Vulvar Cancer: Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 07/2023

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

Doctors are working to learn more about vulvar 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 best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

  • Different surgical techniques. Researchers are studying new techniques, including reconstruction, to reduce the effects of vulvar surgery or to reconstruct the fatty tissue of the vulva after surgery.

  • New ways of delivering radiation therapy.

  • Testing new drugs, including new immunotherapy treatments.

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) and vulvar cancer. Research continues to study the link between HPV and vulvar cancer, leading to a better understanding of the types of vulvar cancer and how each type grows.

  • Palliative and supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing side effects of current vulvar 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 vulvar 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.