Living With Cervical Cancer

Other Treatments for Cervical Cancer

by Amy Scholten, MPH

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses special drugs. These drugs destroy cancer cells or the systems that support them. For example, they may stop the growth of new blood vessels in the tumor. The tumor then does not get enough nutrients to grow. Targeted therapy may be used with chemotherapy.

Side effects of targeted therapy can be serious. They may be:

  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Problems with wound healing
  • An abnormal connection between the vagina and intestine—fistula (rare)

The doctor will want to know about side effects right away. It is best to address side effects early.

References:

Cervical cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cervical-cancer. Accessed April 20, 2021.
Marquina G, Manzano A, et al. Targeted agents in cervical cancer: beyond bevacizumab. Curr Oncol Rep. 2018 Apr 2;20(5):40.
Targeted therapy for cervical cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/treating/targeted-therapy.html. Accessed April 20, 2021.
Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-treatment-pdq#section/_180. Accessed April 20, 2021.
Last reviewed March 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 10/8/2021

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