CEF chemotherapy for breast cancer

Chemotherapy is used to treat various cancers using drugs or chemicals. CEF chemotherapy is a combination of drugs used for the treatment of breast cancer. In CEF chemotherapy, combination of three drugs, cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil is used. This combination of drugs is also called FEC. According to recent research, CEF chemotherapy is much more effective than others treatment used to treat breast cancer and is one of the best breast cancer chemotherapy treatment  available now-a-days.

CEF chemotherapy treatment

CEF chemotherapy is given in cycles. Usually CEF chemotherapy treatment plan consists of six chemotherapy cycles. Each chemotherapy cycle lasts for 4 weeks i.e. 28 days. In each treatment cycle, patient receives two drugs named Epirubicin and Fluorouracil through a vein in your arm (intravenously) on the first  and the eighth day of each cycle. Cyclophosphamide is given in the form of tablets, which are taken orally from day 1 to 14 of each treatment cycle. Fluorouracil chemotherapy  is used effectively for treating different cancers like rectal cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer and ovarian cancer.

•     Colon and rectal cancer
•     Breast cancer
•     Gastrointestinal cancers including: anal, esphageal, pancreas and gastric (stomach).
•     Head and neck cancer
•     Hepatoma (liver cancer)
•     Ovarian cancer
•     Topical use (cream)

Blood test is carried out before each treatment cycle to check whether your blood counts are high enough to receive the chemotherapy treatment. Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the chances of infections. Day 15 to 28 (two weeks) is the rest period. In case you miss to take cyclophosphamide pills and you remember it within 12 hours of your usual dose then you can take the dose otherwise skip the dose and take the missed dose on day 15.

Epirubicin can damage the surrounding tissue if it leaks out of the vein while applying. However, nurses are extremely careful while giving this drug.I If you experience burning, or pain after injection, inform them immediately. Epirubicin  might also cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and leg swelling. However, it rarely has an effect on the function of heart. Some heart tests are conducted prior to the treatment. Inform your doctor about any heart problems that you have before.

Fluorouracil makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You can apply sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. Also, wear long sleeved shirt, long pants, and big hats while going out in the sun. It is recommended to limit your exposure to sunlight as far as possible.

Cyclophosphamide can cause irritation to the bladder. To avoid irritation, take cyclophosphamide pills in the morning. In addition, drink lot of water and / or juices during the day and empty your bladder frequently. Consult your doctor if you experience pain during urination, see blood in urine, or need to urinate in small amounts frequently.

CEF chemotherapy side effects

All patients receiving CEF chemotherapy may experience some or total hair loss (including eyebrows, eyelashes). There is also an increased risk of developing infection. You can use wig or other head covering before the treatment. Some women receiving the treatment may develop leukemia or blood cancer however it is rare. CEF chemotherapy can make your period heavier or lighter or even stop them completely. Chemotherapy may affect fertility and your chances of having a baby in future. Discuss this entire thing with your doctor before you start chemotherapy  treatment.

CEF chemotherapy treatment is one of the preferred chemotherapy treatments for curing breast cancer. In this chemotherapy treatment combination of different drugs are used to treat breast cancer effectively.