Sunitinib Chemotherapy
Sunitinib is the generic name of drug Sutent. Sunitinib works on targeted therapy mechanism by impeding the activity of a protein called tyrosine kinases. Kinases are enzymes that are responsible for Angiogenesis i.e. formation of new blood vessels. The cancer cells derive their nutrition & oxygen from surrounding tissues by means of newly formed blood vessels. Sunitinib thus targets the kinase protein thereby inhibiting the formation of these blood vessels. Cancer cells being deprived of oxygen and food self starve and gets destroyed.
Sunitinib drug is used in chemotherapy for stomach cancer or to patients who are suffering from Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) and who did not respond to Imatinib drug. Additionally, it could be given to patients undergoing treatment of kidney cancer or renal cell cancer in the advanced stages and also for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), a type of pancreatic cancer, which has metastasized and is not operable. Doctors may prescribe this drug for other condition that has not been mentioned here.
Administration of Sunitinib Chemotherapy
Doctors usually prescribe sunitinib tablets once in a day before or after meals. The dosage and schedule of sunitinib application is explicitly decided by your medical practitioner. This perhaps varies with general health problems, the stage and type of cancer of every patient.
Side Effects of Sunitinib Chemotherapy
Although sunitinib causes several side effects, all the patients do not usually experience all the side effects mentioned here; it may vary from one patient to another. Moreover, as most of these side effects are predictable and manageable, your health care provider may help you to cope with them. Most of these side effects go away once the treatment is over.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Anemia
- Lowered resistance to infections
- Bruising and bleeding
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Loss of appetite and taste changes
- Heartburn
- Skin changes
- Hair loss
Some other less common side effects include: headache, constipation, bleeding, increase in liver enzymes, fever, dizziness, swelling of the ankles and feet, shortness of breath, cough and so on.
In rare cases, patients might develop blood clots, which can lead to stroke. This can be life threatening. If you notice that side effects mentioned above do not get better with medication prescribed by your doctor, you might need medical attention immediately.
It is highly recommended to consult your health advisor for certain irregularities. The doctors could possibly delay your next dose if the ailment is serious. Inform your doctor within 24 hours if you experience fever above 100.5 F as this is a viable indication of an infection.
Precautions for Patients Undergoing Using Sunitinib Chemotherapy
- Before you start with your treatment, inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs, herbal and homeopathic medicines. Your doctor might ask you stop consuming them before the treatment.
- Do not receive any vaccination or immunization during the treatment without the consent of your doctor.
- Couples should practice effective birth control measures as this drug might cause birth defects in babies.
- If you have conceived before or during the course of the treatment, inform your doctor.
- Lactating mothers should not breast feed while undergoing sunitinib chemotherapy.
- Take the drug at right time as prescribed by your doctor
- Store sunitinib in original packaging at room temperature
- If you skip or miss a dose do not compensate it by double dose
- Sunitinib is poisonous and hence must be kept out of children’s reach
Self Care Tips for Patients
Most of the patients are asked to drink plenty of water and other fluids to keep themselves hydrated. Do not go to crowded placed or near people who have colds or any other infection. This is because during the treatment, you shall be more prone to infection. Wash your hands frequently. Use a soft tooth brush to brush your teeth. Avoid physical exertion and take plenty of rest. Take your anti-emetics medication on time. Avoid smoking and alcohol during chemotherapy.
Patients should have a nutritional diet. Avoid exposure to sun; if you have to go out, wear an effective sun block. In case you notice any unusual side effect, do ask your doctor about them.
Studies indicate that sunitinib chemotherapy is a well tolerated drug. However, research is going on to find out better regimens for the drug. In case miss your dosage or have any queries regarding any side effects of this drug, do not hesitate to ask your health care provider.