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Non-surgical cancer treatments play a vital role in managing and treating gynecologic cancers without requiring invasive procedures. These therapies are often used alone or in combination with surgery to shrink tumors, destroy cancer cells, or prevent recurrence.

Chemotherapy

It is used

  • Before surgery (Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy) – To shrink tumors.

  • After surgery (Adjuvant Chemotherapy) – To kill remaining cancer cells.

  • Advanced or Recurrent Cancers – As a primary treatment when surgery isn’t possible.

Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cancer cell and it is administered intravenously (IV) or in pill form. It is given in cycle form to recover the healthy cells

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful anti-cancer drugs to kill the cancer cells and destroy the rapidly dividing cancer cells

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is used as a primary treatment for early-stage cervical cancer , after surgery (Adjuvant) to destroy remaining cancer cells and for palliative care to reduce symptoms in advanced cancer.
 

There are two types of radiation therapy that are
External Beam Radiation (EBRT) – Delivers radiation from a machine outside the body and Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation) – Radioactive material is placed inside the vagina or uterus.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. It is highly effective for cervical, uterine, and vaginal cancers.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is used for cancers that respond to hormones, such as endometrial and some breast cancers.

Hormone therapy works by blocking estrogen or progesterone, slowing down hormone-dependent cancer growth. It is given as pills, injections, or implants.

Hormone Therapy

It is used for estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer and for early-stage endometrial cancer in women who wish to preserve fertility.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. Pembrolizumab) to help immune cells recognize and destroy cancer and it is given through IV infusion.

It is used for for advanced or recurrent cervical cancer with specific genetic markers
(PD-L1 positive).

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It is a promising treatment for advanced cervical cancer.

Target Therapy

It is used for ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancers with specific genetic markers.
It is used alone or with chemotherapy for advanced-stage cancers.

Targeted Therapy Identifies and blocks cancer cell signals, stopping their growth like PARP inhibitors (Olaparib, Rucaparib) used for ovarian cancer with BRCA mutations.

Targeted Therapy

​Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy specifically attacks cancer-related proteins, genes, or tissue environments, causing less harm to normal cells.

Palliative care and Treatment by Dr. Faraz Vali

Palliative Care

Key Aspects of Palliative Care are 

  • Pain management – Using medications or nerve blocks.

  • Nutritional support – To maintain strength during treatment.

  • Emotional and psychological support – Counseling and support groups.

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms rather than curing cancer. It improves quality of life for patients with advanced-stage cancer.

Regular follow-ups, lifestyle changes, and supportive care are essential for the best outcomes.

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