Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. There are two types of chemotherapy: systemic and regional. With endometrial cancer, systemic chemotherapy is used. This means that the drugs are taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle. Drugs taken this way enter the bloodstream so they can reach cancer cells throughout the body. In regional chemotherapy, the drugs are placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, so they mainly affect cancer cells in those areas. One or more chemotherapy drugs may be used in your treatment plan. Chemotherapy for patients with endometrial cancer is given on an outpatient basis and usually lasts three to four months. Each woman reacts differently to chemotherapy. Many women can continue their regular daily activities, including work.

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Chemotherapy can have some side effects, but most of them go away after treatment is completed. Side effects will depend on the type of drugs given, the amount taken, and how long the course of treatment lasts. Some side effects include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, mouth sores, vaginal sores, infection due to low white blood cell count, bleeding or bruising from minor cuts or injuries because of low blood platelets, and shortness of breath or fatigue from low red blood cell counts.