This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called MV Carbo. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it will be 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 MV Carbo are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ leaflet. If you have not received this leaflet then please ask your nurse for a copy.
What is MV Carbo chemotherapy?
This is a chemotherapy treatment which consists of three drugs:
Why am I having MV Carbo 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. It is usual to have a cycle of MV Carbo once every three weeks for four cycles. You will be given the three chemotherapy drugs each cycle, except for cycle three when you will be given just the vinblastine and carboplatin.
How will my chemotherapy be given?
The chemotherapy will be given through a drip connected to a small needle which is placed in your hand or arm. Alternatively it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC line is inserted into one of the large veins in your upper arm. This line can remain in place for the whole of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will explain this in more detail.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines. Please ask if you would like a copy.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Your chemotherapy appointment will usually be on a different day to your clinic appointment. The chemotherapy treatment will take about an hour. Please allow an extra 30 minutes for your first treatment.
If you live far away your chemotherapy may be arranged for the same day as your clinic appointment. There is always a delay between seeing the doctor and being given your chemotherapy. If your chemotherapy is on the same day as your clinic appointment you should expect to be in the hospital for between four and six hours.
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.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctor, nurses and pharmacists 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 experience some hair thinning. We have a leaflet on coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse if you would like 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, 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 below 35.5°centigrade. 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 on page 7.
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 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.
Allergic type reactions
A small number of patients experience an allergic type reaction to carboplatin. If this occurs you may feel hot or flushed, itchy, light-headed or generally unwell whilst receiving your carboplatin. This can be easily treated. Please tell your nurse immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.
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
Mitomycin will harmlessly discolour your urine blue for a day after your chemotherapy. Please tell us if this lasts for more than 24 hours.
A small number of people develop lung problems following mitomycin. If you develop a cough or notice that you are short of breath please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Very occasionally mitomycin can damage your blood cells and kidneys. To minimise the risk of this happening we carefully calculate the dose of mitomycin. You will also have regular blood tests.
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.
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:
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
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.