Expert treatment for cervical cancer at Penn Medicine
When detected early, cervical cancer can be treated successfully to eliminate cancer and prevent recurrence. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you and create the most appropriate individualized treatment plan, depending on your age, cancer stage, pregnancy status, and the need for fertility preservation.
Our board-certified gynecologic oncologists offer a full range of treatments for cervical cancer. This includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and access to clinical trials. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery—either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other treatments.
- Hormone therapy can be used to block hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to prevent cancer growth.
- Immunotherapy uses your immune system to target cancer cells, potentially slowing tumor growth and preventing cancer spread.
- Radiation therapy uses advanced radiation techniques to eliminate cancerous tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
- Surgical options include minimally invasive procedures like robot-assisted surgery, laser surgery, and conization, as well as traditional surgeries such as hysterectomy and pelvic exenteration.
Palliative care is also available to improve a patient’s quality of life through physical, emotional, and spiritual support. Additionally, Penn Medicine provides a wide variety of at-home health care services to ensure patients receive necessary care regardless of location.
Integrative medicine for cervical cancer
While conventional medicine plays a critical role in the treatment of cervical cancer, integrative medicine and wellness programs can improve your quality of life, reduce the side effects of cervical cancer and its treatment, and support the healing and recovery process. Our integrative oncology services for cervical cancer complement traditional cancer treatments. Our cancer specialists are well-informed about complementary cancer treatments. We collaborate with you and your family to incorporate supportive programs into your care plan while prioritizing your health and comfort.
Our integrative services include:
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional counseling and services
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy
- Reiki therapy
- Yoga
- Exercise and rehabilitation
Cervical cancer clinical trials
Penn Medicine offers innovative clinical trials that serve patients from all over the world. Our clinical trials for cancer provide new treatment options that may be used alone or with conventional cancer treatments. Talk with your Penn Medicine care team to see if cervical cancer clinical trials are available and if you qualify to participate in these advanced treatments.
Clinical trials help advance our understanding of the best treatment approaches and have produced:
- More precise cancer diagnoses
- Advanced surgical and radiation techniques
- Successful medications
- Improved treatment outcomes
- Strategies to enhance quality of life and address late effects of cancer
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.