New research presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology has revealed that the addition of an already-approved chemotherapy drug to the standard treatment for cervical cancer could significantly reduce the risk of mortality. The study, involving 500 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, found that those who received the combination therapy showed a longer average survival time compared to those who underwent the standard treatment alone.

The participants in the study were divided into two groups. Half of the patients underwent chemoradiation, which is currently considered the gold standard for cervical cancer treatment. The other half received a combination therapy that included an induction dose of chemotherapy before each session of chemoradiation.

According to the findings, the group that received the additional chemotherapy demonstrated a higher survival rate. After a period of 5 years, 80% of these women were still alive, while only 72% of those who received the standard treatment survived. These results suggest that the utilization of an early pre-dose of chemotherapy, combined with the standard chemotherapy and radiation approach, should become the new benchmark for treatment.

The study also noted that almost all participants experienced some side effects consistent with the typical reactions observed in cancer treatments. However, the potential benefits of the combined therapy outweighed the associated risks.

The researchers involved in the study emphasized the importance of early screening and prevention for cervical cancer. Dr. Darien Sutton, ABC News' medical correspondent, highlighted the significance of vaccination against the Human papillomavirus (HPV) as a key form of prevention. "Getting vaccinated early and at a young age will be one of the main ways to prevent this cancer," Dr. Sutton stated during an appearance on "GMA" Tuesday.

This groundbreaking research provides hope for those battling cervical cancer. With further validation and support from the medical community, the addition of this chemotherapy drug could revolutionize treatment options for individuals with locally advanced cervical cancer, offering improved survival rates and better outcomes.