Primary treatments for cervical cancer
A gynecologic cancer patient exploring treatment options at City of Hope may expect to meet with a gynecologic oncologist on the first visit. A gynecologic oncologist will discuss the patient’s health and spend time addressing questions and concerns regarding cervical cancer treatment.
After reviewing medical records and health history, and performing a pelvic exam, the gynecologic oncologist may order appropriate diagnostic tests to determine a recommended course of treatment. These may include biopsies, imaging scans and blood tests. The patient and gynecologic oncologist will meet again, generally within a few days of the first visit, to discuss test results.
At that time, doctors will discuss the available cervical cancer treatment options, as well as the ways supportive care services may be incorporated into the treatment plan. Our gynecologic oncology team individualizes treatment using evidence-based medicine, tailoring the program to each patient. A treatment plan may include:
Different combinations of these therapies may be used to treat cervical cancer, but the general strategy is based on the cancer stage.
Along with these standard treatments, new treatments for cervical cancer are being studied in clinical trials. Patients should ask whether clinical trials are the right approach for them or check out clinical trials supported by the National Cancer Institute.