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This page discusses the use of biologic therapy for the treatment of cervical cancer. For a thorough review of biologic therapy for cancer treatment, please see the biologic therapy treatment monograph .
Biologic therapy, also called immunotherapy, is a treatment that uses drugs to improve the way your body’s immune system fights disease. Your immune system is your body’s natural defense against disease. A healthy and strong immune system can detect the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells. Biological therapy attempts to repair, stimulate, or enhance the immune system so that it can fight the cancer more effectively. These therapies can be used to fight cancer or to lessen the side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments.
Interferon is the most common form of biologic therapy used to treat cervical cancer. Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow their growth. There are several types of interferons, and they are normally produced in the body. For their use in biologic therapy, interferons are made in the laboratory. Other possible biological therapies include interleukin and monoclonal antibodies.
Most biological therapies are given by injection into a vein. They are frequently given in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Interferons are still being studied in women with cervical cancer, but have shown effectiveness in suppressing tumor growth. Response rates from 80% to 90% for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia have been reported. However, to date immunotherapies have not been found to be effective in treating invasive cancer of the cervix.
Possible side effects of biologic therapy include the following:
These treatments can cause extreme fatigue. It is important to get as much rest as possible when your body is fighting cancer. Talk with your doctor about how best you can minimize side effects and the discomforts that come with treatment.
Contact your health care provider if you experience any of the following:
For more information on biologic therapy, including how to manage the side effects, please see the biologic therapy treatment monograph.
Sources:
Cervical cancer. American Cancer Society Web Site.
Available at:
http://www.cancer.org/
.
Accessed November 19, 2002.
National Cancer Institute
DeVita VT, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds. Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology , 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;2001:1519-1549.
Otto SE. Oncology Nursing . 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc.; 2001:248-257.
Last reviewed February 2003 by Jondavid Pollock, MD, PhD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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