Chemotherapy

ICE Chemotherapy Treatment

Chemotherapy treatment of “non-Hodgkin-lymphoma” is known as ICE. The treatment can also be done by other methods to take care of other kinds of cancer. The name “ICE” is derived from the chemotherapy drugs – ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide. The initials of the drugs comprise the abbreviation “ICE”.

This treatment is generally given for a little duration in the hospital. Before the treatment, a blood test is conducted. The blood test may be carried out few days earlier or it may be done the similar day. The health care practitioner, professional nurse, or a pharmacist would give the go-ahead to the pharmacy to prepare the chemotherapy drugs; only after the blood test report shows normal. This process might take some time.

The treatment is generally given by the help of a slim plastic tube, which is inserted beneath the skin and then into the vein, close to the collarbone (central-line). Alternately the slim plastic tube can also be inserted through the vein of the arm (PICC-line). In case the line is absent, the nurse would help the patient by putting a slim and elastic tube into the vein of the arm or the hand. Though uncomfortable and painful, this doesn’t take long.

Few anti-sickness drugs are given by means of injection along the central-line, cannula, or PICC-line, which remains hooked up to the drip. Few medicines in the tablet form are also given for anti-sickness. At this moment chemotherapy drugs are given (but not together), as combination into the cannula or line. Ifosfamide can cause irritation on bladder lining which results in bleeding. As a preventive measure, “mesna” (Uromitexar) is used. Mesna may be mixed with ifosfamide, otherwise given in a while after ifosfamide dosage in drip form. At times mesna is given in the tablets form, which can be consumed at home. Taking the tablets precisely as per the prescription is crucial.

Once the treatment is over, one can go home. In case of a cannula, it would be taken out and a few anti-sickness medicines would be given to take home. These medicines should be taken as per directives. Few anti-sickness medicines are safer for putting a stop to sickness; rather bring to a halt once the sickness starts.

Whilst in consultation with the doctor about chemotherapy, he may utter “ICE regimen”, which means the entire schedule of the chemotherapy treatment.

ICE Chemotherapy Side Effects
Response to chemotherapy treatment is different for each person. Side effects may vary from person to person; some may experience fewer side effects whilst some possibly will face more.

Probable side effects are: vomiting and nausea; poor resistance towards infection; bleeding or bruising; anemia; hair loss; tiredness; irritation on the bladder; and low appetite.

Other general side effects are: short-term distress of liver; skin changes; diarrhea; effect taking place on kidneys; sore mouth with change in taste; loss in balance; sleepiness; and confusion.

When etoposide is given, pain may be experienced alongside the vein or at the position where injected. Please inform your concerned doctor and nurse of the same and take precautionary steps.