Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. There are several chemotherapy drugs which can be used to treat cervical cancer. The most commonly used is cisplatin and it may be used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. The drugs are usually given intravenously (by injection into a vein).

Chemotherapy is often used with radiotherapy to make the radiotherapy more effective. This is called chemoradiotherapy. It is thought that the chemotherapy makes cervical cancer more sensitive to the effects of the radiotherapy. Usually the chemotherapy is given once a week during the course of radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy may sometimes be used before surgery or radiotherapy, to shrink the cancer and to make these treatments more effective. If it is given in this way it is called neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy may also be given to women whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body or if the cancer has come back after radiotherapy. It is used in this situation to try to shrink and control the disease and relieve symptoms, to prolong a good quality of life. In some women the chemotherapy will achieve this. Unfortunately for other women the chemotherapy will not shrink the cancer and in many cases the treatment will be stopped to avoid the side effects it may cause. It is helpful to discuss the pros and cons of chemotherapy in your particular case with your cancer specialist.

Chemotherapy can cause side effects, which may be slightly worse if it is given alongside radiotherapy. Chemotherapy can temporarily reduce the number of normal cells in your blood. When there are less healthy cells in your blood you are more likely to get an infection and you may get tired easily. During chemotherapy your blood will be tested regularly and, if necessary, you may be given antibiotics to treat any infection. Blood transfusions may be given if you become anaemic.

Some of the chemotherapy drugs that are commonly used to treat cancer of the cervix may affect the kidneys. Usually this does not cause any symptoms, but the effect can be severe and the kidneys can be permanently damaged unless the treatment is stopped. For this reason your kidney function will be checked by a blood test before each treatment. You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids, and to measure how much liquid you drink and the amount of urine you pass.

Other side effects may include tiredness, feeling sick (nausea), vomiting and hair loss, although nausea and vomiting can usually be well controlled with effective anti-sickness drugs.

Some chemotherapy drugs also make your mouth sore and may cause small ulcers. Regular mouthwashes are important and your nurses will show you how to do these properly. If you don’t feel like eating meals, you can supplement your diet with nutritious drinks or soups. A wide range of drinks is available and you can buy them at most chemist shops or they can be precribed by your GP. Our section on eating well has some useful tips on coping with eating problems.

Although these side effects may be hard to bear at the time, they gradually disappear once your treatment is over. If your hair falls out it will grow back within a few months. Your doctor or nurse can tell you what problems, if any, to expect from your treatment.

Our section on chemotherapy, discusses the treatment and its side effects in detail. Information about individual drugs and their particular side effects are also available.