This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy treatment known as trabectadin. It 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 are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ leaflet.
If you haven’t received this leaflet please ask your nurse for a copy.
What is trabectadin chemotherapy?
This is chemotherapy treatment that can be given in two different ways:
Your doctor or nurse will explain to you how your treatment will be given.
Why am I having this 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 have my chemotherapy?
For this treatment to be most effective it will be given at specific time intervals. These are known as cycles. It is usual to have a cycle of trabectadin every 3 weeks. Your doctor will discuss with you the exact number of cycles you will have.
How will my treatment be given?
To receive your chemotherapy you will need to have a fine tube put into a large vein in your upper arm. This tube is called a PICC line. Your PICC line is usually put in about a week before you start your chemotherapy. It will stay in for the whole course of your treatment. Your doctor will explain this to you in more detail.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines. Please ask if you would like a copy.
For outpatients
If you are an outpatient the small portable pump will be connected to your PICC line. You will go home with this pump containing trabectedin. You will need to return 24 hours later to have the pump disconnected. We will give you information about how to look after your pump at home.
For inpatients
You will remain connected to the drip during your stay in hospital. The drip will be attached to a portable stand with wheels so you will be able to move around the ward area. If you need help a nurse will be available.
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 doctors, 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.
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.
Effects on your bowels
Trabectedin can cause both constipation and diarrhoea. If you have constipation it may be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids and eating lots of fibre. Your doctor can prescribe medication to relieve constipation.
If you have diarrhoea it is important that you drink plenty of fluids. Medication is available to control diarrhoea. If you have 4 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
Trabectedin may damage the nerves of your hands and feet. You may experience some numbness or changes in sensation such as tingling or pins and needles. Although this is very rare it is important that you tell your doctor if this happens so that we can modify your treatment before this side effect becomes permanent.
Myalgia (pain in the muscles)
Some patients may experience myalgia which is muscle or joint pain. This can sometimes be severe but will only last for a few days. If you already have painkillers at home you may find they relieve the pain. If this does not work please contact Velindre Cancer Centre. 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.
Others side effects and information
Fluid retention
You may experience fluid retention which can result in swelling of your ankles and legs. Rarely this can result in breathlessness because of fluid on the lungs. The steroid tablets usually prevent this from occurring. If it does occur it is usually mild, and will reverse when you finish your treatment. Please tell your doctor or nurse if this is a problem
Cough and shortness of breath
A small number of patients develop a dry cough and feel a little short of breath. If this occurs please tell you doctor at your next clinic visit.
Headaches
Some patients will experience headaches. If they occur try taking whatever painkillers you normally take. If this doesn’t help please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for further advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
A small number of patients may experience dizziness. If this affects you please tell your doctor at your next clinic visit.
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.
Is it alright to take other medicines with trabectedin?
Please tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you take other medicines. There are a small number of medicines that you may have to avoid. Please tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you take phenytoin tablets as this treatment may reduce the effectiveness of phenytoin.
Is it alright to drink alcohol with trabectedin?
You should not drink alcohol at all during the whole course of your treatment. This is because of the effect of trabectedin on your liver function which may be made worse by drinking alcohol at the same time.
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.
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.
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.