1. How does Mitomycin work?
The chemotherapy drug works by interfering with your DNA. Mitomycin uses the ability to inhibit the cells from rapidly dividing. The cancer spreads in our body from one part to another by replicating DNA and dividing rapidly into numerous cancerous cells. A typical cell would stop dividing once it comes into contact with similar cells. Cancer cells lose this property and thus are a hazard to our immune system.
2. How long does Mitomycin stay in your system?
Your healthcare provider will administer Mitomycin into the bladder, its intravesical treatment of Mitomycin. It stays in your bladder for one to two hours and tends to change the colour of your urine. It is common to experience bluish-green discolourations and frequent peeing and pain for one day (typically 24 hours) after treatment.
3. Can Mitomycin cause hepatotoxicity?
Intake of Mitomycin in high doses is linked with the development of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. It is simply the damage and blockage of small liver vessels. Its severity varies from individual to individual and can range from mild, transient and asymptomatic. Other chemotherapy drugs responsible for this condition are cyclophosphamide and busulfan.
4. Can Mitomycin cause liver toxicity?
Mitomycin is listed among drugs that can lead to liver toxicity or hepatotoxicity. It is a proven cause of transient jaundice and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, previously known as a hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD). The side effect is rare and depends upon the individual's tolerance level.
5. Is Mitomycin a chemotherapy?
Yes, the antineoplastic antibiotic drug Mitomycin is a chemotherapy drug. It is used as a supportive drug with various antitumor medicines to treat cancers like stomach, pancreas, breast, urinary bladder, etc.
6. How does Mitomycin work for bladder cancer?
Your oncologist will use Mitomycin for intravesical chemotherapy (bladder chemotherapy). The drug is administered using electromotive mitomycin therapy. The primary side effect of this therapy is blood in urine and a burning sensation in the bladder.
How is Mitomycin administered?
- Mitomycin is administered intravenously using an injection. It is a vesicant, a substance that can cause adverse tissue reactions if exposed to veins. The nurse must inform the doctor in time for any redness or inflammation at the IV site.
- For urinary bladder cancer, intravesical chemotherapy is adopted, as explained above.
- Doses of Mitomycin are not available in pill form.
7. Does Mitomycin cause weight gain?
Yes, Mitomycin is associated with rapid weight gain as one of its alarming side effects. Inform your doctor right away if you experience weight gain along with any unusual bleeding, bruisings, bloody diarrhoea, or stomach cramps.
8. Does Mitomycin cause hair loss?
Yes, the use of Mitomycin comes with temporary loss of hair, just like any chemotherapy. It includes your eyelash, eyebrow, pubic, axillary, and underarm hair too. Once the treatment is complete, your hair growth must return to normal. It might take time, and your body may still experience signs and symptoms that need attention.
9. Does Mitomycin affect your immune system?
Yes, you are susceptible to contracting infections during the treatment period. It can weaken your immune system. Your doctors might use the word 'immunocompromised' for cancer patients. Thus they should be made aware of all sensible precautions to take while on chemotherapy. Call your doctor right away if you feel feverish, weak, sore, or have frequent coughing.
