CMF Chemotherapy
One of the treatments for breast cancer is called CMF chemotherapy. The name is derived from the drugs used in the treatment, which are cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil also called 5FU. CMF chemotherapy is an outpatient procedure performed after verifying the blood count of the patient. The blood work can be done days before the treatment or the same day as the treatment.
The chemotherapy drugs are administered by a thin tube called a cannula that is inserted into a vein the hand, arm, or collarbone region. The tubing inserted into the collarbone is called a central line. All are options for treatments and will be determined by the patient and attending physician. Prior to the administration of the chemotherapy drugs, the patient will be given an anti-sickness drug via injection into the cannula or an oral medication. The medication will help with the side effects of the therapy drugs.
Once the anti-sickness drug has been allowed to take effect, the CMF chemotherapy process begins with the cyclophosphamide, which is a colorless fluid, injected into the cannula. Methotrexate, a yellow fluid, precedes the first drug in combination with saline water into the cannula. Finally, 5FU is injected into the cannula. The process takes about one hour. The order of the drugs injected can be changed per the discretion of the physician and the order of the drugs will not alter the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
After the final injection of the drugs, the physician will allow the patient to return home after removing the cannula. The physician will provide additional anti-sickness medication to use to prevent further potential sickness from the treatment. Take the medication prior to symptoms since the medication works best before the sickness starts.
The frequency of the treatments is provided in several ways. There are four different types of treatment schedules that are called Schedule A, Schedule B, Schedule C, and Schedule D.
Schedule A consists of taking cyclophosphamide tablets for two weeks. The injections of the methotrexate and 5FU begin the same day. After one week, the methotrexate and 5Fu will be injected again. After the cyclophosphamide tablets are completed, there will be a two-week break before the process is repeated. Schedule B consists of the three drugs being injected. One week later, methotrexate and 5FU will be administered again. There is a two-week break before the cycle repeats again. Schedule C consists of the three drugs being administered by injection. There is a three-week break then the cycle repeats. Schedule D consists of the three drugs being administered by injection. One week later the same process occurs. A break of one week is given before the cycle is repeated. The schedules generally are administered 4-6 times during a 3 to 6 month period.