White chemotherapy (white chemotherapy) is a colloquial term for oncology therapy using infusions containing bleomycin. In common opinion, it is considered the least burdensome for the body. However, it is worth noting that individual patients' reactions to the drug may differ from each other. How does white chemotherapy work? What side effects are associated with this form of cancer therapy?
White chemotherapyis usually well tolerated by patients. Unlike red chemicals, it does not damage the bone marrow. Color coding of types of chemotherapy is common among cancer patients. Sometimes doctors also use these names. White, yellow and red chemistry are listed. The terms refer to the colors of the intravenous infusions. The use of colors is a great simplification, but it makes it easier for patients to share experiences and practical advice. In this nomenclature, white chemistry is considered safe and minimally invasive, while red chemistry is fearful due to the side effects associated with it.
White chemotherapy (white chemotherapy) - what's in it?
Intravenous infusions used in the course of white chemotherapy contain bleomycin, which has both cytostatic and anti-infective effects. Bleomycin is a mixture of related glycopeptide antibiotics (A2 and B2) obtained primarily from Streptomyces verticillus bacteria.
This drug inhibits DNA metabolism, thereby killing pathogenic cells. It is used as an anti-cancer therapeutic, primarily used in the treatment of solid cancerous tumors.
Bleomycin is almost always combined with other anti-cancer drugs. We are talking then about combination therapy. White chemistry is often given together with radiotherapy Bleomycin can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
It is sometimes advisable to administer it topically by direct injection into the tumor. In Poland, it is under the trade name Bleomedac. This drug is used in therapy and adjunctive treatment of many types of cancer.
Bleomycin, according to registration, is intended for treatment:
- squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck,
- cancer of the cervix and external genitalia,
- medium to high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas,
- testicular cancer,
- pleural effusions of neoplastic origin.
White chemotherapy (white chemotherapy) - how does it work?
Substances infused during white chemotherapy belong to the group of cytostatic drugs. This means that they are chemical compounds used in cancer treatment to destroy cancer cells.
Unfortunately, white chemicals attacking lesions also damages he althy organs and tissues. This is due to the fact that neoplastic cells are cells of our body transformed by mutations.
Painful and burdensome side effects for the patient are included in practically every type of cancer therapy. White chemotherapy, although in the common opinion of patients it is easier to bear than red chemotherapy, also causes unfavorable reactions of the body.
Bleomycin, a major component of white chemistry, works by causing DNA strand cleavage in cancer cells. At high drug concentrations, the synthesis of cellular RNA and proteins is also inhibited.
Bleomycin thus blocks the multiplication of mutated cells and stimulates the process of suicide death, i.e. apoptosis. Ultimately, administration of the drug blocks the growth of a cancerous tumor and kills the cells that build it.
White chemotherapy (white chemotherapy) - side effects
Common side effects of taking white chemicals:
- flu-like symptoms,
- fever,
- rash,
- dermatographic urticaria,
- discoloration,
- hair loss,
- chills,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- mental disorders,
- confusion,
- wheezing,
- allergic reactions,
- darkening or keratosis of the skin,
- discoloration of fingers and toes.
The most serious complication that occurs with the administration of a high dose of bleomycin in white chemistry is pulmonary fibrosis and impaired pulmonary function.
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