Penn Gynecologic Oncology offers the latest advances in chemotherapy for treating vaginal cancer.
Chemotherapy for vaginal cancer
Chemotherapy may be given before surgery, after surgery or alone to treat vaginal cancer. In addition to managing a patient's medical oncology treatment, gynecologic oncologists at the Jordan Center for Gynecologic Cancer work closely with dedicated chemotherapy nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners offer specialized care for those undergoing chemotherapy, making sure they receive seamless, coordinated care from the first chemotherapy session through follow-up care.
Hormone therapy for vaginal cancer
Hormone therapy keeps cancer cells from receiving the hormones they need to grow and spread.
Hormones are chemicals produced by various glands in the body. They circulate in the bloodstream, and some hormones can affect the way certain cancers grow. Hormones that can stimulate cancer include:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
Hormone therapy blocks the production or the effects of these hormones and helps stop the cancer from growing. Treatment may include the use of drugs that change the way hormones work or surgery to remove the ovaries in order to stop hormone production.