WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

Cancer Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer - Medications

Medications, such as chemotherapy, may be given after surgery for endometrial cancer, depending on the stage and grade of the cancer and the risk for the cancer to spread (metastasis) or recur. Progestin hormone therapy may be used if your cancer has recurred or spread or you are unable to have surgery or radiation therapy.

Medication Choices

Medication treatment for endometrial cancer may include hormone therapy or chemotherapy.13

Progestin hormone therapy. Examples include:

  • Hydroxyprogesterone (Delalutin).
  • Megestrol (Megace).
  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera).

Chemotherapy, used alone or in combination. Examples include:

Treatment can often cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to control nausea and vomiting. These medicines may include:

  • Serotonin antagonists, such as ondansetron (Zofran), granisetron (Kytril), or dolasetron (Anzemet). These medications more effectively prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy when they are combined with corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone (Hexadrol).
  • Aprepitant (Emend), which is used in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone as part of a 3-day program.
  • Phenothiazines, such as Compazine and Phenergan.
  • Metoclopramide (Reglan).

Controlling nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy

What To Think About

A premenopausal woman whose cancer is in a very early stage and is slow-growing (low-grade) may be a candidate for progestin hormone therapy rather than hysterectomy and thus may be able to retain her uterus for childbearing.9

There is limited information on the effectiveness of progestin therapy compared to other treatments, so currently it is not considered a standard treatment.

One study has shown that chemotherapy may work better than radiation against stage 3 and stage 4 endometrial cancer. Chemotherapy can have severe side effects.10

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 27, 2006
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.
Next Article:
webMD Video

click to expand/contract  Handling the Stress of Cancer

Cancer Stress

Julie Silver talks about how to cope with stress associated with having cancer.

Watch Video

click to expand/contract  Making Chemotherapy Safer

click to expand/contract  Improving Your Appetite After Treatment

click to expand/contract  Coping With Memory Loss and Cancer

click to expand/contract  Alternative Therapies

Most Popular Stories