Mitomycin-C
Mitomycin-C is a type of antibiotic that is only used in cancer chemotherapy. 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
Mitomycin-C is used to treat
- adenocarcinoma of the stomach and pancreas
- adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum
- squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, lungs, and cervix; adenocarcinoma
- duct cell carcinoma of the breast;
- bladder cancer
Side effects of Mitomycin-C
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The numbers of
blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about 7 days after the treatment has
been given and may be at their 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 cells are 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 your blood cells 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 with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Loss of appetite. A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Mitomycin-C
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs that can be given to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If
you do feel sick it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for a few
days. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can
prescribe other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.
Changes to the lungs. Mitomycin-C may cause some changes to lung
tissue. Tell your doctor if you notice any cough or breathlessness.
Your liver may be temporarily affected. Mitomycin-C may cause changes
in the way that your liver works, which return to normal when the treatment is finished.
This is 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.
Your kidneys may be affected. Your kidneys will be checked by a blood
test before each treatment.
Hair loss. It is very unusual to lose your hair. Some people notice
that their hair becomes a little thinner, but not usually enough to be noticeable to other
people.
Skin changes. Mitomycin-C can cause a rash which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.
Changes in nails. Your nails may become darker. This change grows out
over a few months once treatment has finished.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you may
notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
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 |