Depending on the type of reproductive cancer you have and its stage, your doctor may suggest medical therapy as a part of your treatment plan, along with surgery and/or radiation therapy. We offer a comprehensive range of the latest medical treatments for gynecologic cancers, including access to clinical trials.
A gynecologic oncologist or medical oncologist will work closely with your treatment team to develop an individualized plan of care for you. At the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, our doctors follow national, evidence-based guidelines for treatment and consult regularly with our colleagues at the Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center. We work closely with your treatment team to develop an individualized plan of care just for you.
Shared Decision Making
We encourage shared decision making and give you the information and tools to take an active role in your care planning. If your doctor recommends chemotherapy for you, we will provide you with a written oncology care plan that explains in simple language your diagnosis, the goals of your treatment, your prognosis, and the logistical information you need to know in order to plan your life around chemotherapy treatments. We were one of the first hospitals to adopt a practice of financial transparency, and include an individualized price estimate up front, to help in decision-making.
Your doctor and nurse navigator will explain your options, answer your questions, and help you make the decisions that are right for you.
Chemotherapy
Most chemotherapy works by attacking cells as they are growing and dividing. Chemotherapy may be recommended to shrink your tumor before surgery, or it may be used to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent the spread or recurrence of cancer after surgery.
Depending on the medication you need, your doctor may prescribe pills, or you may receive chemotherapy in our Oncology Infusion Center. At the center, our chemotherapy-certified nurses deliver expert care in a warm and supportive environment.
We understand that for many patients, potential side effects are a big concern when considering chemotherapy. Your oncologist and nurse navigator will discuss with you what to expect and answer any questions you may have. Your treatment team will also help you learn how to manage any side effects at home, and when you should be seen in person.
Our Cancer Institute Boutique, located on the upper level of the Cancer Institute, offers holistic services like massage and acupuncture to help with symptom management, as well as an array of products and salon treatments to make you feel better about your appearance during and after chemotherapy.
Hormone Therapy
The hormone estrogen may be a growth factor in certain types of reproductive cancers. Anti-hormonal therapies use medication that blocks the production of estrogen to slow or prevent cancer cell growth.