Vaginal Cancer Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for Vaginal Cancer 

For most advanced-stage vaginal 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 may combine weekly chemotherapy with two types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy.

Treatment Options for Recurrent Vaginal Cancer 

Many of our patients have received prior vaginal cancer chemotherapy treatments. Our medical oncologists treat vaginal 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 treatment from the start.

The Infusion Center at CTCA

As a vaginal cancer patient at CTCA, we try to make you as comfortable as possible while you are receiving chemotherapy treatment 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 for vaginal cancer. 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 and to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.

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