Cervical cancer: From bench to bedside- insights into pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and therapy

Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women worldwide, with a particularly heavy burden in low- and middle-income countries. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types — most notably HPV-16 and HPV-18 — is firmly established as the primary etiological driver of this disease. This review takes a bench-to-bedside approach, examining the molecular and pathophysiological underpinnings of cervical carcinogenesis alongside the epidemiology, screening strategies, diagnostic tools, and the current treatment landscape. Special attention is given to recent progress in immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and prophylactic vaccines, as well as the growing body of research on exosome-based diagnostics and cell-based therapies. We also address persistent challenges that complicate global disease management — from inadequate access to vaccination in resource-limited settings to the emergence of therapeutic resistance. By bringing together insights from basic and clinical research, this article aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and patient care in the ongoing fight against cervical cancer.