Vaginal Cancer: Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about vaginal cancer and how to treat it. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about vaginal cancer, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for you.

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) research. Researchers are working to learn more about the link between HPV and vaginal cancer.

  • Enhanced surgical and radiation techniques. Advances are being made in surgery and radiation therapy to increase cure rates and reduce treatment side effects. This includes vaginal reconstructive surgery after advanced surgery to treat the cancer.

  • New chemotherapy. Researchers continue to investigate new drugs and new combinations of existing treatments for vaginal cancer, such as combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy.

  • Palliative and supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current vaginal cancer treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like more information about the latest areas of research in vaginal cancer, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers some guidance on how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that cancer and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.