Cervical Cancer: Targeted Therapy

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What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy is a treatment that uses medicines to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. These medicines target certain parts of some cancer cells. They change the ability of the cancer cells to grow and survive. This can block the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy cells.

Your cancer cells must be tested for genes, proteins, and other factors before targeted therapy is used. This is so the right medicine can be used.

When might targeted therapy be used for cervical cancer?

Targeted therapy may be used to treat advanced (late stage) cervical cancer that:

  • Has spread (metastasized)

  • Has come back (is recurring)

  • Can’t be treated by surgery or radiation therapy

Targeted therapy can’t cure cervical cancer. But it can help to control and slow it.

What targeted therapy medicines are used to treat cervical cancer?

  • Bevacizumab. This medicine targets a protein called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). VEGF helps tumors develop new blood vessels so they can grow. The growth of new blood vessels is called angiogenesis. Bevacizumab stops this process. So it’s called an angiogenesis inhibitor. It may be used together with chemotherapy (chemo) medicine.

  • Tisotumab vedotin-tftv. This medicine is made up of 2 parts: a lab-made protein (monoclonal antibody) that is linked to a chemo medicine. It works by targeting the tissue-factor (TF) protein on certain cancer cells. First it attaches to the TF protein. Then the linked chemo medicine goes inside the cancer cells and kills them.

How is targeted therapy given for cervical cancer?

Before treatment starts, you’ll meet with a medical oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medicines. They will discuss your treatment choices with you and explain what you might expect.

Both bevacizumab and tisotumab vedotin-tftv are given as an IV (intravenous) infusion into your vein. In most cases, you’ll get this once every 2 or 3 weeks in an outpatient setting. This means that you get it at a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. Then you can go home after treatment. In rare cases, you may need to stay in the hospital during treatment.

Your doctor will watch you for reactions during the treatments. Since each IV treatment may last for a while, you may want to take along something that's comforting to you, such as music to listen to. You may also want to bring something to keep you busy, like a book or mobile device.

What are common side effects of targeted therapy?

Side effects of targeted therapy depend on which type of medicine you're taking. Ask your doctor for more details about possible side effects. Tell your provider about any changes or side effects you have. There are often things that can be done to help you feel better. In most cases, side effects start going away within a few weeks after treatment ends.

Bevacizumab

Some of the possible side effects from bevacizumab can include:

  • Feeling tired

  • High blood pressure

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea

  • Blood clots

  • Bleeding problems

  • Wounds not healing

More serious side effects are less common but can include:

  • A hole (perforation) in the bowel

  • An abnormal connection (fistula) between the vagina and another part of the body

  • Heart problems

Tisotumab vedotin-tftv

It’s important to know that this medicine can causeserious eye problems. These can include red eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, vision loss, or corneal ulcers. You will need to have regular eye exams when taking this medicine. You will also be given 3 prescription eyedrop medicines to use. Tell your provider right away if you have any eye problems when taking this medicine.

Some of the common side effects of tisotumab vedotin-tftv can include:

  • Upset stomach (nausea)

  • Diarrhea

  • Feeling tired

  • Rash

  • Nosebleeds

  • Hair loss

  • Low white blood cell counts

  • Low red blood cell counts (anemia)

Other more serious side effects can include:

  • Muscle weakness

  • Tingling feeling or numbness in hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)

  • Trouble breathing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Blood in poop or urine

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

  • Coughing up blood

  • Kidney problems

Working with your doctor

It's important to know which medicines you're taking. Write down the names of all your medicines. Ask your healthcare team how they work and what side effects they might cause.

Talk with your doctors about what signs to look for and when to call them. Know what number to call with questions or problems. Is there a different number to call when the clinic is closed on evenings, weekends, or holidays?

It may be helpful to keep a diary of your side effects. Write down physical, thinking, and emotional changes. A written list will make it easier for you to remember your questions when you go to your appointments. It will also make it easier for you to work with your healthcare team to make a plan to manage your side effects.