According to the Moffitt Cancer Center, not only are the majority of gastric cancers diagnosed at an advanced stage, but gastric cancer is highly resistant to anti-cancer drugs. Despite its poor response rate, several chemotherapy drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat gastric cancer. These can be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Only a few have shown a response rate higher than 20 percent, says the Moffitt Cancer Center.
Mitomycin-C
Mitomycin-C is the generic name for the brand name drug Mutamycin, and is a chemotherapy drug known as an anti-tumor antibiotic, according to Chemocare.com. It is given intravenously. Side effects can include lowered white and red blood cell counts, which can lead to higher risk of infection or anemia; fatigue; loss of appetite; mouth sores; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea and loss of hair. These side effects typically resolve when treatment is over. The FDA approved the drug before 1984. According to the American Cancer Society, the FDA is unable to verify dates of drugs approved before that year.
Cisplatin
Cisplatin, also known as the brand name drug Platinol, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat advanced gastric cancer and other cancers. It is known as a platinum-compound chemotherapy drug, according to the American Cancer Society, as well as an alkylating agent. It is given intravenously over an hour or longer. Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush this medication out of the kidneys is typically recommended to minimize any risk of kidney damage from the drug. Side effects of cisplatin may include lowered white and red blood cell counts, kidney damage, nausea and vomiting, changes in how things taste and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Cisplatin was also approved by the FDA before 1984.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic chemotherapy drug that is also known by its brand names Adriamycin and Rubex. It is used in the treatment of many different types of cancer, including advanced gastric cancer. The drug is administered intravenously over several minutes, according to Chemocare.com. Doxorubicin can cause side effects like lowered white and red blood cell counts, nausea and vomiting, pain at the injection site, mouth sores and hair loss. Urine may have a reddish tint to it for several days after a treatment. As treatment progresses, nail beds may become darkened, and a delayed side effect of doxorubicin is heart damage. This is a rare side effect, but your heart will be monitored before, during and after treatment to track any changes in functioning. Doxorubicin was approved before 1984 by the FDA.
5-Fluorouracil
5-Fluorouracil is also known by its brand name, Adrucil. It is also shortened to 5-FU. It is given intravenously when used to treat gastric cancer. Chemocare.com lists several possible side effects of this medication, including diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, changes in how things taste and lowered white and red blood cell counts. The FDA approved 5-Fluorouracil before 1984.
