It's normal for someone fighting cancer to feel a little scared and anxious when they hear the word "chemotherapy." But today, medicine has advanced a lot. Now, unlike in the past, there are very advanced, targeted treatments. Today, we're going to talk about a special drug that targets cancer cells. Its name is Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel. Although the name is a bit long, its function is very unique.
What kind of medicine is this? Simply put...
This is a type of `chemotherapy`, or anti-cancer drug. But this is not like a regular chemo drug. What happens here is that the main anti-cancer drug `Paclitaxel` is combined with a protein called `Albumin` that is present in our body, and is made into very small nanoparticles (`Nanoparticles`).
Think of it like a parcel. The medicine is inside, and it is covered with a protein called `Albumin`. Cancer cells have a strong affinity for this `Albumin` protein. So when this medicine is given to the body, the cancer cells pull this `parcel` inside themselves. Then the medicine goes directly into the cancer cell and destroys the rapidly dividing cancer cells. This method can reduce the damage to healthy cells to some extent.
This drug is usually used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It is most commonly available on the market under the name `Abraxane` .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
It is extremely important for your doctor to know your complete health history before deciding if this treatment is right for you. Be sure to mention any of the conditions below if you have any.
| Health condition or problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney related condition. |
| Liver disease | If you have any liver disease. |
| Low blood levels | If you have previously been diagnosed with low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. |
| Respiratory diseases | Lung or breathing diseases like asthma. |
| Neurological disorders | Nerve-related problems such as numbness and inflammation in the hands and feet. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to paclitaxel, albumin, other chemotherapy drugs, any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This medicine is not something you can take at home. It is an injection that is given into your body through a vein, like a saline solution (infusion) . It is given in a hospital or clinic by a healthcare professional who is specially trained for this.
If you are giving this medicine to a child, special care may be needed. Talk to your pediatrician about this.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is a hospital-based treatment, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, immediately report the matter to the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Things to consider during treatment
Doctors will monitor your condition very closely while you are taking this medicine, and you will need to have regular blood tests .
- Allergies: This medicine can sometimes cause a severe allergic reaction. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Feeling sick: It's normal to feel sick and tired after chemotherapy. This is because the drugs affect cancer cells as well as some healthy cells. However , it's important to complete the course of treatment that you've been prescribed , unless your doctor tells you to stop.
- Protection from infections: This medicine reduces the body's immunity. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor immediately. Stay away from places where sick people hang out as much as possible.
- Bleeding and bruising: There is an increased risk of bleeding or bruising while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising. Be careful when brushing your teeth and using toothpicks. If you are having any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- Painkillers: Do not take medications such as aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice, as these can suppress symptoms such as fever.
Special awareness for pregnancy and mothers
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This is very important. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment. If you are planning to become pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Men should also avoid fathering children while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for 2 weeks after stopping treatment.
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Watch out for the symptoms below.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Abnormally fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, urinary tract infection. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Bruises on the body, red spots on the skin, black stools, blood in the urine. |
| Other features | Vision changes, mouth sores, numbness/tingling in the limbs, swelling of the ankles/hands/feet. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system | Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. |
| Physical changes | Hair loss, fatigue. |
Take-Home Message
- Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel is an advanced chemotherapy drug that specifically targets cancer cells.
- It is imperative that you tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and medications before starting treatment.
- It is very important to avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking this medication and for a period of time afterward.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as fever, unusual bleeding, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any discomfort you are feeling. You are not alone in this battle.
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