How is gynecologic cancer treated?

A multidisciplinary cancer treatment plan for gynecologic cancer is formulated for each patient after the initial consultation with one of the gynecologic oncologists. Women requiring hospitalization are cared for in a specialized nursing unit. Most gynecologic cancers require a multifaceted treatment approach. These may include electrocoagulation therapy or laser ablation for pre-invasive cancer of the cervix, as well as surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy for more advanced types of gynecologic cancer.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses a combination of drugs to slow tumor growth and destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery to treat gynecological cancer and to prevent recurrent disease. Drugs may be administered by mouth or intravenously (IV, or into the veins). Side effects of chemotherapy may be severe and include: fatigue; fever; hair loss (alopecia); infection; low blood cell count (such as anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia); and nausea.

Radiation therapy: Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. This treatment may be used prior to surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. Radiation also may be used in patients who are unable to undergo surgery.

Surgery: Treatment for many gynecological cancers usually involves removal of the uterus, including the cervix (called total hysterectomy), and removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (called bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Surgery may be performed through an incision in the abdomen or through the vagina (called transvaginal hysterectomy).

Other therapies: Biological therapies involve treatments to help improve the immune system. It uses such agents as interleukin-2 (IL-2), vaccine therapy, and anti-HER-2. Anti-angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels to tumors) therapy decreases the amount of blood a tumor can get, thereby possibly killing or decreasing the tumor.

Some drugs treat the side effects of chemotherapy. Anemia (low number of red blood cells) is a frequent side effect of chemotherapy and may cause symptoms such as extreme tiredness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Epoetin alfa (Procrit®, Epogen®) is a synthetic hormone that is used for the treatment of chemotherapy-related anemia by stimulating red blood cell production. Immune system problems caused by chemotherapy may be treated with filgrastim (Neupogen®), a human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). G-CSF helps stimulate the production of cells of the immune system, including granulocytes, macrophages, and stem cells.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.