Radiation Therapy Plus Cisplatin and Gemcitabine in Treating Patients With Cervical Cancer

This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of gemcitabine when given together with radiation therapy and cisplatin in treating patients with cervical cancer that has not spread beyond the pelvis. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining cisplatin with gemcitabine may make the tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy and may kill more tumor cells.