According to the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy regimens may consist of a single drug or a combination of drugs. In most cases, however, oncologists will suggest a combination of drugs because this type of treatment is more effective than single-drug chemotherapy. Combination regimens launch a multifaceted attack on cancer cells. As they work with the patient to formulate an appropriate combination regimen, doctors must consider the side effects of each of the drugs and possible interactions among them.
CHOP Regimen
The standard of care for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the CHOP chemotherapy regimen, states "The New York Times" Health Guide website. This regimen includes the drugs cyclophosphamide, doxorubicine hydrochloride, vincristine and prednisone. It is used together with the monoclonal antibody rituximab, and works well in patients with various stages of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Common side effects may include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and hair loss. Since the CHOP regimen contains doxorubicin, it carries with it an increased risk of heart failure at some point in the future.
AC Chemotherapy
In the United States, breast cancer is the third most commonly occurring cancer, reports the National Cancer Institute. According to MayoClinic.com, a frequently used post-surgical or adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer is the AC regimen which includes the drugs doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. The Macmillan Cancer Support website reports that this treatment is administered on an outpatient basis via injection into a vein near the collarbone or in the arm. On the first day of treatment, the patient usually receives doxorubicin with an infusion of salt water followed by cyclophosphamide given the same way. When the administration of the drugs is complete, the patient returns home to rest for three weeks. This completes one cycle of the regimen, and patients normally get four to six cycles to make up a course of treatment. Side effects may include lowered resistance to infection, bruising and bleeding, anemia, nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
FOLFOX Regimen
According to the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in the United States. Colon cancer that has spread to proximal lymph nodes is designated as stage III colon cancer, notes the American Cancer Society. The FOLFOX regimen used after surgery is the most common chemotherapy treatment for this type of cancer. According to the CancerHelp UK website, it consists of the drugs folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. These drugs are administered intravenously on the first two days of a 14-day cycle, and patients may have up to 12 cycles of treatment. Suppression of bone marrow activity is a common side effect of this regimen. This leads to a drop in platelet count, and in red and white blood cell counts. Because of these lower blood cell levels, patients may suffer infections, fatigue, and easy bruising and bleeding.
