Cancer of the uterine cervix (known as cervical cancer) can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the stage of the cancer. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Different chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cervical cancer, and the specific drug regimen may vary among patients. Each drug has side effects, although not everyone will experience every side effect. Most of these effects go away once treatment has ended, but some may persist.
Cisplatin (Platinol)
Cisplatin, generic for the drug Platinol, can be used in the treatment of cervical cancer. It's a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells and prevents them from growing. Typically, cisplatin is given intravenously over the course of an hour, although longer infusions may also be done. The dose and schedule may vary depending on the kind of cancer being treated, the stage, and your body size. Common side effects include possible kidney damage (your doctor tests your kidneys before treatment and monitors kidney function during and after treatment); nausea; vomiting; lowered white and red blood cell counts (which can cause anemia and increase your risk for infection); taste changes; and swelling in the legs, feet and hands. Another possible side effect is peripheral neuropathy. This occurs due to nerve damage from the drugs and causes tingling, numbness, or temperature sensitivity in the hands and feet. Although peripheral neuropathy can subside once treatment is over, it becomes permanent in some people, according to the American Cancer Society.
Ifosfamide (Lfex)
Another drug used to treat cervical cancer is ifosfamide, or Ifex. Ifosphamide is a drug known as an alkylating agent, and slows the growth or kills cancer cells. It's given intravenously for a half hour to 24 hours for several days. Along with ifosphamide, you will probably receive fluids intravenously and be told to drink lots of fluids, because this drug can injure your bladder. Common side effects of this medication can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, painful urination, blood in the urine, poor appetite and diarrhea.
Topotecan (Hycamtin)
Topotecan, or Hycamtin, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cervical cancer. It's known as a topoisomerase I inhibitor. This drug interferes with cell DNA and causes cell death. Topotecan can be given intravenously over half an hour or taken orally as capsules, usually over three to five days every three weeks. This drug can cause lowered white and red blood cell counts, nausea or vomiting, hair thinning or loss, diarrhea, mouth sores and loss of appetite.
Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Paclitaxel, the generic name for Taxol, is a drug known as a taxane drug. It interferes with cell structures involved in cell division, causing the cells to die. Paclitaxel is typically given intravenously over three hours. Common side effects can include lowered white and red blood cell counts, allergic reaction (rash, flushing, itching), mild nausea or vomiting and hair loss. Similar to cisplatin, this medication may also cause peripheral neuropathy.
