Cervical Cancer

Chemotherapy

Purpose

Kills rapidly growing cervical cancer cells throughout the body.

Common drugs

Cisplatin (standard), Carboplatin (used when cisplatin isn't tolerated)

Side effects

Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, low blood counts

Targeted Therapy

Purpose

Blocks cancer growth by targeting specific proteins

Common drug

Bevacizumab (anti-angiogenic)

Side effects

High blood pressure, bleeding risks, headaches

Immunotherapy

Purpose

Boosts the immune system to fight cancer

Used for

Advanced or PD-L1+ cervical cancers

Common drug

Pembrolizumab

Side effects

Fatigue, skin rash, inflammation of organs

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

How it works

Delivers radiation from outside the body to the pelvic region

Treatment duration

25–35 sessions over 5–7 weeks

Note

Often paired with chemotherapy for locally advanced disease

Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation)

How it works

Radioactive sources are placed inside or near the cervix

Treatment duration

3–6 sessions over 1–2 weeks

Note

Typically follows EBRT to deliver a high dose to the tumor area

Conization

What it does

A cone-shaped section of abnorma cervical tissue is removed, which can also as a diagnostic procedures

Treated for

Precancerous changes or very early-stage cancer

Recovery

1-2 Weeks

Trachelectomy

What it does

The cervix is removed, while the uterus is kept intact. Often followed by a cervical cerclage if pregnancy is attempted later

Treated for

Early-stage cancer in women wishing to preserve fertility

Recovery

2–4 weeks

Hysterectomy

What it is

Surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. A total hysterectomy is done for early-stage cancer, while a radical hysterectomy is performed if surrounding tissues are involved

Used for

Localized cervical cancer

Recovery

4–6 weeks

Pelvic Exenteration

What it is

A major surgery that removes pelvic organs

Used for

Recurrent or advanced cervical cancer when no distant spread is found

Recovery

Long-term; intensive follow-up needed

Chemoradiation

Goal

Control the tumor and prevent spread

What it is

Combination of chemotherapy and radiation

Used for

Locally advanced stages

Palliative Care

Goal

Improve quality of life

Support provided

Pain relief, symptom management, emotional and spiritual support

Note

Can be introduced alongside treatment, not just at the end of life

Targeted & Immunotherapy

Goal

Manage recurrence or metastatic disease

What it involves

Bevacizumab with chemotherapy or immunotherapy

Used for

Late-stage or resistant cases

• Also known as carcinoma in situ, this stage is non-invasive.
• Abnormal cells are confined to the lining of the cervix and have not spread deeper.
• Includes cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 or carcinoma in situ.
• Highly treatable and considered pre-cancerous.

• Cancer is confined to the cervix alone.
• The tumor may be small and localized without lymph node spread.
• Generally good prognosis with appropriate treatment.
• Treatment aims at removing the tumor, either by surgery or radiation.

• The cancer has spread beyond the cervix into adjacent tissues but has not reached the pelvic wall.
• May involve the upper vagina or nearby supporting tissues.
• No spread to lymph nodes or distant organs has occurred yet.
• Generally requires more intensive treatment, often with combined surgery and radiation.

• Tumor has spread to the lower vagina or pelvic wall or causes kidney problems due to ureter blockage.
• May involve regional lymph nodes.
• Known as locally advanced cervical cancer.
• Treated with combined therapies, including radiation, chemotherapy, and sometimes surgery.

• The cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to distant organs like the lungs, liver, or bones.
• Advanced stages are generally not curable.
• Managed with systemic therapies and supportive care to control symptoms and prolong survival.