Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects blood-forming tissues. This includes the bone marrow and the lymphatic system and often originates in your white blood cells. The treatments and drugs used for leukemia can be very different depending on the patient's age, general health, the spread of the cancer and the type of leukemia. Here are some of the more commonly used drugs given during chemotherapy.
Vincristine (Oncovin)
Vincristine, the generic name for the brand name drug Oncovin, is used to treat various types of leukemia, lymphomas and childhood cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. This drug kills cancer cells by interfering with cell division; because cancer cells multiply at a faster rate than healthy cells, they are affected more by this drug. Vincristine is given intravenously, typically over a minute's time. Common side effects include constipation, hair loss and fatigue. Peripheral neuropathy--a condition that affects the nerves, typically in the hands and feet, causing tingling, numbness and burning--also may occur. Other side effects include a lowered red and white blood cell count (leading to anemia and increased risk of infection), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Doxorubicin is generic for Adriamycin and is used in the treatment of acute leukemias, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and many other cancers. It is known as an anthracycline drug, and it attacks cancer cells by slowing down cell growth. Doxorubicin is given intravenously over approximately 15 minutes. Common side effects include a lowered white and red blood cell count, mouth sores, hair loss, nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite. This drug also can turn your urine red for one to two days after treatment. There is often a lifetime dosing limit with this drug because in large amounts, it has been shown to cause heart damage during or after treatment, even up to years later. You will be monitored before, during and after treatment to ensure your heart function is healthy.
Cytarabine (Ara-C)
Cytarabine, also known as Ara-C, is used in the treatment of several types of leukemia, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This drug stops cancer cells from growing by interfering with cell DNA and RNA, the American Cancer Society explains. Cytarabine can be given several different ways: intravenously over 20 minutes to two hours, as a continuous 24-hour infusion or injected under the skin or into the area around the spinal cord. Common side effects include mouth and lip sores, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, lowered red and white blood cell counts and fatigue. Some people get "cytarabine syndrome" six to 12 hours after treatment, which includes fever, reddish eyes, rash, body aches and extreme fatigue. If the fever does not go away or you have trouble breathing, let your health care team know immediately.
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Cyclophosphamide, marketed as Cytoxan, is used to treat lymphoma, leukemia, retinoblastoma and other cancers. It stops cancer cells from growing, which leads to cell death. A wide variety of drugs can have adverse interactions with cyclophosphamide, so it is important to let your health care team know about all medications or supplements you are taking. Cyclophosphamide can be given orally as a pill or intravenously; it typically is used in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs. Common side effects of cyclophosphamide include lowered white and red blood cell counts, hair loss, nausea or vomiting, mouth sores, diarrhea, blood in the urine and possible infertility. To reduce the risk of bleeding in the bladder, it is suggested that you ingest extra fluids during treatment, the American Cancer Society reports. A rare side effect of this medication is the development of a second cancer after treatment has ended.
Imatinib (Gleevec)
Imatinib, or Gleevec, is a targeted chemotherapy drug that attacks proteins that are on some cancer cells, thereby killing them. Imatinib is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia as well as other types of leukemia and some kinds of gastrointestinal tumors. This medication is taken orally once a day, typically with a meal and a full glass of water. This drug can cause nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, fatigue, skin rash, muscle aches and abdominal pain. It also can lower white blood cell counts and cause shortness of breath.
