Understanding the Side Effects of Advanced Endometrial Cancer Treatment

If you or a loved one is facing advanced endometrial cancer – such as dMMR endometrial cancer – you may have questions about treatment side effects. Endometrial cancer affects the lining of the uterus (endometrium). If the cancer has spread outside of the uterus to other areas of the body, it is generally considered advanced endometrial cancer.¹

In people with advanced endometrial cancer, the cancer has typically spread too far for it all to be removed by surgery alone. When surgery is not an option, other treatments are available, including:¹

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hormone therapy

Treatment side effects

Each type of endometrial cancer treatment has possible side effects that you should understand. Side effects can vary depending on the specific treatment you undergo.

Chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy is often used to treat advanced endometrial cancer. Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. But these medicines often also affect healthy cells, which can cause side effects.²

Common side effects of chemotherapy include:²

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Hair loss
• Increased risk of infections

Radiation side effects

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or with other treatments. Side effects depend on the area being treated as well as the dose and type of radiation. If radiation is combined with chemotherapy, side effects tend to be worse.³

Common side effects of radiation include:³

• Skin irritation
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Bladder discomfort, irritation, and feeling the need to pee more often
• Vaginal discomfort and irritation
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)

Targeted therapy side effects

Targeted therapy drugs focus on specific changes in cancer cells. This type of treatment aims to cause fewer and less severe side effects than chemotherapy. Most targeted therapy is given when endometrial cancer has come back (recurred) or spread to other inoperable areas of the body.⁴

Common side effects of targeted therapy include:⁴

• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Skin changes
• Mouth sores

Immunotherapy side effects

Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. When other treatments have not worked, immunotherapy, combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy, as well as immunotherapy alone, may also be treatment options for certain forms of advanced endometrial cancer.^5,6

Common side effects of immunotherapy include:^5,6

• Fatigue
• Joint or muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Hormone therapy side effects

Hormone therapy can slow the growth of certain types of endometrial cancer cells. It is mostly used for those with advanced stages (3 or 4) of endometrial cancer and is often combined with chemotherapy.⁷

Common side effects of hormone therapy include:⁷

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Weight gain
• Mood changes

These are not all the possible side effects of advanced endometrial cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when treating advanced endometrial cancer. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when receiving this treatment.

Managing side effects

No matter what treatment you receive, managing side effects is an important part of your care. Here are some tips:⁵

• Keep a close eye on symptoms. Write down how you feel each day. This can help your doctor understand what you are going through.
• Follow your cancer care plan. Take medicines as prescribed, and attend all follow-up appointments.
• Speak up. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Many side effects – like nausea and vomiting – can be managed or treated.