Vulvar cancer makes up about 6% of gynecologic cancers in the United States, with roughly 6,000 new cases each year. Most cases are squamous cell carcinoma, and treatment typically involves surgery, sometimes followed by radiation. Early-stage disease often has excellent outcomes, but advanced or recurrent vulvar cancer has limited treatment options.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab and nivolumab, which have shown promise in other squamous cell cancers. Studies are exploring combinations of chemotherapy with targeted drugs, radiation techniques that reduce side effects, and strategies to preserve sexual function after surgery. Researchers are also investigating HPV vaccination as prevention and studying biomarkers that predict which tumors will respond to specific treatments.
Immunotherapy combinations
Checkpoint inhibitors that release the immune system's brakes are being tested alone and combined with chemotherapy or radiation. Early results suggest some advanced vulvar cancers respond to these drugs.
Function-preserving surgery
Studies are testing less extensive surgical approaches and reconstructive techniques that maintain sexual function and quality of life. The goal is to cure cancer while reducing physical and emotional impact.
HPV-targeted approaches
Since many vulvar cancers are linked to HPV, researchers are studying therapeutic vaccines and treatments targeting HPV proteins. Prevention trials are testing whether HPV vaccination reduces precancerous changes in adults.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on cancer stage, whether disease is newly diagnosed or recurrent, prior treatments received, and overall health status.
What types of trials are currently open
- Immunotherapy trials — Testing checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab or nivolumab, often combined with chemotherapy or radiation, for advanced or recurrent disease.
- Surgical technique trials — Comparing different surgical approaches to find methods that cure cancer while preserving function and appearance.
- Radiation trials — Testing newer radiation techniques and schedules that may reduce side effects while maintaining cancer control.
- Combination therapy trials — Testing chemotherapy drugs combined with targeted therapies or immunotherapy for advanced disease.
- Quality of life studies — Following people after treatment to understand long-term effects on sexual function, bladder control, and emotional well-being.
Recently added Vulvar Cancer trials
Donate self-collected urine and vaginal samples to help identify cancer biomarkers
The goal of the MYSSELF (Methylation Profiling in Self-Samples for Identification of (Epi)Genetic Biomarkers for Gynecological Cancers) study is to investigate which biological markers (i.e., (epi)genetic biomarkers) found in self-collected samples, such as first-void urine and vaginal samples, are linked to the presence of endometrial, ovarian, vulvar, or vaginal (pre-)cancer or to postmenopausal bleeding. Samples collected by clinicians from the cervix or vulva, as well as blood and tissue samples, will be used for comparison. The study will explore whether these markers could help improve earlier and less invasive detection of gynecological cancers in the future.
Complete a scan with an AI-powered skin imaging device
This purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using the DermaSensor™ device on vulvar skin.
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