Cervical Cancer
The cervix, anatomically, connects the uterus and the vagina. Cervical cancer originates in surface epithelial cells, squamous cell cancer, in 90% of women and 10% occurs in the deeper glandular cells, called adenocarcinoma. It is a slow growing malignancy, and precancerous, abnormal cells can be detected utilizing regular pap smear screening, and be removed, reducing the risk of progression to cancer.
The following information is from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. There will be 14,000 new cases and 4000 deaths from cervical cancer in 2023, but screening has reduced cervical cancer by 50% since the early 1970’s.
There data shows that he majority of women diagnosed with cervical cancer are in their mid-thirties to forties, but 20% are diagnosed in women over the age of sixty-five, considered to be a failure in having regular screening. Also, the incidence of cervical cancer in women in the twenties has declined which is attributed to HPV vaccine protection.
Early diagnosis of cervical cancer occurs in 44% of women, and their 5-year survival is 91%. If it has spread to surrounding tissues the 5-year survival is 59%, and only 17% if it has spread to distant sites in the body. White women have a overall 5-year survival of 67% while in black women it is 56%. Age also plays a significant role, with 5-year survival of 77% when less than 50, 61% in the age range of 50-64 and 46% in women over 65.
Executive Summary
Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, primarily from surface epithelial cells (squamous cell cancer) in 90% of cases, with 10% occurring in deeper glandular cells (adenocarcinoma). It's a slow-growing malignancy, and precancerous cells can often be detected through regular Pap smear screenings. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, with 91% 5-year survival for early-stage diagnoses.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, detected in 99.7% of tumors. While HPV is necessary for cervical cancer development, it's not sufficient alone; other factors like immune status and lifestyle also play a role. There are 40 urogenital HPV types, but only 15 are considered cancer-causing, with types 16 and 18 found in approximately half of all cervical cancers.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include long-term oral contraceptive use, smoking, lower socioeconomic status, certain hereditary factors, and compromised immune function. HPV infection is primarily transmitted sexually, and while most infections clear within a few years, persistent infections can lead to cancer development. Regular screening is crucial for early detection and prevention.
Screening recommendations vary by age. Generally, cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21 or 25, depending on guidelines, with Pap smears every 3 years or HPV testing every 5 years for women 30-65. Women over 65 may discontinue screening if they have a history of normal results and no high-risk factors.
Abnormal Pap smear results are categorized into several levels, ranging from atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). These findings guide further evaluation and treatment decisions. Colposcopy and biopsy are often performed to further assess abnormal Pap results.
Treatment options for cervical cancer depend on the stage of the disease. Early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery alone, while more advanced stages often require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Fertility-sparing procedures may be an option for some women with early-stage disease who wish to preserve their ability to have children.
Radiation therapy, both external beam and brachytherapy, plays a crucial role in treating cervical cancer, especially in locally advanced cases. It's often combined with chemotherapy (usually cisplatin) to enhance effectiveness. Side effects of radiation can include skin reactions, fatigue, and long-term effects on bladder and bowel function.
For recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, treatment options include chemotherapy (often platinum-based drugs combined with other agents), targeted therapies like Avastin (bevacizumab), and immunotherapies such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab). These treatments aim to extend survival and improve quality of life, though cure is less likely at this stage.
Long-term effects of cervical cancer treatment can include bladder and rectal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, lymphedema, and emotional impacts on body image and self-esteem. Management of these long-term effects is an important aspect of survivorship care.
Integrative approaches to support HPV clearance and potentially reduce cervical cancer risk include supplements like Turkey Tail mushroom, AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), zinc sulfate, DHEA, and lycopene. While these approaches show promise, they should be discussed with a healthcare provider and not replace standard medical care.
Prevention remains a key strategy in reducing cervical cancer incidence. This includes HPV vaccination for eligible individuals, regular screening according to guidelines, and lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Factors Increasing the Risk of Cervical Cancer
Oral contraceptives for >5 years compared to woman who have never taken them increases cancer risk, which declines after stopping, and returns to the same risk as never users at ten years.
In addition, oral contraceptives increase the risk in folate deficiency (vitamin B9), a necessary supplement for metabolizing the hormones, and should therefore be taken while on them.
It is important to note that IUD’s, especially the copper or levonorgestrel lowered cervical cancer risk.
Smoking increases risk by 50% and Is an important measure in prevention.
Lower socioeconomic situation raises risk as lower income often prevents women from getting preventive services and even less overall access to health care.
Heredity influences risk as higher incidence is noted within families, but no specific
Herpes infection increases the risk of cervical cancer.
Women that have a lowered or compromised immune system function are at higher risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Heavier bleeding, often of extended duration with menstruation
Spotting between periods
Post-menopausal bleeding
Pelvic pain
Substantial vaginal discharge
The Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer
The focus for causation of cervical cancer is HPV but is important to recognize that twenty to twenty-five percent of all cancers are initiated by infectious agents, of which thirty percent of those can be attributed to HPV.
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is considered causal in the development of both precancerous and cancerous lesions in cervical cancer. Its presence is necessary for cervical cancer to develop. There are other infections that can cause cervical inflammation but are not a cause of cervical cancer. HPV is detected in 99.7 % of tumors. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and amazingly it is noted that by the age of fifty, three quarters of sexually active adults have acquired it. Interestingly, while HPV is the cause of cervical cancer it is not sufficient alone to cause cancer, other factors such as immune status and lifestyle are required to create the environment for cancer initiation.
There are 40 urogenital HPV types but only 15 are considered as causative of cancer, and types 16 or 18 are found in approximately half of all cancer.
There are two categories of virus:
Low risk sub types include: 6,11,40,42-44,53, 54,61,72,73-81
High risk consists of the following subtypes, 16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56,58,59 and 68.
The action of two HPV proteins, E6 and E7, stimulate cervical cancer. By working together they are able to turn off our own tumor suppressor genes allowing the virus to become immortal and continually reproduce until malignancy develops
The vaccine protects against, 6,11,16,18,31,31,33,45,52,58. It can be given to people between 9 and 45 years old. Even if you have cervical dysplasia or genital warts you can receive the vaccine, but it will not affect any current HPV or the presence of premalignant cells but can lower the risk of developing new abnormal cells.
HPV infection is transmitted sexually, being almost unknown in those never having a sexual relationship. However, it is ubiquitous among sexually active people. It should be noted that HPV is contagious if the skin or mucus surface areas are exposed. So, areas not covered are able to disseminate the virus.
In young people most HPV infections are temporary and 50% of new infections are noted to clear within 1-2 years, and > 75% resolve in a few years. Of concern, HPV infections are without symptoms in a woman’s genital tract unless there develops genital warts or cervical cancer. This fact again stresses the need for surveillance in sexually active people. And while the virus clears in many people there is an implication that it becomes latent or inactive for periods of time similar to the herpes family of viruses. So if the pap remains only inflammatory and there are no premalignant cells, there are integrative therapies that offer the potential to augment clearing the virus.
Liquid Biopsy for Assessing HPV after Treatment
NavDx is a blood test, called a liquid biopsy, that measures a marker of the presence, type, and amount of HPV virus in the blood. It measures tissue modified tumor virus, or TTMV. Before treatment it tells the subtype of virus indicating its aggressiveness and during treatment it can reveal that treatment is effective by indicating decreases in the amount of virus. Following treatment it can indicate the presence of residual disease, and can signal the recurrence of disease before any symptoms occur.
Sexual Risk Factors Known to Increase Risk of Exposure to HPV
Age of initiation
The younger the age of initiation of sex the greater the risk.
The comparison is with women >21 years old, women 18-21 have 1.5x the risk of cervical cancer while in women under 18 the risk doubles.
Number of partners
Having multiple partners conveys greater risk, with greater numbers increasing the risk of exposure many times.
Sexual partners pose greater risk if:
Your partner has HPV or another STD or has a history of a previous STD.
Having vaginal or vulvar HPV puts a woman at risk for it to cause cervical abnormalities.
Initial Screening For Cervical Cancer Prevention
The goal of cervical cancer screening is to detect abnormal epithelial tissue cells that potentially can become cancer.
Recommendations for screening, From the US Preventative Task Force and the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
A pap smear and high-risk HPV testing can be performed together. While lying down, a speculum is used to open the vagina to visualize the cervix. Cells are then removed using a brush or wooden spatula and the specimen is put in a preservative liquid. The specimen is evaluated for high- risk HPV along with the pap that examines the cells for abnormalities.
If the age is < 21, regardless of age of initiation of sexual activity, screening is not suggested if the woman is asymptomatic and has a normally functioning immune system.
In the age range of 21-29 cervical cytology alone should be performed every 3 years. Current guidelines from the cancer society are to initiate screening at age 25 and with HPV testing every five years.
In woman aged 30-65, cervical cytology alone every 3 years or for a longer duration, high risk HPV testing every 5 years or a combination of cytology and HPV testing
In women > 65 years old, screening should be discontinued if average risk and prior results are normal, which implies no history of CIN grade 2 and two HPV tests that are negative in the past 10 years. If however, the woman has new partners screening should continue as discussed above.
The findings on pap smear are categorized as follows:
Cervical Cytology Terminology – in categories of abnormal cells on the pap smear
(NILM) Negative for intraepithelial malignancy ---indicates no epithelial abnormality, or no abnormal cells seen.
Atypical squamous cells, ASCs
(ASC-US) Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance---- Are cells that look abnormal, but the cause isn’t known. It can be caused by vaginal infections or irritation but could be precancerous. They are usually not precancerous, but HPV testing should be done as well as HPV. Follow up and repeat testing is needed to assure that these changes do not progress.
(ASC-H) Atypical squamous cells and cannot exclude a high -grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). It is more concerning as the cells are abnormal and It indicates a possible high-grade precancerous lesion in 30% of women, with a moderate to high risk of progression to cancer. More evaluation is then needed.
Squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) ( see below for definition of CIN categories)
(LSIL) Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions— these are mildly abnormal cells often associated with HPV. This also is often considered as mild dysplasia or CIN 1. This cytology is often temporary, and the pap returns to normal because the HPV often resolves itself spontaneously.
(HSIL) High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion has severely abnormal cells these are associated with high-risk subtypes of HPV and are unlikely to resolve on their own. This finding commonly will progress to cancer if left untreated. These lesions are dysplastic.
Cytology from the pap smear is a good screening tool to indicate the current risk of having CIN, and HPV.
Treatment of abnormal cervical cytology from the pap
If the screening pap results are abnormal, the next step is a small tissue biopsy in which an external microscopic view, using the colposcope, allows the physician to view abnormal areas, and use instruments to take tissue.
The colposcope examines cells from the superficial outer layers of epithelial cells
The examination of colposcopy biopsy specimens can reveal the following abnormalities.
CIN (Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) are premalignant cells of the cervix. The goal of gaining this information is to, when necessary, remove the abnormal tissue.
The “when necessary “implies the recognition that some lesions will resolve on their own and in these situations avoiding further surgery is desired.
There are three levels of severity:
CIN1 is considered a low-grade lesion with mild cellular changes and minimal risk for developing cervical cancer. This abnormality also rarely progresses to a higher grade and often reverts to normal. There is also recognized that if the woman is < 25, CIN 1 has a low risk of progressing to cancer and high potential to regress and go away. In this setting follow up and continued surveillance is recommended
Having CIN 2 or 3 has the opposite, having a higher risk for progression and a lower risk for regression
CIN2 is a high-grade lesion with the potential of developing cervical cancer. In this situation almost half of CIN 2 will regress, however almost 20% will process to CIN 3
CIN3 is also high-grade with an even greater risk of cervical cancer. one third to one half will regress but 20-40% will progress to cancer if untreated.
Having HPV poses the possibility of its long-term persistence and therefore the greater risk of persistent CIN.
Biopsies of the Cervix
Biopsy removes a deeper layer of cells than the colposcope
If the initial colposcopy reveals CIN 2, CIN 3 or even cancer, the next step to remove areas of tissue that extend to the junction of the glandular tissue where many pre cancers or cancers often start.
The types of biopsies that performed are:
Cone Biopsy is performed with the colposcope, but a larger instrument is used to remove a cone shaped piece of tissue
LEEP procedure is called a loop electrosurgery excision procedure using a heated wire loop that is knife like
Cold Knife Biopsy is a hospital-based procedure, using anesthesia and a scalpel to remove tissue
Laser surgery removes tissue using laser energy
In all the procedures, some level of cramps and bleeding should be expected from the procedure
Staging
If cervical cancer is diagnosed, staging follows. They are a universal categorization that allows physicians to understand the depth and location of the cancer.
Cervical Cancer Staging via the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO)
Locally Advanced is considered 2B,3,4A
Advanced 4B
Stage 1 is cancer confined to the cervix.
Stage 1A is invasive cancer diagnosed only by microscopic evaluation of cervical tissue and maximum penetration is < 5mm in depth and using tissue sample the size can be determined
It is further divided into:
1A1 is < 3mm penetration in depth
1A2 is > 3mm but <5mm in depth
Stage 1B: there is no distant spread and the tumor while larger is still confined to the cervix.
1B1: the tumor is > 5mm in depth but < 2cm wide.
1B2: is 5mm or more in depth between 2 -4 cm wide.
1B3: is greater than 4 cm or more in width.
Stage 2 has invaded beyond the uterus but not into the pelvic wall or lower 1/3 of the vagin
2A: The tumor is limited to the upper two -thirds of the vagina. It has not spread to the tissue next to the cervix, called the parametrial area.
2A1: the tumor is less than 4 cm in width.
2A2: the tumor is 4 cm or more wide.
Stage 2B: the tumor has spread to the parametrial area but doesn’t involve the pelvic wall.
Stage 3 the tumor involves the lower third of the vagina and /or to the pelvic wall; and causes kidney swelling, called hydronephrosis, and reduces or stops kidney functioning and/or has spread to the regional lymph nodes of the pelvis and around the aorta, but there is no distant spread.
Stage 3A: the tumor involves the lower third of the vagina but is not grown into the pelvic wall.
Stage 3B: the tumor has grown into the pelvic wall and /or affects a kidney.
Stage 3C: The tumor has spread to regional lymph nodes and/or the para-aortic nodes
Stage 3C1: tumors have spread to the pelvic lymph nodes only.
Stage 3C2: tumors have spread to the lymph nodes around the aorta.
Stage 4: The cancer has spread to adjacent pelvic organs; to the bladder and rectum
Stage 4A: tumor has spread to adjacent pelvic organs
Stage 4B: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
The five- year survivals based on the American Cancer Society statistics are:
Stage 1B- 80%
Stage 2A- 63%
Stage 2B- 58%
Stage 3- 30%
Stage 4A- 16%
Treatment Options
Before treatment diagnostic radiology imaging is done to assure that the cancer is confined locally to the cervix.
Surgery For cancer Localized to the Cervix. Early Stage is considered: 1A, 1B, and 2A
The procedures are utilized for treatment of cancer that is confined to the cervix.
1A1- Conization is a procedure that removes a cone shaped tissue wedge from the cervix tissue and can be used for a biopsy or as treatment of cervical cancer. It is used when cervical cancer is microinvasive, or visual only using a microscope.
1A2 -Simple Hysterectomy is the removal of both the cervix and the uterus, modified radical hysterectomy which in addition to the cervix and uterus also removes the upper one quarter of the vagina and the fibrous tissue between the cervix and the bladder.
1B1 & 1B2 - Radical Hysterectomy removes the cervix, uterus, upper vaginal cuff and tissue around the cervix and often local lymph nodes.
To preserve potential for fertility - Radical trachelectomy is a procedure that entails removing the cervix and pelvic lymph nodes but leaves the uterus.
Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Diagnosis involves
Stage 1B3
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4A
Prior to treatment, PET (Positron emission tomography) and CT scan are performed to delineate the extent of disease and assess lymph node involvement.
Surgery is not the first consideration for treatment, in locally advanced disease, as it is unlikely to be curative and poses higher risk of complications.
Treatment from studies suggest that the combination of chemotherapy and radiation offers more benefit than radiation alone.
Radiation Therapy for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer
Primary Therapy- Radiation alone is usually reserved for women who have multiple medical issues that make them poor surgical candidates or in settings where there are limited medical facilities available for cancer surgery.
Adjuvant Therapy- Radiation for early-stage cervical cancer, following surgery, is given as an adjuvant or additional treatment. In these situations, the pathology report supports information that there is a significantly higher risk of recurrence with just surgery.
Intermediate Risk of Recurrence – Pathology reveals that there is invasion by cancer cells in areas adjacent to the lymph and blood vessels of the tissue. Studies with additional radiation show the potential to reduce reoccurrence by almost a third.
High Risk of Recurrence is suggested by pathology that reveals presence of cancer cells extending beyond the surgical area removed or cancer in the lymph nodes.
Treatment is given via as an external beam of radiation from outside the body. It is often given in combination with low dose chemotherapy, called concurrent therapy, as a means of enhancing the radiation. Cisplatin is often chosen and given in scheduled doses, usually weekly, during radiation, while radiation is 5 days/week for five weeks.
Avoid sugar entirely. Try to maintain a low glycemic diet. High-sugar diets stimulate a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) which is said to reduce sensitivity to radiation.
Side effects of radiation
The most common side effects of radiation are generally localized skin reactions in the radiation area. These include skin redness, burning and pain, itching, changes in pigmentation, and local swelling. Using non-oil-based creams, as oils can cause burns. Topical creams such as calendula, mixed with Traumeel cream, can be used for milder skin reactions. A Chinese ointment called Lithospermum ointment is also an excellent remedy, but it stains clothes. If the tissue blisters and peels, more specific medical treatment will be needed.
Systemic Effects related to radiation can include nausea, vomiting, malaise, diarrhea, headache, fever, and sweats.
Another expected effect of radiation is the gradual increase in fatigue levels. In the early stages, fatigue will seem to minimally affect overall energy. But as the weeks go by, it will increase substantially, as the cumulative dose of radiation increases. Post-radiation recovery is often slow, and patients need to be prudent with energy expenditure by pacing activities and increasing rest periods. Without these self-care measures, healing and fatigue can be prolonged.
Other Effects include: Quality of life issues related to bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction.
Radiation Cystitis which irritates the bladder causing pain, discomfort, and urgency
Vaginal discomfort of the vulvar and vaginal areas.
Menstruation can become irregular or cause early menopause due to its effect on the ovaries.
Decreased blood counts of red and white cells, increasing infection risk, and platelets, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Radiation is delivered via external beam and in addition brachytherapy is also an additional form of treatment indicated for locally advanced disease.
Brachytherapy (Internal Beam Radiation)
Brachytherapy puts a source of radiation near the cancer, in proximity, to allow higher doses of irradiation with less damage to local tissues. In advanced cervical cancer the standard of care has changed from external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), to EBRT plus brachytherapy plus the addition of low dose chemotherapy. Also, some institutions are using CT or MRI guidance to place local radiation in the uterus or vagina.
Cisplatin is the first line choice for chemotherapy in combination with radiation,, but there are potentially the significant side effects of neuropathy or renal injury, so patients with these issues receive Carboplatin.
Cisplatin side effects include:
>40% up to 80% peripheral neuropathy, drug manufacture sites 0%
28% Kidney dysfunction
31% Hearing loss
30% marrow suppression
Carboplatin side effects include:
5% peripheral neuropathy
10% nephrotoxicity
93% nausea
84% vomiting
44% PAIN
Management of Recurrent Cervical Cancer, Local or Metastatic
After treatment for cervical cancer there is still a significant risk of metastatic recurrence within the first two years following the completion of treatment. Approximately twenty to fifty percent will have to deal with a return their cancer. At this juncture, the potential for cure is limited but extended survival is a feasible goal for most women. If cancer is confined to the pelvis or minimal disease at a distant site, surgery treatment will be considered as an option.
Evaluation
Distant disease often presents with vague systemic symptoms including fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite or an area of pain or discomfort. With the history of cancer the oncologist will schedule radiologic imaging to assess the possibility of the return of cancer.
Locally recurrent cancer commonly presents with vaginal symptoms such as, bleeding, discharge, or painful sex. The pelvic examination will often reveal an abnormal finding, a mass or nodule palpated on the vaginal cuff or in the vaginal wall, but in either situation
PET/ CT imaging will be done to provide complete assessment of the extent of the disease.
The initial Chemotherapy Recommendation (for recurrent, metastatic or even advanced disease)
Cisplatin, Carboplatin and Oxaliplatin (Platinum based drugs) combined with
Avastin (Bevacizumab), a VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor) or a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the growth of new blood vessels
Overall survival was improved using this combination rather than chemotherapy alone even in women who had received a platinum drug and radiation at an earlier time.
Side effects include:
80%Fatigue
61% Abdominal pain
37% Low white blood count
34% Hypertension
32%Diarrhea
32% Hearing loss
24%Neuropathy
Treatments
Treatment of a local recurrence is designed to affect cure. If initial treatment was radiation, then a hysterectomy is recommended, while radiation therapy is recommended for those who have not had radiation or in situations that surgery presents excessive risk of complications. Sometimes a woman is not a candidate for either option. and chemotherapy is then considered the next necessary step in treatment.
Metastatic cervical cancer is the result of existing disease and almost never is the initial presentation unless health care is unavailable.
The approach to treatment of metastasis involving limited lymph node involvement is predominately radiation therapy but recognizing that while only seen in the nodes, micro metastatic cells have been potentially spread, based on poor survival outcomes, so chemotherapy is consistently recommended in addition.
The majority of metastatic disease, in women who have not had chemotherapy, are treated with a combination of chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy.
OR
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) a PDL-1 (Programmed Cell Death Ligand) drugs, Checkpoint Inhibitors
Side effects listed as up to:
92% Anemia
71% Rash or elevated liver functions
80% Elevated blood sugar
61% Alopecia
62% Enteritis
70% Fatigue
48% Weight loss
Second Line Therapies for failure with initial treatment or not considered for combination therapy:
Carboplatin
Paclitaxel
Topotecan
Tisotumab
Pembrolizumab
Long Term Effects Secondary to Treatment for Cervical Cancer
Bladder Symptoms
Surgery:
Urgency
Incontinence
Painful urination
Radiation
Muscular support instability due to scarring
Bladder lining damage from radiation burn
Continued HPV Risk
It is important to recognize that besides being the cause of cervical cancer HPV is responsible for 70% of cancers of the oropharynx and 91% of anal cancers. Most are related to HPV16 and 18. While there is no cure for HPV, but the following integrative recommendations can be made.
Rectal Symptoms
Surgery:
Constipation
Incomplete Evacuation
Incontinence
Radiation
Rectal inflammation, colitis
Stool leakage, stool incontinence, and urgency
Emotional Effects of Cervical Cancer Treatment
Treatments that involve radical pelvic surgery and/or radiation create both internal and external scarring that is physically visible. There are however the emotional effects that create a change in body image perception that affects a woman’s self-esteem and self-concept.
Please see our upcoming resource section on gaining perspective on these challenging issues.
Lymphedema
Information varies but more than 20% of women who have had surgery and radiation have lower extremity accumulation of fluid in the legs. The lymphatic nodes are damaged or removed in the pelvis and the fluid is unable to flow along its natural channels to recombine with the
Integrative Recommendations for Improving Clearing of HPV
The initiation of cervical cancer is dependent on HPV. Natural measures have been studied and shown to eliminate the virus and therefore reduce disease development.
Turkey Tail mushroom taken 3 grams per day increases the percentage of females at one year that clear the HPV from 9% in controls to 91%. A small percentage of people we'll get digestive upset taking this mushroom.
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a nutritional supplement that one taken at 3 grams per day was shown to clear 63% of HPV versus 10.5% in the control group. Small percentage of people will experience GI upset or fatigue while taking this supplement.
Zinc Sulfate taken for 3 months increased HPV clearance and improved resolution of ASCUS and LSIL.
DHEA strongly inhibited the proliferation of HPV 16& 18 and cervical cancer cells.
Lycopene is a carotenoid supplement that is found in red and pink fruits and veggies; red cabbage, tomatoes, red pepper, pink grapefruit and blood oranges.
Women with the highest levels had a 56% reduction in persistence risk of HPV than those with the lowest levels