Medical Health Encyclopedia

For many years, chemotherapy was only used to reduce symptoms in women with very advanced disease. Today, platinum-based chemotherapy agents (see below) are being used in many situations for cervical cancer such as:

• In combination with radiation therapy to improve survival rates in certain women, including some with locally advanced cancer.
• In some women with locally advanced cancer to reduce tumors to the point where the cancer may be operable.
• When cancer has spread (metastasized), mostly to reduce symptoms such as pain.

Platinum-Based Agents. One of the most effective types of chemotherapy drugs for cervical cancer is cisplatin. Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug, and is one of the standard drugs used for cervical cancer. (Carboplatin is another.) Other platinum agents, such as nedaplatin, are under investigation.

Cisplatin enhances the effectiveness of radiation in patients with more advanced disease stages. (This is called a radiation enhancer or sensitizer.) Combining certain chemotherapy drugs with radiation therapy may destroy more cancer cells. Combination therapy is an important treatment strategy for many patients with late-stage cervical cancer. There is some evidence that a combination of platinum agents plus paclitaxel and other single agents may work better than platinum agents alone in the treatment of metastatic disease.

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Topotecan, a chemotherapy drug that interferes with the growth of cancer cells, is now showing promise in early studies as an effective radiation enhancer.

Other Agents. Other drugs, mostly used in combinations, have also been investigated with some promise. They include with epirubicin, irinotecan, paclitaxel, bleomycin, mitomycin, vinorelbine, gemcitabine, and doxifluridine.

Administration. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth or as an injection. This may be done at a medical center, doctor's office, or even a patient's home. Some patients receiving chemotherapy may need to remain in the hospital for several days so the effects of the drugs can be monitored. The drugs are often given in cycles with a period of rest following a period of treatment in order to allow a recovery from the side effects.