Chemotherapy for cervical cancer

The most commonly used chemotherapy drug is cisplatin which is often given in combination with radiotherapy or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. The drugs are usually given intravenously (by injection into a vein).

Early and locally advanced cancer Back to top

Chemotherapy may be used to treat larger tumours that are confined to the cervix or those that have spread locally (to the surrounding area). It’s commonly combined with radiotherapy| to make the radiotherapy more effective. This is called chemoradiation . It is thought that the chemotherapy makes cervical cancer more sensitive to the effects of the radiotherapy. Usually the chemotherapy is given once a week during the course of radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy may sometimes be used before surgery or radiotherapy, to shrink the cancer and to make these treatments more effective. If it is given in this way it’s called neo-adjuvant chemotherapy .

Advanced cancer Back to top

Chemotherapy may also be given to women whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body or if the cancer has come back after radiotherapy. It is used in this situation to try to shrink and control the cancer and relieve symptoms, to prolong a good quality of life. In some women the chemotherapy will achieve this. Unfortunately for others the chemotherapy will not shrink the cancer and in this situation the treatment will be stopped to avoid the side effects it may cause. It’s helpful to discuss the pros and cons of chemotherapy in your particular situation with your cancer specialist.

Side effects Back to top

Chemotherapy| can cause side effects, which may be slightly worse when given alongside radiotherapy. Here is an outline of some of the side effects you may experience.

Lowered production of blood cells

While the drugs are acting on the cancer cells in your body, they also temporarily reduce the number of normal cells in your blood. When these cells are reduced, you’re more likely to get an infection and you may tire easily. If you have any signs of infection during chemotherapy, you will be given antibiotics. 

Less commonly, if people become anaemic due to the chemotherapy they may need a blood transfusion| .

We have information on coping with tiredness|  during chemotherapy and avoiding infection when your immunity is low| .

Effects on the kidneys

Some of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer of the cervix may affect the kidneys. Usually this doesn’t cause any symptoms, but the effect can be severe and the kidneys can be permanently damaged unless the treatment is stopped.

For this reason your kidney function will be checked by a blood test before each treatment. You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids, and to measure how much liquid you drink and the amount of urine you pass.

Nausea and vomiting

Your doctor will prescribe anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetics) to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting| . These are usually very effective.

Sore mouth and loss of appetite

Some chemotherapy drugs can make your mouth sore and cause small mouth ulcers. Regular mouthwashes are important. Your nurse will show you how to do these properly. If you don’t feel like eating during treatment, you could try replacing some meals with nutritious soft drinks or a soft diet. A referral to a dietician my also be helpful.

Our section about eating well| has useful tips on coping with eating problems. We also have information about mouthcare during chemotherapy| .

Hair loss

Unfortunately, some chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss| , but your hair will almost always grow back once the chemotherapy has finished. This usually takes between 3–6 months. Women who lose their hair often cover up by wearing wigs, bandanas, hats or scarves. Most patients are entitled to a free wig from the NHS. Your doctor or nurse will be able to arrange for you to see a wig specialist if you are having chemotherapy that causes hair loss.

Our section on chemotherapy| discusses the treatment and its side effects in detail. Information about individual drugs| and their particular side effects are also available.