CVP 232

This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called CVP. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on CVP are given at the end of the leaflet.

This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ folder. If you haven’t received this folder please ask your nurse for a copy.

What is CVP chemotherapy?

This is a chemotherapy treatment which consists of three drugs. There are two chemotherapy drugs which are given through an infusion (drip):

Cyclophosphamide
Vincristine

The third drug is a steroid tablet called prednisolone.

It is usually called CVP for short.

Why am I having CVP chemotherapy?

Your doctor has prescribed this chemotherapy because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer.

How often will I receive my chemotherapy?

For this treatment to be most effective, it is given at specific time intervals. These are known as cycles. A cycle of CVP lasts for three weeks. It is usual to have between six and eight cycles. Your doctor will discuss with you the exact number of cycles you will receive.

You will be given the chemotherapy drugs once every three weeks. The prednisolone tablets are given for five days, starting on the day of chemotherapy. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will tell you how many tablets you need to take.

How long will my treatment take?

Your chemotherapy appointment will be on a different day to your clinic appointment. The chemotherapy treatment will take about 30 minutes. Please allow an extra 30 minutes for your first treatment.

Can I bring relatives and friends with me?

You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.

How will my chemotherapy be given?

Your chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. Alternatively it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into a large vein in your upper arm. This will remain in place throughout the course of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this further with you.

We have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines. Please ask if you would like a copy.

What are the possible side effects?

There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctor, nurses and pharmacy team can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.

Hair loss

This chemotherapy should not make you lose your hair. However, a small number of people may experience some hair thinning.

We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse for a copy.

Sickness

Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we will give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine when you are at home after your chemotherapy treatment, please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.

Infection

You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment.

If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life threatening.

Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade or if your temperature is below 35.5°. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is not common with this chemotherapy. However, if you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.

Tiredness and fatigue

Chemotherapy can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.

Sore mouth

Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Please follow the advice on caring for your mouth in the general chemotherapy leaflet. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to prevent or clear any infection.

Effects on your nerves

Vincristine can affect the nerves in your fingers and toes giving the feeling of numbness or pins and needles. The nerves to your bowel may also be affected. This may result in constipation. Some patients may also have jaw pain or headaches if the nerves to the head are affected. If you develop any of these problems please tell your doctor or nurse at your next visit to clinic.

Skin and tissue damage

Some chemotherapy drugs may damage the skin and surrounding area if they leak outside of your vein. This is known as extravasation. It is extremely rare but it is important that you tell us immediately if you notice any pain or burning at the site of the drip. If this occurs whilst the chemotherapy is being given, tell your nurse. If you notice pain, swelling or redness when you’re at home please contact us immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.

Blood clots

A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.

Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information

Other side effects

Women sometimes find that chemotherapy treatment affects their periods. They could become heavier, lighter or even stop altogether.

It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having chemotherapy treatment as chemotherapy could damage the unborn baby.

Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.

Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.

Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets

Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy

Contact telephone numbers

Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888

Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:

Are sick more than once in 24 hours
Have a temperature of 37.5°C or above or below 35.5°centigrade
Have diarrhoea

Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223

Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines

Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000

Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010

cancer helpline

This information is also available in Welsh

This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.