A new report from leading contract research organisation Novotech has shed light on the current state of play in the global cervical cancer clinical trial landscape.
The report, which covers an epidemiology overview, a SWOT analysis, and a look at evolving therapeutic strategies, highlights how cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, cervical cancer ranks eighth in incidence and ninth in cancer-related deaths. It poses a higher risk for women with HIV, who are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer. With a five-year relative survival rate of 67%, early diagnosis and treatment are important, as cervical cancer is curable in its early stages.
According to GLOBOCAN 2022, there were over 662,000 new cervical cancer cases and over 348,900 cervical cancer deaths in 2022. Asia reported the highest incidence, followed by Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with Europe and North America trailing behind.
Regarding treatment, the NCCN and ESGO guidelines offer detailed recommendations for cervical cancer management across various stages. The NCCN 2024 guidelines include recommendations such as chemoradiation and pembrolizumab-based therapies for PD-L1-positive tumors. Treatment options for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer include pembrolizumab and tisotumab vedotin-ttfv. The ESGO 2023 guidelines recommend surgery for early-stage cases and chemoradiotherapy for advanced stages. In Asia, clinicians primarily adhere to NCCN guidelines for standardised care.
Renewed hope
According to the report, since 2019, the biotech and biopharma industries initiated over 1,300 clinical trials related to cervical cancer. Asia-Pacific led in the number of trials conducted, followed by North America and Europe, while the rest of the world contributed moderately. Mainland China was prominent in Asia-Pacific while the United States led in North America. Significant research efforts were also initiated in Spain and Israel. In terms of patient recruitment trends, Asia-Pacific showed shorter recruitment durations compared to the US.
In marketed and drug pipeline trends, there are diverse products offered by companies like Akeso Inc., Amgen Inc., Baxter International Inc., and Merck & Co. Inc., covering various drug modalities such as bispecific or multi-specific antibodies, small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates, and preventive vaccines. Multiple ongoing phase III trials are also demonstrating continued efforts in developing these and other innovative therapeutic strategies involving cellular vaccines, novel antibodies, and small molecules. These research and development initiatives reflect the company’s comprehensive efforts to address cervical cancer treatment complexities and improve patient outcomes.
Overall, advancements in cervical cancer research have provided renewed hope for patients. Advancements in strategies such as thermal ablation, liquid-based cytology, and point-of-care HPV testing are driving progress in cervical cancer care. Artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing diagnosis, while precision medicine is supporting personalised treatments. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA interference hold promise for targeted therapies, and biomarkers such as HPV DNA and miRNAs are being explored for early detection. A comprehensive approach that integrates surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and innovative treatments is anticipated to boost survival rates further and improve patient quality of life.
A trusted partner
Novotech, a global clinical CRO, has partnered with numerous biotech companies and completed hundreds of oncology projects, including those in immuno-oncology and advanced therapies for indications such as cervical cancer. Novotech supports over 5,000 clinical projects across all phases and bioequivalence studies. Recognised for its contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Frost &Sullivan 2024 Global Biotech CRO of the year award, Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards 2024, 2024 Employer of Choice, 2024 Great Place to Work in the US, 2024 Brandon Hall Gold Award, CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell & Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, and the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006.
Discover more about cervical cancer’s global clinical trial landscape by downloading the comprehensive disease report below.
