Medications

Chemotherapy is used to shrink cervical cancer and decrease tumor growth. It may be used alone or along with radiation (chemoradiation). Compared with radiation alone, chemoradiation improves survival.¹ It is usually used as the main treatment or after a hysterectomy. Chemotherapy may also be used to treat cervical cancer that has spread beyond the cervix.

Medication choices

Common chemotherapy medicines used to treat cervical cancer include:

• Cisplatin. Cisplatin is the medicine most often used in chemoradiation for cervical cancer.
• Fluorouracil (5-FU).
• Mitomycin.
• Paclitaxel.
• Ifosfamide.
• Carboplatin.
• Bevacizumab.
• Docetaxel.
• Epirubicin.

Dealing with side effects of medicines

Most chemotherapy will cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. Your doctor may also give you medicines to control and prevent nausea and vomiting. Home treatment may also help relieve other common side effects of cancer treatment. For more information, see Home Treatment.

Cancer: Controlling Nausea and Vomiting From Chemotherapy