Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and interfere with cancer cell growth, according to the National Cancer Institute. These medications are systemic, meaning they travel through the bloodstream and kill cancer cells throughout the body, and not just in the area around the cervix. To increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy in treating cervical cancer, oncologists often combine it either with radiation or with other drugs. This is called combination chemotherapy.
Cisplatin (Platinol)
A platinum-based chemotherapy drug, Cisplatin, also called Platinol, interferes with cervical cancer cell growth and causes cell death. Patients receive this treatment intravenously over at least an hour, according to the American Cancer Society, along with fluids that help flush the medication from the kidneys and anti-nausea medications. Common side effects of cisplatin include nausea and vomiting, kidney damage, lowered white and red blood cell counts (which can lead to increased risk of infection and anemia) and changes in the way foods taste. Another possible side effect; peripheral neuropathy can cause nerve damage in the feet and hands. This can cause numbness, tingling, temperature sensitivity and the feeling of "pins and needles" in the feet and hands. This typically resolves itself once treatment has ended, but can become long lasting in some people.
Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Paclitaxel, the brand name drug Taxol, interferes with cell structures during replication, leading to cell death. Intravenous treatments of this drug typically last over three hours. Common side effects of paclitaxel can include a lowered white and red blood cell count, allergic reactions, hair loss, mild diarrhea, nausea or vomiting and peripheral neuropathy. Other side effects include mouth and lip sores, abnormal heart rhythms and increased liver enzymes in the blood.
Ifosfamide (Ifex)
Ifosfamide, the generic name for the brand name drug Ifex, is an alkylating chemotherapy drug which interferes with cervical cancer cell growth. Oncologists typical administer this drug intravenously from a half hour to 24 hours, for several days. Other intravenous fluids are given with this medication to help flush the drug quickly through the kidneys. The American Cancer Society lists common side effects that include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, urination difficulties, bladder irritation, diarrhea and lowered white blood cell count.
