CELL INTELLIGENCE · 肿瘤细胞治疗研究

Cervical cancer continues to represent a significant global health challenge, primarily due to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. While prophylactic HPV vaccines have substantially reduced infection rates, their inability to address established infections or HPV-driven malignancies highlights a critical therapeutic gap. Conventional treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery remain the cornerstone of cervical cancer management; however, these approaches are often associated with nonspecific toxicity, diminished quality of life, treatment resistance, and elevated recurrence rates. Notably, conventional therapies are not specifically designed to target persistent HPV infection, and viral clearance may not be consistently achieved. This narrative review synthesizes studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar published up to March 2026. It critically evaluates the limitations of current therapeutic strategies and emphasizes emerging non-conventional immunotherapeutic approaches designed to address HPV persistence and tumor immune evasion. Particular attention is given to nanocarrier-based therapeutic platforms, siRNA-mediated E6/E7 silencing and CRISPR-based disruption of the HPV genome, are presented as promising methods for precise molecular intervention. Additionally, advances in therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibition, and γδ T-cell-based immunotherapy are also explored as potential strategies to restore HPV-specific immune surveillance and achieve sustained clinical responses. Cervical cancer is a common disease in women and is mainly caused by a long-term infection with a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccines can help prevent HPV infection, but they do not work for people who are already infected or who have developed cancer. Because of this, many patients still need treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. These treatments can be effective, but they may also cause side effects and do not always remove the virus completely. In this review, we describe some newer treatment approaches that are being studied. One of these is immunotherapy, which helps the body’s own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Another approach uses nanotechnology, where tiny particles are used to deliver drugs directly to the tumor. This may help reduce damage to healthy tissues and improve treatment results. We also discuss newer techniques such as gene-based treatments, which aim to block the viral genes that help cancer grow. Using these new methods together with existing treatments may improve outcomes and reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. Although these approaches are promising, there are still challenges, including safety, cost, and availability. More research is needed before they can be widely used. Overall, these advances may lead to safer and more effective treatment options for cervical cancer in the future.