediacanada@ SOURCE Merck View original content to download multimedia:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials urge those who left school without lifesaving vaccine to get protected
Health officials have urged hundreds of thousands of people to get a vaccine that protects against certain cancers. It comes amid warnings that more than 418,000 children have left school with no protection against human papillomavirus (HPV) in the last three years. The HPV vaccine is offered to boys and girls when they are in Year 8 and is key to wiping out cervical cancer in the UK. Around 13 high-risk types of HPV are known to cause 99.7% of cervical cancers. The jab also protects against genital warts and head and neck cancers, such as those in the mouth or throat. Now, GP practices in England will invite 16 to 25-year-olds to have the vaccine if records show they did not have it in school. According to NHS England, more than 418,000 children left school without having the jab in the last three years, with concerns there are many more people aged 16 to 25 who are not protected. Dr Amanda Doyle, national director of primary care and community services, said: 'This vaccine is hugely important in our fight to eradicate cervical cancer but it isn't just for girls and women – it's also vital for boys and men to get vaccinated to protect themselves against cancers of the mouth, throat or genitals, while preventing spreading the HPV infection to sexual partners who could then develop cervical cancer. 'Too many lives are lost to cervical cancer so the hard work of NHS staff across the country in vaccinating and screening as many people as possible will help us to meet our ambition of wiping out this disease. 'Encouraging progress has been made recently in increasing uptake but we know there is much more to do. 'So if you're eligible for a HPV vaccination or are the parent of a child who is eligible, but didn't get the vaccine at school when they had the chance, I would urge you to come forward when your GP contacts you. 'Only a single dose is required and it could save you or your child's life.' Data shows that in the 2023/24 academic year, some 76.7% of girls and 71.2% of boys aged 14 to 15 were vaccinated against HPV by Year 10. Uptake in Year 8 increased to 72.9% among girls and 67.7% among boys, from 71.3% and 65.2% respectively a year earlier. The health service will aim to boost uptake among girls to 90% as part of plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. It will also aim to increase the number of women attending cervical cancer screening appointments. Public health minister Ashley Dalton said the vaccine 'is our most powerful tool in our fight to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040' but said there is a 'long way to go'. 'Thousands of young people are still unvaccinated and vulnerable to this disease – which is so easily prevented,' she added. Last month, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned young women in some parts of England are at greater risk of cervical cancer because not enough children are getting the jab. Analysis by the agency showed inequalities in vaccine uptake in some regions – by Year 10, HPV coverage in girls was lowest in London (64.9%) and highest in the South East (82.7%). Among boys, it was also lowest in London (58.9%) and highest in the South East (77.3%). Meanwhile, at local authority level, Year 10 vaccination levels in girls ranged from 38.7% (Lambeth in London) to 97.6% (Northumberland). Among boys, it ranged from 28.2% (Lambeth in London) to 92.2% (West Berkshire). Dr Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'We know that uptake of the HPV vaccination in young people has fallen significantly since the pandemic, leaving many, many thousands across the country at greater risk of HPV-related cancers. 'This is a real concern as each HPV vaccine, now just a single dose offered in schools, gives a young person good protection against the devastating impact of these cancers, which includes cervical, genital, mouth and throat cancers. 'This new catch-up campaign is a really important opportunity for us to make sure that no teenage girl or boy, young woman or man is denied that protection.'
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Officials urge those who left school without lifesaving vaccine to get protected
Health officials have urged hundreds of thousands of people to get a vaccine that protects against certain cancers. It comes amid warnings that more than 418,000 children have left school with no protection against human papillomavirus (HPV) in the last three years. The HPV vaccine is offered to boys and girls when they are in Year 8 and is key to wiping out cervical cancer in the UK. England who left school without receiving the HPV vaccine in the last three years" data-source=" NHS England"> Around 13 high-risk types of HPV are known to cause 99.7% of cervical cancers. The jab also protects against genital warts and head and neck cancers, such as those in the mouth or throat. Now, GP practices in England will invite 16 to 25-year-olds to have the vaccine if records show they did not have it in school. According to NHS England, more than 418,000 children left school without having the jab in the last three years, with concerns there are many more people aged 16 to 25 who are not protected. Dr Amanda Doyle, national director of primary care and community services, said: 'This vaccine is hugely important in our fight to eradicate cervical cancer but it isn't just for girls and women – it's also vital for boys and men to get vaccinated to protect themselves against cancers of the mouth, throat or genitals, while preventing spreading the HPV infection to sexual partners who could then develop cervical cancer. 'Too many lives are lost to cervical cancer so the hard work of NHS staff across the country in vaccinating and screening as many people as possible will help us to meet our ambition of wiping out this disease. 'Encouraging progress has been made recently in increasing uptake but we know there is much more to do. 'So if you're eligible for a HPV vaccination or are the parent of a child who is eligible, but didn't get the vaccine at school when they had the chance, I would urge you to come forward when your GP contacts you. 'Only a single dose is required and it could save you or your child's life.' Data shows that in the 2023/24 academic year, some 76.7% of girls and 71.2% of boys aged 14 to 15 were vaccinated against HPV by Year 10. Uptake in Year 8 increased to 72.9% among girls and 67.7% among boys, from 71.3% and 65.2% respectively a year earlier. The health service will aim to boost uptake among girls to 90% as part of plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. It will also aim to increase the number of women attending cervical cancer screening appointments. Public health minister Ashley Dalton said the vaccine 'is our most powerful tool in our fight to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040' but said there is a 'long way to go'. 'Thousands of young people are still unvaccinated and vulnerable to this disease – which is so easily prevented,' she added. Last month, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned young women in some parts of England are at greater risk of cervical cancer because not enough children are getting the jab. Analysis by the agency showed inequalities in vaccine uptake in some regions – by Year 10, HPV coverage in girls was lowest in London (64.9%) and highest in the South East (82.7%). Among boys, it was also lowest in London (58.9%) and highest in the South East (77.3%). Meanwhile, at local authority level, Year 10 vaccination levels in girls ranged from 38.7% (Lambeth in London) to 97.6% (Northumberland). Among boys, it ranged from 28.2% (Lambeth in London) to 92.2% (West Berkshire). Dr Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'We know that uptake of the HPV vaccination in young people has fallen significantly since the pandemic, leaving many, many thousands across the country at greater risk of HPV-related cancers. 'This is a real concern as each HPV vaccine, now just a single dose offered in schools, gives a young person good protection against the devastating impact of these cancers, which includes cervical, genital, mouth and throat cancers. 'This new catch-up campaign is a really important opportunity for us to make sure that no teenage girl or boy, young woman or man is denied that protection.'
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
National training drive boosts cervical cancer prevention efforts in Botswana
In a continued effort to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key partners has launched a national training initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of both doctors and nurses in the screening and treatment of pre-cancerous cervical lesions. The two-week training brought together healthcare workers from various districts, including Good Hope, Mochudi, and Palapye. The programme focused on equipping six doctors and a group of nurses with advanced clinical skills, particularly in managing cases that require more than basic procedures such as thermal ablation or cryotherapy. 'Our goal is to ensure that both doctors and nurses are adequately trained to identify and manage cervical pre-cancer,' said Ms Thomamo Pheto, National Coordinator for the Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme at the Ministry of Health. 'Many districts in Botswana still lack skilled personnel, and this training is designed to close that gap.' Since the inception of the programme in 2015, more than 283 healthcare professionals have been trained in cervical cancer screening and treatment, an achievement made possible through ongoing collaboration with WHO and other development partners. Ms Pheto noted that the training has sparked a growing interest in women's health among healthcare workers and has significantly strengthened capacity at the district level. 'This time around, we are building a team of professionals who will return to their districts better prepared to screen more women and manage cases early, before they progress to full-blown cancer,' she added. Despite the availability of services, Botswana continues to record low cervical cancer screening rates. Ms Pheto attributes this to the asymptomatic nature of pre-cancer and the resulting lack of urgency. 'When you have a pre-cancer, you don't feel sick. There's no pain, no discharge, so many women assume they're fine,' she said. 'This false sense of security is one of the reasons women don't come forward for screening.' She emphasized the importance of reaching women who have never screened. 'Those who have never screened are the ones we are most concerned about. Their health status is unknown, and they may already be at risk.' In his remarks, WHO Botswana's focal person for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr Tebogo Madidimalo, reaffirmed the country's commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat. 'Botswana is committed towards eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, and we all, particularly us health care workers, have a responsibility to ensure that women coming through our facilities are offered cervical cancer screening and timely follow-up care,' said Dr Madidimalo. He further highlighted the nation's strong record in addressing major health challenges: 'We have proven before that elimination of communicable diseases is possible in Botswana, and likewise, elimination of cervical cancer is within reach for us. It will, however, take all hands-on deck to achieve the WHO targets for elimination.' Ms Pheto echoed this call to action, encouraging communities to support eligible women, especially those aged 25 and above, to come forward for screening. 'Cervical cancer is a silent killer. By the time symptoms appear, it may already be too late. But with early detection, it is both preventable and treatable.' With continued support from WHO and other partners, the Ministry of Health remains committed to scaling up prevention efforts, enhancing healthcare worker capacity, and expanding community outreach. 'With the right skills, tools, and community support, we can save lives and move closer to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat in Botswana,' Ms Pheto concluded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.
