ONCOLOGIC
PROTOCOL
CMF
Cyclophosphamide
& Methotrexate & 5-Florouracil
|
| MAJOR
INDICATIONS: TREATMENT FOR STAGE I, II & III
(A&B) BREAST CANCERS |
| IDENTIFICATION:
Combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide
(Cytoxan), methotrexate and 5-florouracil (5FU),
also called "CMF" |
| These
drugs have been approved by the FDA (Food and
Drug Administration) for the treatment of breast
cancer. |
| DOSES: Cyclophosphamide
600 mg/M2, Methotrexate 40 mg/M2, Florouracil 600
mg/M2 |
| ROUTE: Intravenously
(IV) |
| DURATION AND TIMING:
Given once every 21 days for 6-8 treatments (5-7
months) |
Possible Side
effects:
- Hematopoetic:
decrease in blood cells, especially white
cells (neutropenia) but also red cells
(anemia) and/or platelets
(thrombocytopenia).
- Gastrointestinal:
possible nausea and vomiting (which may
be decreased or prevented with
medications); diarrhea; mouth sores;
decreased appetite.
- Integmentary:
severe hair loss; dry skin, nail thinning
or ridging.
- Genitourinary:
cytoxan may cause irritation to the
kidneys or bladder.
- Fertility:
cytoxan may cause damage to the ovaries
of premenopausal women. This may lead to
temporary or permanent infertility.
Patients may also develop an early
menopause.
- Cardiovascular:
rare instances of irregular heart beats
or chest discomfort have been attributed
to 5FU (risk is increased in those with
underlying heart disease).
- Neurological:
some patients complain of a decrease in
their ability to concentrate and/or
remember, which improves on completion of
therapy.
- Other:
some patients complain of taste changes
and/or lack of appetite.
|
