Chemotherapy for cervical cancer

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth while causing the least possible damage to healthy cells. Chemotherapy may be given:

• in combination with radiation therapy as the main treatment for cervical cancer (chemoradiation)
• on its own or combined with targeted therapy if the cancer has already spread beyond the pelvis at the time of diagnosis or comes back after treatment.

The drugs are usually given through a vein (intravenously) and during day visits to a hospital or clinic as an outpatient. The number of chemotherapy sessions you have depends on the type of cervical cancer and any other treatments you may be having. If you have chemotherapy without radiation therapy, you are likely to have up to six sessions, every 3–4 weeks, though it may continue for longer.

Side effects of chemotherapy

The side effects of chemotherapy vary according to the drugs given, how often you have treatment, your general health and fitness, and whether you have chemotherapy or chemoradiation. You may have nausea or vomiting, feel tired, or lose some hair from your body or head. Chemotherapy can also cause temporary or permanent menopause.

Chemotherapy may reduce the number of blood cells in your body. Depending on the type of blood cells affected, you may feel very tired and be more likely to get infections. If your temperature rises to 38°C or above, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. You will have regular blood tests during treatment to monitor the levels of blood cells.

Most side effects of chemotherapy are temporary, and your treatment team can help you to prevent or reduce them.

For more on this, see our general sections on Chemotherapy and Managing cancer side effects.

Video: What is chemotherapy?

Watch this short video to learn more about chemotherapy, its role, how you get it, and possible side effects.