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.
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.
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