BCNU
BCNU is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth of
cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are
taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have
BCNU is used to treat:
- brain tumors
- multiple myeloma
- Hodgkin's disease
- non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- malignant melanoma
- breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers
- Ewing's sarcoma
- Burkitt's lymphoma
- BCNU has been applied topically to the skin to treat mycosis fungoides
Side effects of BCNU
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If it does happen it
may begin a couple of hours after the treatment is given and last for up to several hours.
If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe
other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. This effect can
begin seven days after the treatment has been given and your blood count may be at its
lowest from 14-28 days after the chemotherapy. The number of blood cells then gradually
returns to normal over 1-2 weeks.
The extent to which your blood count is reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy you
receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor
can advise you how likely it is that the number of cells in your blood will be lowered by
the chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is
working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even if you have a normal temperature,
contact your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Less common side effects of BCNU
Your liver may be temporarily affected. BCNU may cause changes in the
way that your liver works, which return to normal when the treatment is finished. This is
very unlikely to cause you any harm, but your doctor will monitor this carefully. Samples
of your blood will be taken from time to time to check your liver function.
Changes to the lungs. BCNU may cause some changes to lung tissue. Tell
your doctor if you notice any cough or breathlessness.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
Loss of appetite. A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice. |