Chemotherapy is the use of medications to kill cancer cells and is a common treatment for lung cancer, both small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Combination chemotherapy, or the use of more than one drug, is typically used in order to improve treatment outcomes and enhance effectiveness. There are many different chemotherapy drugs that can be used, and the specific treatment regimen depends on the type of lung cancer and stage of cancer.
Carboplatin (Paraplatin)
Carboplatin, the brand-name drug Paraplatin, is a platinum-based chemotherapy medication that kills cancer cells by slowing down their growth, eventually causing their death. It is usually given intravenously over 15 to 60 minutes, along with an anti-nausea drug, according to the American Cancer Society. Common side effects of this drug can include lowered white and red blood cell counts (leading to increased risk of infection and anemia), thin hair and possible changes of kidney functioning. Peripheral neuropathy is also a possible side effect of this drug. Peripheral neuropathy results from nerve damage in the feet and hands and can cause burning, tingling, numbness and temperature sensitivity in the extremities. This is typically a temporary condition and lessens after treatment ends, but it may be long-lasting in some people.
Gemcitabine (Gemzar)
Gemcitabine is an anti-metabolite chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells by interfering with cell RNA and DNA, which stops reproduction and growth. This medicine is typically given intravenously over approximately a half an hour, although the specific regimen can depend on the kind of cancer and its staging. Side effects of gemcitabine can include lowered white and red blood cell counts, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, fever, swelling of the arms and legs and possible adverse effects on the liver or kidneys. During and after treatment, blood tests are administered to monitor any changes in liver and kidney function, to make sure the drug is not affecting these organs.
Irinotecan (Camptosar)
Irinotecan is a plant alkaloid chemotherapy drug that is also called a topoisomerase I inhibitor. This medication blocks an enzyme, topoisomerase I, that helps in cell reproduction. Without it, reproduction goes awry and leads to cell death. The regimen followed with irinotecan consists of the drug being given intravenously over 90 minutes, either every 3 weeks or weekly for 4 weeks followed by a week of no treatment. Side effects can include lowered white and red blood cell counts, hair thinning or loss, stomach pain, appetite loss, weakness and mouth sores.
Etoposide (Toposar)
Etoposide is a plant alkaloid chemotherapy drug that works on another enzyme, topoisomerase II, that helps cells divide. By interfering with this, it causes cells to die. This drug can be given intravenously over 30 to 60 minutes or by mouth as a capsule. Side effects of this medication can include lowered white blood cells, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss and hair loss. Peripheral neuropathy is also a common side effect and typically resolves once treatment has ended.
