Cytosar Injection (Cytarabine) for Blood Cancer

My cousin's son is undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), a blood cancer from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. One of chemotherapies prescribed for him was Cytosar 100 mg/5ml injection.

Combination therapy which includes Cytosar is quite effective in treating newly diagnosed ALL Blood Cancer. The oncologist at TMH had prescribed this drug to be taken thrice a week for six months. It was intended to be taken intrathecally. When my cousin returned from TMH, the dose continued at the local hospital. It is not recommended to take this drug at home. Medical supervision for one hour after administration of the dose is must and hence we used to take the baby to the regional cancer center of our town.

My cousin had bought all required injections from TMH hospital Mumbai. We used to keep it in refrigerator at home. It is manufactured and marketed by Pfizer. One vial costs Rs. 268. However, the price is far much lower at TMH because of subsidy factor. 

It is not easy to give intrathecal injection. In fact, we have never seen a nurse administering it. The oncologist, both at TMH and at local regional cancer center, used to give it. The baby was asked to stay at the hospital for at least one hour. A nurse used to keep a watch on him for any possible reaction. Fortunately, he never encountered any issue. The only time when we find him in trouble was fluctuating fever. The doctor had asked us to give paracetamol tablet in such cases which tackled the problem.

Over six months, the patient is now in better condition. We are still going for complete blood count (CBC) test every 15 days as advised by the doctor.

Cytosar is no longer being administered. All blood reports are, more or less, of satisfactory nature. White Blood Cells are under control. The credit for improvement and, to an extent, success against such a deadly disease goes to Cytosar Injection. It is a powerful bone marrow suppressor and started to show instant result. The oncologist had told me that this medicine should never be given as IM/IV, or even orally (tablet form is not available, though) because that will make it ineffective.

The baby will remain under medical supervision for next two and half years as per the protocol developed by Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Cytosar will ensure no possibility of remission.

On a side note, I would advise all those parents who are looking for the treatment of ALL blood cancer of babies. They should consult Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. It is the best cancer hospital of Asia and has the record of 100% success rate against ALL blood cancer. At least, ask your oncologist about the TMH protocol.