Earlier this month, Dr. Eva Ramón Gallegos, a researcher at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) in Mexico City, announced promising results from her long-term research on treating human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Using an innovative, non-invasive method called photodynamic therapy (PDT), her team reported success in eliminating HPV and pre-cancerous lesions in a small group of women, a development that could reshape approaches to cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

HPV and Its Impact

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, approximately 80% of women will encounter the virus at some point in their lives. While most HPV infections clear up on their own, certain high-risk strains can persist and lead to cervical cancer, a major global health concern—particularly in Mexico, where cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women, highlighting the urgency of effective interventions.

Currently, there is no existing cure for HPV. Prevention hinges on vaccination (recommended for children and young adults) and regular screening, while treatments focus on managing symptoms like genital warts or removing precancerous lesions. These interventions, such as cryotherapy or surgical excision, can be invasive and carry risks, underscoring the demand for safer, more targeted options.

Photodynamic Therapy

Dr. Eva Ramón Gallegos has spent over 20 years refining photodynamic therapy, a technique that uses light and a photosensitizing agent to destroy abnormal cells while sparing healthy tissue. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both diseased and healthy cells, PDT offers precision by targeting only damaged areas.

In her method, a drug called delta-aminolevulinic acid is applied to the cervix. This compound is absorbed by cells and converted into protoporphyrin IX, a light-sensitive substance that accumulates more in abnormal cells than in normal ones. After a period of time is allowed for the drug to clear from healthy tissue, a specific wavelength of light is applied, activating the protoporphyrin IX to produce reactive oxygen species that destroy the targeted cells.

Reported Results

Dr. Ramón Gallegos’s study involved 29 women and yielded impressive, though preliminary, outcomes:

• 85% Cure Rate for HPV Alone: Among women with HPV but no cervical lesions, 85% tested negative for the virus post-treatment.
• 85% Success with HPV and Lesions: In women with both HPV and pre-cancerous lesions, 85% saw both the virus and lesions eliminated.
• 42% Efficacy Without HPV: For women with lesions but no detectable HPV, the treatment cleared lesions in about 42% of cases.
• 100% Success with Higher Dosage: Doubling the delta-aminolevulinic acid concentration reportedly eradicated HPV in 100% of women with the virus but no lesions.

These results suggest PDT could not only treat HPV infections but also stop progression to cervical cancer by addressing early-stage abnormalities.

Context and Limitations

The findings build on a previous IPN report from 2019, where Dr. Eva Ramón Gallegos first announced similar success with PDT in a larger cohort of over 400 women. However, peer-reviewed publications confirming these results—particularly the February 2025 announcement—are not yet available, suggesting the need for caution until further studies are conducted. The small sample size of 29 women in this study also limits broader conclusions.

Photodynamic therapy itself is an established technique, but its application to HPV is new. The U.S. National Cancer Institute notes that PDT is limited to surface-level conditions because light cannot penetrate deeply into tissue. A 2023 study in Medicine on PDT for other conditions also reported mild side effects such as burns, scarring, and temporary light sensitivity, consistent with Dr. Ramón Gallegos's findings of minimal adverse effects compared to surgery or chemotherapy.

A Step Toward a Cure?

Dr. Eva Ramón Gallegos’ work suggests a hopeful future, but requires rigorous follow-up and long-term studies to confirm whether HPV clearance is sustainable, as well as to assess the rates of recurrence. If validated, Mexico could emerge as a leader in HPV treatment and reduce the global burden of cervical cancer.

Dr. Eva Ramón Gallegos’ research proves the potential of photodynamic therapy to transform women’s health. With further development and peer-review, it could provide a certified, non-invasive solution to HPV—potentially saving millions of lives in the future.