US Branch Addresses Cervical Cancer

The US Branch is initiating a new program for cancer of the cervix in Latin America. While of diminished importance in much of the Western world, this tumor is endemic in many developing countries, especially Central and South America, Africa, and South Asia.

Screening is well established as a means of detecting the early stages of epithelial transformation, thus providing an opportunity to interdict the process. Studies of etiology have implicated a role for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and several new vaccines against this virus are under development. Lastly, recent data from controlled trials have demonstrated that improved survival for patients with locally advanced tumors can be achieved with combined modality treatment. Therefore, this is an appropriate time to attempt to exploit the recent advances in the understanding and management of this important cancer in countries where it is a major source of morbidity and mortality.

The US Branch held a planning meeting in Miami, Florida, in late March. Investigators working in the fields of public health, prevention, detection, and treatment from Latin America and the United States met to exchange information and concepts of management. The group intends to focus on issues of technology transfer and the formation of new collaborations that can introduce new strategies in countries or regions where they are underrepresented. It is hoped that any initiative for cervical cancer piloted in Latin America will be extended to many other regions of the world.