Review of the Standard and Advanced Screening, Staging Systems and Treatment Modalities for Cervical Cancer

Simple Summary This review discusses the timeline and development of the recommended screening tests, diagnosis system, and therapeutics implemented in clinics for precancer and cancer of the uterine cervix. The incorporation of the latest automation, machine learning modules, and state-of-the-art technologies into these aspects are also discussed. Cancer arising from the uterine cervix is the fourth most common cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Almost 90% of cervical cancer mortality has occurred in low- and middle-income countries. One of the major aetiologies contributing to cervical cancer is the persistent infection by the cancer-causing types of the human papillomavirus. The disease is preventable if the premalignant lesion is detected early and managed effectively. In this review, we outlined the standard guidelines that have been introduced and implemented worldwide for decades, including the cytology, the HPV detection and genotyping, and the immunostaining of surrogate markers. In addition, the staging system used to classify the premalignancy and malignancy of the uterine cervix, as well as the safety and efficacy of the various treatment modalities in clinical trials for cervical cancers, are also discussed. In this millennial world, the advancements in computer-aided technology, including robotic modules and artificial intelligence (AI), are also incorporated into the screening, diagnostic, and treatment platforms. These innovations reduce the dependence on specialists and technologists, as well as the work burden and time incurred for sample processing. However, concerns over the practicality of these advancements remain, due to the high cost, lack of flexibility, and the judgment of a trained professional that is currently not replaceable by a machine.

Automated summary

This review discusses the timeline and development of screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods for precancer and cancer of the uterine cervix, as well as the incorporation of automation, machine learning, and state-of-the-art technologies. Cervical cancer is a major cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The review outlines the standard guidelines implemented globally and discusses the staging of cervical cancer, safety and efficacy of treatment modalities, and the use of computer-aided technologies. Concerns regarding the practicality of these advancements, such as high cost and the inability to replace trained professionals, are also addressed.