This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called paclitaxel (Taxol) and carboplatin. 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 this chemotherapy 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 Taxol and carboplatin chemotherapy?
Taxol and carboplatin chemotherapy consists of the two drugs Taxol and carboplatin. Taxol originates from the bark of the European Yew tree.
Why am I having Taxol and carboplatin chemotherapy?
Your doctor has recommended 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 will be given at specific time intervals. These are known as cycles.
There are different ways to give the chemotherapy.
You may have:
Your doctor will discuss the exact number of cycles you will receive.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team before each cycle. You will have regular blood tests and we will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the chemotherapy is affecting you. If your blood results are satisfactory, your chemotherapy will be prescribed.
How will my chemotherapy be given?
Your chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. If needed, 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 if required, and we have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines.
Before your chemotherapy we will give you some drugs through your drip which reduce the risk of you being sick or developing an allergic reaction to your chemotherapy. We will then give you the Taxol followed by the carboplatin.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Your chemotherapy appointment will be on a different day to your clinic appointment. Your treatment will be given on one of the day case treatment areas.
If you have:
your chemotherapy will take approximately 6 hours. You will have your bloods taken every 3 weeks in clinic.
your treatment will take approximately 3 to 4 hours. You will have your bloods taken the day before each treatment, apart from when you go to clinic.
The nurses on the chemotherapy unit will inform you where and when to have your bloods taken.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
Currently due to the need to ensure 2m space between patients during COVID-19 we do not usually allow anyone to stay with you during your treatment. If you have any concerns about this please speak to your team before your treatment starts. We may be able to make some exceptions but we will need to be aware of this before the day of treatment.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctors, nurses and pharmacy team can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Hair loss
Unfortunately with chemotherapy given once every 3 weeks, you will lose your hair. If you have this treatment on day1,8 and 15 at 3 weekly intervals you may have hair thinning or hair loss. Your hair will grow back when your treatment has finished. A method known as ‘scalp cooling’ or ‘cold capping’ can be used to prevent hair loss. We have leaflets that tell you more about scalp cooling and 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 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.
Anaemia
Carboplatin can cause you to become anaemic, it is common for patients receiving carboplatin to require a blood transfusion. Your team will monitor your bloods to check for anaemia.
Effects on the nerves of your hands and feet
Taxol can affect the nerves of your hands and feet. This may lead to a loss of sensation, tingling or pins and needles. These symptoms may increase as you have more cycles of chemotherapy. It is important to be extra careful when exposing your hands and feet to hot or cold temperatures. These symptoms usually go away within a few months of finishing your treatment.
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 swelling, 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.
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.
Allergic type reaction
A small number of patients experience an allergic type reaction to this chemotherapy. If this occurs you may feel hot or flushed, itchy, light-headed or generally unwell whilst receiving your chemotherapy. This can be easily treated. Please tell your nurse immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
A small number of patients develop an itchy rash between treatments with Taxol and carboplatin. If this occurs it is important that you report it to your doctor or nurse at your next clinic appointment.
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:
Your team will monitor your bloods to check how your kidneys are working, as Carboplatin can sometimes affect your kidneys
Carboplatin may also affect your hearing, please inform your team if you have any ringing in your ears or hearing loss.
You may experience ridging of the nails or other changes to the nails.
Sometimes patients can experience a slower heart rate than normal with this chemotherapy. If you feel short of breath or lightheaded, or notice you have a slow heart rate, inform your team.
This chemotherapy can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It is best to avoid strong sunlight, wear a hat and use a sun block.
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.
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
Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
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.