Mitomycin/Mutamycin
Mitomycin is yet another anti-cancer drug that is classified as an antitumor antibiotic. Mitomycin is used to treat cancers of the stomach, bladder, pancreas, breast, cervical, colorectal, head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancers such as mesothelioma. It is given intravenously. Mitomycin is a vesicant drug, meaning a chemical that causes extensive tissue damage and blistering, it must be administered by a well-trained physician and/or nurse in order to avoid any leaking from the veins during treatment. If any redness or swelling is seen at the IV site, contact a physician immediately. The amount in each cycle of mitomycin is determined by the physician and is based on overall health, weight, height, and type of cancer. As with Alimta and Gemzar, Mitomycin has side effects that include:
- Low blood count
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Alopecia (hair loss)
There are uncommon side effects that are rare, but can be very serious. Those rare conditions include pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis and other lung problems. Rare side effects also includes hemolytic-uremic syndrome where red blood cells are destroyed, damaging the lining of the body’s blood vessel walls and can lead to kidney failure. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is seen in less than 2 percent of patients and usually occurs after several cycles of Mitomycin. Contact your physician immediately if you experience any:
- Extreme vomiting that lasts more than 4-5 days in a 24-hour period
- Unusual bleeding
- Black or bloody stools
- Extreme fatigue
- Swelling of feet and/or ankles
- Infections showing redness, swelling, or pain
In order to achieve a higher level of comfort during treatment cycles, patients are recommended to:
- Soothe any pain or swelling with ice when needed
- Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily
- Avoid crowds or crowded places due to weak immune system as they are prone to infections
- Treat and prevent mouth sores with a soft toothbrush and a mixture of salt, baking soda and water
- Take anti-nausea medications as needed
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Avoid sun exposure without SPF
- Keep alcohol intake at a minimum or avoid altogether
Prior to beginning mitomycin treatments, disclose all medications taken with your physician. This will include all prescriptive medicines, as well as over-the-counter medicines. You are not to receive any immunizations without a physician’s approval. Patients should inform their physician know if they are pregnant, plan to be pregnant, or are pregnant. Breast feeding is not allowed during mitomycin treatment cycles. Patients should be aware that their immune systems will be weak and are more prone to infections when receiving any chemotherapy such as Alimta, Gemzar, or Mitomycin.
