Ixempra^TM

Ixempra™ is indicated for locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer treatment. It is normally used when patients have not responded to prior forms of chemotherapy. Depending on how well the breast cancer has historically responded to anthracyclines, taxanes and capecitabine, Ixempra™ may be administered as a monotherapy, or in combination with capecitabine.

Ixempra™ is administered via an injection, usually every third week. Each Ixempra™ treatment session takes approximately three hours to complete.

Because each person is different and carries a unique medical history, Ixempra™ may or may not be a choice in your case. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer care team is committed to treating all of you, not just your cancer. Your cancer care team will discuss all of the available conventional and complementary therapies available to you, including Ixempra™, so that you have a better understanding of your treatment plan as a whole.

If you would like to learn more, you can chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist from CTCA.

When taking new medications, allergies are always a concern. Ixempra™ is no different. Be sure to discuss your allergies with your doctor prior to beginning Ixempra™ as part of your breast cancer treatment plan. In the event that you have an allergic reaction to Ixempra™, you should get emergency medical attention.

Common signs of an allergic reaction to Ixempra™ can include:

• A warm or tingling sensation
• Closing of the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face

Aside from an allergic reaction, Ixempra™ may also bring about other serious side effects in some patients. If you experience any of the following side effects when using Ixempra™, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Changes to hands and feet:
  • Numbness
  • Burning sensation
  • Pain
  • Tingly feeling
  • Redness
  • Swelling
• Changes to normal body processes:
  • Changes in speech
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty maintaining balance
  • Vision problems
  • Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Numbness or weakness, particularly involving one side of the body
• Pain or heavy feeling in the chest

Most patients using Ixempra™, however, will not experience serious side effects. There are more common, yet less serious side effects that can occur. In most instances, these less serious side effects of Ixempra™ tend to occur as the body is adjusting to having Ixempra™ in its system. These side effects of Ixempra™ may include:

• Stomach pain/decreased appetite
• Nausea/vomiting
• Constipation/diarrhea
• Tired feeling
• Pain in muscles/joints
• Sores or white patches developing on mouth or lips
• Hair loss

The side effects listed here should not be considered a comprehensive list of side effects. Because each patient is unique, there is potential to develop more than one side effect or to develop side effects not listed here. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our cancer care professionals are dedicated to discussing the possible side effects you may encounter from using Ixempra™.

Ixempra™ is indicated for treatment of both locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer.

Locally advanced breast cancer is characterized by a tumor that has grown to more than two inches in diameter with the cancer also spreading to other lymph nodes or tissue in or near the underarm area.

Metastatic breast cancer is characterized by cancer that has originated in the breast having spread to other locations throughout the body.

Ixempra™ can be given as monotherapy treatment for patients who have already received previous breast cancer treatment in the form of anthracyclines, taxanes, and capecitabine, but find that their tumors have proven resistant or refractory to these medications.

If a cancerous tumor has proven resistant or refractory to anthracyclines and taxanes, but not capecitabine, then Ixempra™ can be used as a combination chemotherapy, along with capecitabine, for treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

To learn more about the both traditional and innovative treatment options offered at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we encourage you to chat now with a CTCA Oncology Information Specialist.