Mitoxantrone

Mitoxantrone is one of the newer chemotherapy drugs, which has been around and in use for a few years. Mitoxantrone, when prepared for use, becomes a dark blue-colored liquid. This drug is administered intravenously. It is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia

• Lymphomas

• Breast cancer

• Ovarian cancer

In special situations, Mitoxantrone is injected inside the abdominal cavity for treatment of Ascites due to cancers. The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Mitoxantrone is normally given daily for three days, or weekly.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Mitoxantrone. Following are some of the most common and significant ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Hair Loss

• Soreness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing

• Diarrhea

• Blue urine, which is due to excretion of the medicine in the urine.

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologists.