All chemotherapy agents are specific cellular poisons.  Contrary to popular belief these drugs have very little effect on normal, non-cancer cells in your body.  Common exceptions include cells in hair follicles and bone marrow.

Most chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously in an office setting.  Depending on the cancer being treated you will receive treatment every 1-4 weeks.  The total number of treatments given will depend on your particular situation.

With few exceptions, chemotherapy for gynecologic cancers is given as an adjunct to surgery and/or radiation.  For example, chemotherapy for cancer of the ovary is always preceded by a surgical procedure.  Chemotherapy for cancers of the cervix is often given at the same time as radiation treatments.

Most regimens for gynecologic cancers will not preclude you from returning to work or an active life even while treatments are ongoing.

See Chemotherapy FAQ's for more information.