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Cervical Cancer - Medications

Chemotherapy is used to shrink cervical cancer and decrease tumor growth. Chemotherapy may be used to treat later stages (stages II, III, and IV) of cervical cancer. It may be used alone or in combination with radiation (chemoradiation). Compared with radiation alone, chemoradiation improves survival.6 It is usually used as the primary therapy or after a hysterectomy.

Chemotherapy medicines may be taken by mouth (orally) or injected into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the medicines enter the bloodstream and travel through the body to kill cancer cells.

Recommended Related to Cervical Cancer

Cellular Classification of Cervical Cancer

Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma comprises approximately 90%, and adenocarcinoma comprises approximately 10% of cervical cancers. Adenosquamous and small cell carcinomas are relatively rare. Primary sarcomas of the cervix have been described occasionally, and malignant lymphomas of the cervix, primary and secondary, have also been reported.

Read the Cellular Classification of Cervical Cancer article > >

Extensive research and clinical trials have studied the different chemotherapy medicines used to treat cervical cancer. Some medicines are used routinely, and some are used in combination with others for greater effectiveness. Your oncologist will discuss and recommend chemotherapy treatment specific to your condition.

Medication Choices

Common chemotherapy medicines used to treat cervical cancer include:

What To Think About

Most chemotherapy will cause some side effects.

Chemotherapy may be given after surgery to try to kill any cancer cells that may remain, which is called adjuvant therapy.

Chemotherapy may be given at the same time as radiation treatment (chemoradiation) to improve survival rates. Chemoradiation may be used as primary therapy or after a hysterectomy.

Cisplatin is the medicine most often used in chemoradiation for cervical cancer.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 30, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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