Cytotoxic Effects of Phytophenolics from Caesalpinia mimosoides Lamk on Cervical Cancer Cells through Apoptosis

As compared to other cancers, the incidence of cervical carcinoma is relatively high (Arbyn et al., 2011). Certain human papillomavirus (HPV) types are carcinogenic in humans, and more than 99% of cervical cancers are associated with HPV infection. Genital HPV types are divided into high-, medium-, and low-risk groups based on the frequency of association with malignant tumors (Monsonego et al., 2004). Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma resulting in a progression-free survival rate of 70% (Rose, 2002). To increase local control rates, chemotherapeutic agents are being incorporated into treatment protocols. However, the success of chemotherapy for cervical cancer patients is hampered by the problem of drug-resistance. Therefore, it is of critical importance that an effective treatment for cervical cancer be developed.