Metastatic Cervical Cancer Treatment in Singapore

What is Metastatic Cervical Cancer?

The cervix is the place where the metastatic cancer of the cervix starts and then extends to other tissues or organs. The physicians also describe it as stage 4 cervical cancer.

When cervical cancer begins, cervix cells change. Cervix cells can become cancerous and go to other organs of the body besides the cervix.

If treatment for early cervical cancer is not practical or is delayed, the cancer can spread. At diagnosis, metastases are present in over half of invasive cervical cancer patients. This is because there are often no obvious signs of early cervical cancer.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Early therapy is critical for metastatic cervical cancer because it significantly enhances the probability of curing the disease, decreases symptoms, and prolongs survival. With options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted drugs, timely intervention enhances outcomes and prevents cancer from spreading. Besides decreasing complications and improving quality of life, early therapy might also strengthen the effectiveness of available treatments. Delaying treatment may cause a poorer prognosis, reduced therapeutic efficacy, and tumour progression.

What are the Common Symptoms of Metastatic Cervical Cancer?

Advanced cervical cancer is when a tumour that started in the cervix has spread to another area of the body.

Symptoms vary depending on where the cancer is in the body. They may include:

• Tiredness and feeling ill
• Gripping pain in your tummy (abdomen)
• Feeling bloated
• Constipation
• Vomiting large amounts

Causes and Risk Factors of Metastatic Cervical Cancer

Causes

Most cervical cancers are caused by the sexually transmitted virus HPV. HPV is cancer-causing and is spread by anal, oral, or vaginal sex. Because their bodies can fight off the infection, most people will get HPV at some time in their lives without even knowing it. But if your body cannot fight the disease, it can cause the growth of malignant cells in your cervix.

Risk Factors

Cervical cancer results from some types of HPV infection. The risk for cervical cancer can be lowered by lowering the risk of HPV.

Sexual history: Having more than one sexual partner and having sex before the age of 18 might raise your risk of getting HPV.

Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases your chance of getting cervical cancer.

HIV infection: Cervical cancer is more frequent in individuals who have HIV than in the general population.

A weakimmunesystem: Your body cannot resist diseases if your immune system is compromised.

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Metastatic Cervical Cancer in Singapore

In Singapore, there have been some exciting advancements in how we manage metastatic cervical cancer, offering new therapy options that look promising. One significant breakthrough is the approval of tisotumab vedotin, an innovative antibody-drug combo that targets the tissue factor protein found in cervical cancer cells. This treatment works by delivering a potent chemotherapy agent directly to the tumour, which boosts its effectiveness. Additionally, researchers at the National University of Singapore have discovered that the protein SLC1A5, found in tumour-derived extracellular vesicles, plays a role in treatment resistance in metastatic tumours. By targeting this protein, we could improve therapy outcomes. Clinical trials are also exploring the use of chemotherapy and immunotherapies, such as pembrolizumab, to enhance the immune system's ability to fight off cancer cells.

Metastatic Cervical Cancer Prevention Tips

There are several things you can do to prevent cervical cancer. The most important methods for preventing cervical cancer are to have regular gynaecological exams and Pap tests.

You can also receive the HPV vaccination if you qualify, have fewer sexual partners, use condoms or protection methods when you have sex, and stop smoking and using tobacco products.