Cervical Cancer Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer

For most advanced-stage cervical cancer patients at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we combine chemotherapy and radiation therapy as a first line treatment.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells and tumors in the body. We combine weekly cervical cancer chemotherapy treatments with two types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy.

Treatment Options for Recurrent Cervical Cancer

Many of our patients have received prior chemotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. Our medical oncologists treat cervical cancer with an aggressive and creative approach, trying different chemotherapy drug combinations when standard therapy is not enough.

We perform tumor molecular profiling to help us identify drugs that are more likely to be effective so we can provide more focused cervical cancer chemotherapy treatment from the start.

The Infusion Center at CTCA

As a patient at CTCA, we try to make you as comfortable as possible while you are receiving chemotherapy for cervical cancer in the hospital's Infusion Center:

• When you arrive for your first chemotherapy treatment, a nurse will show you around and give you a brief tour of the infusion center.
• Each time you come for an appointment, you choose a seat wherever you would like.
• Semi-private chairs with your own television are always available.
• Rooms are available if you seek more privacy or need to rest during treatment.
• A patient care technician will offer you a heated blanket and get you comfortable, as well as take your order for lunch or dinner. You can order a meal for a companion, too.

In addition, you can choose what you want to do while receiving chemotherapy treatment. You may decide to talk with family or friends, sit in front of the window, read a book or nap in a private lounge chair.

You can also schedule appointments with acupuncturists and naturopathic clinicians during your time in the infusion center. Our practitioners provide supportive therapies to help you relax before or during chemotherapy treatment for cervical cancer and to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.

Next Topic: Targeted Drug Therapy for Cervical Cancer