Chemotherapy for vulval cancer

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs are sometimes given as tablets or by injection into a vein (intravenously). Chemotherapy can often be given to you as an outpatient, but sometimes you may need to spend a few days in hospital.

Chemotherapy may be used at the same time as radiotherapy, to try to improve the effectiveness of treatment. There are different ways in which this is done, depending on the drugs used and the chemotherapy plan that is being followed. Sometimes it means that chemotherapy is given continuously over a four-day period, during the first and last week of the radiotherapy treatment. More commonly it is given once a week during the radiotherapy course.

Our section on chemotherapy| discusses the treatment and its side effects in more detail. This section also includes information about individual chemotherapy drugs| you may have as part of your treatment, and their side effects.

Side effects

Chemotherapy can cause unpleasant side effects, but for women with vulval cancer that has come back or spread it can also make them feel better by relieving the symptoms of the cancer. Most people have some side effects from chemotherapy, but these can usually be well controlled with medicines. When chemotherapy is given with radiotherapy, the side effects from radiotherapy may be increased.

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. Anaemia happens when there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. This can make a person tired and lethargic. Blood transfusions can help to relieve these symptoms.

Our section coping with fatigue|  gives tips on coping with tiredness during chemotherapy. We also have information about avoiding infection when your immunity is low| .

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 drinks or a soft diet.

We have a section on Eating well| , with useful tips on coping with eating problems.

Hair loss

Unfortunately, some chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss| , but  your hair will grow back once the chemotherapy has finished. This usually takes 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.

Although they may be hard to bear at the time, most side effects disappear once your treatment is over. Chemotherapy drugs affect different people in different ways. Some people find that they’re able to lead a fairly normal life during their treatment, but many become very tired and have to take things much more slowly. Just do as much as you feel like and try not to overdo it.