What is 2 CdA Chemotherapy?

2 CdA chemotherapy is a treatment method in which an anti-cancer drug called ‘2CdA’ is used. The generic name of this anti-cancer drug is cladribine and its trade name is leustatin and another alternate name of this cytotoxic or anti-cancer drug is 2 chlorodeoxyadenosine. 2 CdA chemotherapy is an antimetabolite chemotherapy as 2 CdA drug is classified as under antimetabolite drugs. Antimetabolites interfere with the production of DNA, subsequently preventing the growth and division of cancer cells. 2 CdA chemotherapy is used in the treatment of hairy cell leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and CLL or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. 2 CdA is also used to treat multiple sclerosis.

How is 2 CdA Chemotherapy Administered?

Cladribine or 2 CdA does not come in the form of a pill and therefore it can only be administered by infusing the drug through a vein. The process of infusing 2 CdA drug intravenously usually takes about one to two hours and is given on two consecutive days and if need be, it can be continuously infused for a longer period than the standard two days. As in the case of other chemotherapy treatments, the dosage of the drug depends on various factors such as the overall health of the patient, height and weight, type and stage of cancer and other health problems if any.

What are the Precautions to be taken before undergoing 2 CdA Chemotherapy?

Before undergoing 2 CdA chemo, patients must take certain precautions. Those who are not aware of them can take a look at some of the precautions given below:

• Inform the doctor about any over-the-counter medications or other medications including prescription medicines, dietary supplements before undergoing 2 CdA treatment. Any natural or herbal remedies being followed should also be informed to the doctor.
• Without consulting with the doctor, do not take any vaccinations or immunizations while undergoing 2 CdA chemotherapy treatment
• 2 CdA is hazardous to the fetus and therefore pregnant women must inquire about the potential hazards before undergoing the treatment
• Please take precautions to not get pregnant and inquire as to when is it safe to conceive
• Breast feeding should be stopped when undergoing the treatment

What are the Side Effects of 2 CdA Chemotherapy?

As in the case of other chemotherapy treatments, the side effects of 2 CdA chemotherapy treatment also vary from person to person. Listed below are some of the common and less common side effects of 2 CdA chemotherapy treatment.

Common Side Effects

• High risk of infection due to low white blood cell counts
• Anemia due to low red blood cell counts
• Fever

Less Common Side Effects

• Cough, flu like symptoms and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low appetite
• More prone to bleeding and bruising due to low platelet counts
• Constipation
• Fatigue and headache
• Skin rash

Although this may seem like a huge list of side effects, many of these are less common. Almost all of these side effects are reversible with medications. However, if one experiences very high fever and chills, seek immediate attention from the doctor. Also please note that if any of the side effects are noticed while undergoing 2 CdA chemotherapy, it needs to be brought to the doctor’s attention as soon as possible so that proper medications could be given to ease the side effects.

Patients themselves can also take proper care to ease the side effects. Some of the things that can be followed are as follows:

• Frequent washing of hands
• Eating frequent small meals instead of 3 large meals
• Eat nutritional foods
• Avoid crowded places to minimize the risk of infection
• Avoid getting out in the sun
• To minimize the risk of bleeding use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor. Also avoid any outdoor sports and other physical activities that could cause injury.
• Get enough rest

These were some of the self-care tips that could help ease the side effects of 2 CdA chemotherapy treatment. Do not seek any natural or herbal remedies for the side effects without consulting the doctor.