Mitomycin

Mitomycin (pronounced my-toe-my-sin) is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for several different types of cancer, including breast, stomach, gullet (oesophagus) and bladder cancers. This information describes mitomycin, how it is given and some of its possible side effects. It should ideally be read with our general information about chemotherapy and about your type of cancer, which give further information and advice.

If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.

• What mitomycin looks like
• How it is given
• Possible side effects
• Less common side effects
• Additional information

What mitomycin looks like

Mitomycin is a purple fluid after being dissolved from powder.

How it is given

Mitomycin may be given:

• as an injection into the vein (intravenously) through a fine tube inserted into the vein (cannula)
• through a central line, which is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone, or into a PICC line, which is inserted into a vein in the crook of the arm
• into the bladder (intravesically)
• by injection into an artery (intra-arterially).

Possible side effects

Each person's reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given mitomycin and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.

We have outlined the most common and less common side effects, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.

Lowered resistance to infection Mitomycin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point about 28 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.

Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:

• Your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
• You suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).

You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.

Bruising or bleeding Mitomycin can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, and bleeding gums.

Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with mitomycin you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these are a problem.

Loss of appetite A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice and tips on boosting appetite, coping with eating difficulties and maintaining weight.

Tiredness and feeling weak It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Less common side effects

Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting If you do feel sick it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and can last for a few days. Your doctor can now prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs that can be given to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled or continues tell your doctor, who can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.

Changes to the lungs Mitomycin may cause some changes to lung tissue. Tell your doctor if you notice any coughing or breathlessness.

Your kidneys may be affected Your kidneys will be checked by a blood test before each treatment.

Hair loss It is very unusual to lose your hair. Some people notice that their hair becomes a little thinner, but not usually enough to be noticeable to other people.

Skin changes Mitomycin can cause a rash which may be itchy. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.

Changes in nails Your nails may become darker. This change grows out over a few months once treatment has finished.

Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.

Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the treatment finishes.

Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let your doctor know if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.

Additional information

If mitomycin leaks into the tissue around the vein it can damage the tissue in that area. If you notice any stinging or burning around the vein while the drug is being given, or any leakage of fluid from the cannula site, it is very important that you tell your doctor or nurse. If the area around the injection site becomes red or swollen at any time you should either tell the doctor or nurse on the ward, or if you are at home, ring the clinic or ward and ask to speak to the doctor or nurse.

When mitomycin is given into the bladder the side effects may be different to those mentioned here. Usually the side effects listed above would be milder or may not occur at all. When mitomycin is given in this way, it can occasionally cause damage to the bladder, including ulcers and a need to pass urine more often.

Other medicines Some medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.

Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking mitomycin, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.