Chemotherapy
Patient
Selection Criteria
At present, no established chemotherapeutic regimens have proven effective
against Hepatocellular Carcinoma (liver cell cancer), a primary cancer.
However, some chemotherapeutic drugs are used to treat metastatic liver
cancer. The decision to administer chemotherapy is based on its potential
of slowing tumor growth with the least undesirable side effects compared
to not receiving treatment at all.
Description
of Procedure
Chemotherapy
uses drugs to treat metastatic liver tumors. These drugs work by interfering
with the growth of cancer cells and contributing to cancer cell death.
The most commonly used chemotherapy regimen used to treat metastatic
colon cancer is 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin. It is given systemically
through intravenous administration. Other drugs for metastatic liver
cancer may also include Tomudex, Mitomycin C, CPT-11 and other experimental
drugs.
Risks/Side
Effects/Complications
Because
chemotherapy attempts to kill cancer cells, many anti-cancer drugs also
attack and kill healthy cells. Many side effects and complications of
chemotherapy are the result of killing healthy cells. Cells susceptible
to damage include cells in the bone marrow, cells in the digestive tract,
reproductive system and hair follicles. Possible side effects include
nausea and vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, increased chance of bleeding,
infection, and anemia.
Recovery
Time and Lifestyle Changes
Most of
the side affects of chemotherapy will improve in a few days or weeks
after treatment ends. Depending on the type of chemotherapy treatment
used, schedules vary. Frequently, chemotherapy is administered in 1-2
day cycles that are repeated every four weeks. The most commonly used
regimen of 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin for metastatic colon cancer
requires treatment three days a week for several weeks.
Effectiveness
Studies
show variable degrees of effectiveness due to the diverse variables,
including type of chemotherapy and stage of disease progression.
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Last modified: Friday, October 10, 2003
