TAC Chemotherapy

TAC chemotherapy consists of three drugs-

• Taxotere

• Adriamycin
• Cyclophosphamide

This combination of drugs is used in treating breast cancer. This is generally done in an outpatient setting. The patient would have a blood test before the treatment to check the blood counts. Anti-sickness drugs would be given to the patient before the treatment begins to prevent nausea and vomiting.

These drugs are administered separately in the following manner-

• Adriamycin is given either as an injection along with a drip salt water or saline
• Taxotere is given as an infusion
• Cyclophosphamide a colorless fluid is given as an infusion or an injection along with a drip of saline.

On the first day of the treatment, all the three drugs - taxotere, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide would be administered by drip and injections after which the patient would have a rest period for the next three weeks. This is one cycle of the treatment. Like this, 4-6 cycles are done in a span of 3-4 months. This completes the course of TAC chemotherapy treatment.

Common Side Effects of TAC Chemotherapy

Each person reacts differently. Some patient do not have any side effects while some of them experience a few of the side effects given below-

Lowered resistance to infection i.e. neutropenia- This happens due to lowered count of the white blood cells. This begins 7 days after the treatment. The count usually is normalized before the next cycle begins.

Bruising or bleeding - This happens due to lowered count of platelets. This could cause nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood spots or rashes on the skin.

Anemia - This happens due to lowered count of the red blood cells. This causes weakness and breathlessness.

Nausea and vomiting - There are effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting. This is a very common side effect that happens due to various factors including emotional and psychological reasons. Some anti-sickness drugs cause constipation, which also can be tackled effectively.

Fatigue - This is a common side effect especially towards the end of the treatment. Plenty of rest is important in this case.

Hair loss - This begins within 2-3 weeks after the first cycle. This includes thinning or loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, body hair, etc. This is temporary and hair grows back in about 3-4 months after the treatment.

Sore mouth and ulcers - The patient could have mouth ulcers along with a dry mouth. Frequent flossing and drinking plenty of fluids is important.

Taste changes - The patient has a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, which makes the food taste different. This is temporary.

Irritation of the bladder - Cyclophosphamide causes irritation to the bladder. This could make the passing of urine difficult. It is important to drink plenty of water. The urine could be pink in color in the first 24 hours. This is normal.

Skin changes - There could be an itchy skin rash and the kin could darken. This is temporary.

Sensitivity to the sun - Skin becomes more sensitive to sun and heat and sunburn could happen easily.

Fluid retention - There could be weight gain and swelling in the legs due to fluid retention. The patient could be prescribed a steroid like dexamethasone to reduce this.

Nail changes - The nails become pale and brittle. There could be pain in the nail bed.

Occasional Side Effects of TAC Chemotherapy

Pain in the joints or muscles - Appropriate painkillers could be prescribed

Numbness or tingling in hands and feet This is peripheral neuropathy. This will gradually subside after the treatment is over.

TAC chemotherapy is effective in treating breast cancer in most cases as long as due care is taken to manage the side effects and the treatment is completed on time. It is important to ensure that the patient is mentally prepared to go through this grueling process. Support of friends, family members and the medical staff plays a very important role.