Brain tissue includes nerve cells and glial cells. Glial cells nourish the brain and form the myelin sheath, which is the fatty material that insulates nerve cells and speeds transmission of nerve impulses. According to the Macmillan Cancer Support website, a glioma is a brain tumor that originates in the glial cells. Gliomas are graded on a scale of 1 to 4 according to the degree of malignancy and the rate of growth. A grade 1 glioma grows very slowly, whereas a grade 4 glioma is grows very quickly.
Temozolomide (Temodal)
According to the Macmillan Cancer Support organization, temozolomide is an oral, prescription chemotherapy drug used to treat a glioma. The medication is supplied as capsules that you take with lots of water on an empty stomach and on the same daily schedule. Your doctor will devise a course of chemotherapy that is appropriate for the type of glioma that you have. Common side effects of temozolomide therapy include increased susceptibility to infection, bruising or bleeding, anemia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and taste changes, rash, headache and weakness. If any of these side effects becomes troublesome, you should consult your doctor right away. Hair loss rarely is a side effect of temozolomide therapy.
Carmustine (Bicnu)
Carmustine is a prescription, intravenous medication used to treat brain tumors, such as a brainstem glioma or a glioblastoma, according to the Monthly Prescribing Reference. At the beginning of your chemotherapy cycle, you will get anti-nausea drugs and then a slow intravenous drip of carmustine. Your doctor will determine the dose of carmustine that is appropriate for the type of glioma that you have, and you will get a chemotherapy session every six weeks. Your initial dose may need adjustment based on what happens to your white and red blood cell counts and your platelet count. Adverse reactions to carmustine may include suppression of bone marrow activity leading to infection and bleeding, lung, kidney or liver toxicity, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, headache, allergic reaction, low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat.
Lomustine (Ceenu)
According to the Mayo Clinic, lomustine is an oral, prescription medication used to treat brain tumors such as gliomas. Lomustine works by hindering the growth and division of cancer cells, thereby allowing the immune system to destroy them. Your doctor will determine the exact dose that is appropriate for your condition, but the usual dose for adults and children is 130 mg per square meter of body surface area, given once every 6 weeks. Women who are pregnant should not use lomustine because it can harm the fetus. Common side effects include bleeding gums, chest pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, sores or white spots on the lips or in the mouth, bruising and bleeding, and unusual fatigue or weakness.
