Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and is a common treatment for breast cancer. Chemotherapy treatments are given in cycles, with medication being given for several weeks, followed by one or more treatment-free weeks, to give your body time to repair itself. A wide range of anti-cancer medications are available for breast cancer, and the choice of drugs used depends on the stage and kind of breast cancer, along with individual patient characteristics. More than one drug is typically used at the same time to increase their effectiveness.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Doxorubicin (brand name Adriamycin) is a chemotherapy drug that is given intravenously over a period of 15 minutes. It is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug, which slows down the growth of cancer cells and kills them. How often you get this medication depends on the cancer being treated, your size and how your body reacts to the drug. Side effects of doxorubicin include lowered white and red blood cell counts (which can lead to increased risk of infection and anemia), appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, hair loss and darkening of your nails. In large doses, this medication can cause heart damage. Before, during and after treatment with doxorubicin, your heart function will be tested to monitor any changes.
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is another anthracycline drug that stops cancer cells from growing and causes cell death. The medication can be taken orally in pill form or given intravenously. The dosing schedule depends on the kind of cancer being treated and your body size. Common side effects of cyclophosphamide include a lowered white blood cell count, mouth sores, hair loss, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the urine. Similar to doxorubicin, this drug may cause heart damage in large doses, and your heart function will be monitored during and after treatment with this medication.
Methotrexate (Mexate)
The generic drug methotrexate (brand name Mexate) interferes with cell DNA and RNA, preventing cancer cells from multiplying and growing, and causing cancer cell death. Methotrexate can be given orally in capsule form, injected into a muscle or given intravenously. Side effects can include nausea and vomiting when given at high doses, appetite loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, skin changes and increased sun sensitivity. After being on this medication for several months, your red blood cell count may decrease, causing anemia and fatigue. When the drug is given at medium and high doses, methotrexate is given with the drug leucovorin, which helps alleviate more severe side effects associated with high doses of the medication, according to the American Cancer Society and Chemocare.
Docetaxel (Taxotere)
Docetaxel, the generic form of the drug Taxotere, interferes with structures of cells during cell division, causing the cancer cells to die. It is given intravenously over one hour either every other week or every three weeks. It is typically given with a steroid, such as dexamethasone, to decrease the risk of an allergic reaction, according to the American Cancer Society. Common side effects of this medication include lowered white and red blood cell counts, hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, nail color changes, lack of menstrual periods in women, rash and fluid retention.
