2. FOLFIRI
3. XELOX
General information
about the individual chemotherapy drugs and side effects most commonly used to
treat appendiceal cancer here. For more in depth medical
information about individual drugs from MedlinePlus, go to the
bottom of this page by clicking the link
here :
-
Eloxatin (oxaliplatin)-
Intravenous chemotherapy used to treat colorectal cancer
Most common side effects:
-
Effects the nerve endings
resulting in numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Nerve
endings in the neck and throat may also be effected. These
symptoms can be triggered especially by anything cold, such as
cold air or cold drinks. This side effect may become more
pronounced as therapy continues over time, and should improve
after treatment is completed.
Xaliproden (SR57746A) is a new drug being tested in
clinical trials for the prevention of neuropathy in patients
receiving oxaliplatin. See information under "Related
Links" at the bottom of this page.
- Lowered
resistance to infection related to a decreased production of
white blood cells by the bone marrow. If white blood
count gets too low, treatment may be delayed. In some
cases medications such as Aranesp or Neulasta may be
administered to help increase white blood cell production.
- Bruising or
bleeding- the ability of your body to form clots may be
reduced related to a decreased number of platelets circulating
in the blood. This is caused by the drugs effects on
platelet production by the bone marrow.
- Diarrhea-
controlled with medication if it occurs
- Anemia- also
caused by the drug's effect on the bone marrow that results in
a decreased number of red blood cells produced
- Nausea and
vomiting- may occur a few hours after treatments and may last for
a few days. Drugs such as Kytril or Zofran may be used
to control or prevent this side effect.
Uncommon side effects that may occur:
- Changes in
ability to taste or small sores in your mouth. Be sure
to use good oral hygiene.
- Laryngeal
spasm- spasm in the area around your voice box that can cause
difficulty swallowing or breathing, may be triggered by cold
or drinking cold liquids
2.
Camptosar (Irinotecan)-
intravenous chemotherapy drug used for colorectal cancer
Most common side effects:
- Diarrhea- can
be immediate or may be delayed more than 24 hours after receiving the
chemotherapy. Can be severe. Needs to be
controlled with anti-diarrheal medications to prevent
dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Lowered
resistance to infection related to a decreased production of
white blood cells by the bone marrow. If white blood
count drops too low, treatment may be delayed. In some
cases medications such as Aranesp or Neulasta may be
administered to help increase white blood cell production.
- Bruising or
bleeding- the ability of your body to form clots may be
reduced related to a decreased number of platelets circulating
in the blood. This is caused by the drug's effect on
platelet production by the bone marrow.
- Anemia- also
caused by the drug's effect on the bone marrow that results in
a decrease in the number of red blood cells produced
- Hair loss- up
to 35% of patients may experience total hair loss, others may
experience various degrees of thinning. Hair
will grow back after treatment completed. See
Hair Loss and Chemotherapy.
- Nausea and
vomiting- may occur a few hours after treatments and may last a
few days. Drugs such as Kytril or Zofran may be used to
control or prevent this side effect.
- Increased
sweating and saliva production- if this occurs, it usually occurs soon
after treatment and can be controlled with the administration of a
drug called atropine.
Uncommon side effects:
- Muscle cramps-
can be controlled with medication or pain relievers
- Mouth sores
and change in taste: use good oral hygiene.
- Changes in
liver function that are temporary and most likely will not be
noticeable
- Skin
rash/itching that can be treated with medication
3.
Fluorouracil (5FU)-
intravenous chemotherapy drug used to treat colorectal cancers
Most common side effects:
- Lowered
resistance to infection related to a decrease in production of
white blood cells by the bone marrow. If white blood
count drops too low, treatment may be delayed. In some
cases medications such as Aranesp or Neulasta may be given to help increase white blood
cell production.
- Bruising or
bleeding- the ability of your body to form clots may be
reduced related to a decrease in number of platelets
circulating in the blood. This is caused by the drug's
effects on platelet production by the bone marrow.
- Anemia-
caused by the drug's effect on the bone marrow resulting in
a decreased number of red blood cells produced
- Changes in
taste and small sores in mouth. Use good oral hygiene.
- Darkening of
skin caused by an increase in skin pigmentation. Skin
color will return to normal after treatment ends.
- Changes in
eyes: gritty feeling in eyes, blurred vision, increase in
tearing. Eye drops may be recommended to sooth irritated
eyes.
Less common side effects:
- Nausea and
vomiting- may occur a few hours after treatments and may last a
few days. Drugs such as Kytril or Zofran may be used to
control or prevent this side effect.
- Hair loss or
thinning- complete hair loss is rare, but may occur.
Hair will grow back after treatment completed. See
Hair Loss and Chemotherapy.
- Hand-foot
syndrome- soreness and redness of the hands and feet.
More common when given via continuous infusion
- Increased
sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight on
unprotected skin or use sun block
- Skin rashes-
can be treated with medication if occurs
4.
Leucovorin- (Folinic acid):Vitamin used to
increase the effectiveness of
Fluorouracil(5FU) Side
effects related to the use of this drug are rare
5.
Xeloda
-(Capecitabine): a drug similar to the
chemotherapy drug 5FU but in pill form
Most common side effects:
- Diarrhea-
controlled with medication if it occurs
- Nausea and
vomiting- may occur a few hours after treatments and may last a
few days. Drugs such as Kytril or Zofran may be used to
control or prevent this side effect.
- Hand-foot
syndrome- soreness and redness of the hands and feet.
- Changes in
taste and small sores in mouth. Use good oral hygiene.
- Loss of
appetite
- Constipation
and abdominal cramping: prevent by eating a diet high in
fiber, exercising, and drinking plenty of fluids. Laxatives
may be prescribed if needed.
Less
common side effects:
- Hair loss or
thinning- complete hair loss is rare, but may occur.
Hair will grow back after treatment completed. See
Hair Loss and
Chemotherapy.
- Lowered
resistance to infection related to a decrease in production of
white blood cells by the bone marrow. If white blood
count drops too low, treatment may be delayed. In some
cases medications such as Aranesp or Neulasta may be
administered to help increase white blood cell production.
- Bruising or
bleeding- the ability of your body to form clots may be
reduced related to a decreased number of platelets circulating
in the blood. This is caused by the drug's effects on
platelet production by the bone marrow.
- Anemia- also
caused by the drug's effect on the bone marrow that results in
a decreased number of red blood cells produced
- Headache and
dizziness
6.
Avastin (bevacizumab)-
intravenous medication- a monoclonal antibody that prevents cancerous
tumors from forming a blood supply.
Most common side effects:
- Lowered
resistance to infection related to a decrease in production of
white blood cells by the bone marrow. If white blood
count gets too low, treatment may be delayed. In some
cases medications such as Aranesp or Neulasta may be
administered to help increase white blood cell production.
- Bruising or
bleeding- the ability of your body to form clots may be
reduced related to a decreased number of platelets circulating
in the blood. This is caused by the drug's effects on
platelet production by the bone marrow.
- increased
blood pressure
- increased
angina (chest pain), increased risk of blood clots and
strokes and possible changes in heart function causing
difficulty breathing and swelling of the ankles
- mild or severe
allergic reactions
- possible
kidney damage
- slower wound
healing
-
Constipation- prevent by eating a diet high in fiber,
exercising, and drinking plenty of fluids. Laxatives may be
prescribed if needed.
Less common side effects:
- Nausea and
vomiting- may occur a few hours after treatments and may last a
few days. Drugs such as Kytril or Zofran may be used to
control or prevent this side effect.
- Changes in
taste and small sores in mouth. Use good oral hygiene.
- Headache
- Loss of
appetite
- Diarrhea-
controlled with medication if it occurs
7.
Erbitux
(cetuximab): a monoclonal antibody given intravenously
Common side effects:
- Up to 90% of
those receiving this drug may experience a mild skin
rash similar to acne. In some cases this rash may become
more severe and resemble eczema. Avoid using harsh soaps.
- Nausea and
vomiting- may occur a few hours after treatments and may last a
few days. Drugs such as Kytril or Zofran may be used to
control or prevent this side effect.
- Diarrhea-
controlled with medication if it occurs
- Shortness of
breath, especially if you have a pre-existing respiratory
problem
- Allergic
reaction that can be mild or severe- antihistamines may be
prescribed to prevent this reaction
-
Conjunctivitis- red, sore or itch eyes. Eye drops may be
prescribed to alleviate these symptoms
Links to MedlinePlus information about these individual
drugs from the National Institutes for Health and the U.S.
National Library of Medicine :
Folinic acid (Leucovorin)
Capecitabine(Xeloda)
Granisetron (Kytril)
Fluorouracil (5FU)
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta)
Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
Cetuximab
(Erbitux)
Ondansetron (Zofran)
Irinotecan (Camptosar/CPT-11)
Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)