Doxil^®

Doxil^® belongs to a group of drugs called antineoplastics, which work by interfering with standard growth processes of tumors. Doxil^® may cause tumors to stop growing or reduce the rate at which they grow, or impact a tumor's capacity to repair damage brought on by other cancer treatment procedures.

Doxil^® can be used in a cancer treatment plan for several types of cancer. Its primary use is in treating ovarian cancer. In treating ovarian cancer, Doxil^® may be considered an option in patients with recurrent tumors or whose cancer has continued to progress after platinum-based chemotherapy.

Doxil^® is also a FDA-approved cancer treatment for some patients with multiple myeloma. Clinical trials have also tested its efficacy in treating metastatic breast cancer.

As each person is unique, Doxil^® may or may not be the best option for some patients. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer care team will work with you to determining whether Doxil^® would be a beneficial part of your cancer treatment plan. They will also discuss different and/or additional options with you so that you can take an active part in your cancer fight.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we believe in treating all of you, not just your cancer. Part of that commitment is in keeping you well informed of all available conventional and complementary treatment options at each stage of your cancer fight. If you would like to learn more, you can chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist from CTCA.

As with any medication, Doxil^® has the potential of causing an allergic reaction in some users. If you have allergies, discuss them with your doctor before receiving Doxil^®. In the event that you have an allergic reaction to Doxil^®, you should seek emergency medical attention.

The following are signs of an allergic reaction:

• Closing of the throat
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• Rash or hives

Users of Doxil^® may also experience other serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following when using Doxil^®:

• Abdominal pain
• Black/tarry stools
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing/chest pain
• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Fatigue
• Fever/chills
• Fluid retention
• Irregular heartbeat
• Jaundice
• Nausea/vomiting/decreased appetite
• Seizures
• Signs of infection
• Sores and inflammation in mouth/throat
• Stiffness/pain in the joints
• Tingling sensation, numbness, or difficulty moving certain body parts
• Changes to hands or feet, including:
  • Tingling
  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Flaking
  • Bothersome swelling
  • Small blisters
  • Small sores

More commonly, however, Doxil^® presents less serious side effects as the body gets used to having Doxil^® in its system. These side effects of Doxil^® can include:

• Facial flushing during intravenous administration
• Hair loss (temporary)
• Headache
• Red urine for one or two days following administration

In some cases, Doxil^® may bring about side effects not listed here. If you begin experiencing side effects from Doxil^®, contact your doctor for further instruction regarding whether it is OK to continue taking Doxil^®, as well as if medical attention is required. Your cancer care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can discuss and manage the potential side effects of Doxil^® as it relates to your specific situation.

Ovarian cancer occurs when the normal growth process of ovarian cells changes to bring about rapid and uncontrollable growth, often resulting in malignant tumors in the ovaries. In some instances, these tumors may be benign (noncancerous) and not present the risk of spread to other parts of the body.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects the plasma type of normal white blood cells. Though not a type of bone cancer, myeloma cells can collect at different places associated with the bones, such as in the marrow or in forming tumors in the outer part of the bones.

Doxil^® is indicated for treatment of multiple myeloma in patients in combination with Velcade^® (bortezomib) for injection, who also have not previously been treated with Velcade^® and also have received at least one prior form of therapy for multiple myeloma.

Doxil^® has also been tested in cancer trials for the treatment of certain types of metastatic breast cancer.

As each person's experience with cancer is unique, your cancer care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can take you through a number of deciding factors that weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing Doxil^® as part of your cancer treatment plan. To learn more, please contact CTCA today at 800-234-0509.