Methotrexate And Cancer Posts

Methotrexate And Cancer Facts

Methotrexate And Cancer Facts in Answers

for treatment of prostate cancer is methotrexate a good choice? I am currently taking goseralin acetate for three years and am wondering if the methotrexate and goseralin acetate are compatible and if both are needed?

stephanaie t replied: "I'm currently taking that for lupus....it might be a good choice but talk to you doctor to be sure. Best of luck to you."

Pablo replied: "Well, if your doctor told you to take them, he must know. How come you did not ask him about them?"

rob_n_tx2 replied: "I had prostate cancer 3 years ago. I had Proton Radiation at Loma Linda University Medical Center at Loma Linda California. I believe Proton Radiation is the very best treatment available today for Prostate Cancer... It has no side effects, your not sick during or after treatments and all of your body functions work just fine.. It is like you never had Prostate Cancer but you are cured... There is a website called Proton Bob ( bob stands for brother hood of the balloon..part of the treatment) If you check the website, be sure and read the Testimonial section of former Proton Radiation Patients. Also there is a new book out called you can beat Prostate Cancer written by Robert J. Marckini. It is great and any one with Prostate Cancer should have it.. He is a Prostate Cancer survivor. The book gives you lots of information about prostate cancer and all of the treatments available today and it out lines the pros and cons of all of the various treatments.. hope this will help... Personally I would have Proton Radiation and be over with it.. Proton Radiation is now offered by 4 hospitals in the US.. It gives the locations on the Proton Bob website."

how does methotrexate render cancer cellsnon-viable? name the specific enzyme route? for pathophysiology class

Rx_Mich replied: "Methotrexate inhibits "dihydrofolic acid reductase". Dihydrofolates must be reduced to tetrahydrofolates by this enzyme before they can be utilized as carriers of one-carbon groups in the synthesis of p.r.n. nucleotides and thymidylate. Therefore, methotrexate interferes with DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication. In cancer, they are fast growing cells and this process is happening more frequently than in normal tissue. Interference with this process slows down the reproduction of new cells rather than interfereing with existing mature cancer cells. Skin, hair, blood, and soft tissue are also fast growing cells and replace themselves on a 28 day cycle. This is why using chemotherapeutic items that interfere with cell growth affect them commonly too."

wlitan replied: "1) How it renders cells non-viable: Methotrexate acts during DNA and RNA synthesis, and is cytotoxic during the S-phase of the cell cycle. Since cancer cells divide more rapidly, it has a greater effect on them. 2) Specific enzyme pathway: folate synthesis pathway"

does methotrexate cause hair loss in patients using it for cancer only? i was prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis and i read that one of the side effects was hair loss

slutty_teresa replied: "side effects may occur in anyone, irrespective of the intended use."

notalonewithcancer replied: "methotrexate can cause hair loss for any condition it is prescribed for. It thins hair in some people but not others. And it's rare to have complete hair loss from methotrexate. The amount of drug taken as well as duration could also have the impact of hair loss."

Spreedog replied: "MD answer Methotrexate is not one of the drugs which commonly causes hair loss - especially at the very low doses used for Rheumatoid arthritis. People do vary, but I've seen MANY people on methotrexate over the 20 years I was a doctor prescribing chemotherapy for cancer, and hair loss was very rare with this drug. You should NOT have to worry about this. The worry might cause more hair loss than the drug."

Igottheanswers replied: "I would be more worried about the effects it could have on the kidney's. When we administer high doses in chemotherapy for our hematological cancer patients, we monitor their kidney function. Make sure you are drinking plenty and are putting out as much as you drink. Notify doc if there is any deviation in your intake/output."

Tori replied: "I was prescribed Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It made me very sick and i lost quite a lot of hair. It got to the point where i refused to take it. There are now what i think are better options avaiable. My rheumatologist has me on a cocktail. Celebrex, Arava (excellent), Salazopyrin, Plaquenil, Cipramil. Even one or a few could be an option as opposed to Methotrexate. Also splints at night to keep the joints in good condition. Check with your rheumatologist"

how to get methotrexate (chemo) out of your body system? My son has bone cancer. So he gets methotrexate but it takes 6 - 8 days to clear. Dose anyone had this chemo had the same problem clearing from your system. Does anyone have any advised on how to clear faster.

Haley P replied: "I know from experience that methotrexate is hard to clear from the body. Unfortunately, there isnt a whole lot you can do to make it clear faster as it is your sons own metabolism that will make it do so. One thing you could try though is increasing his metabolism. Have him drink lots of water, this is a good thing, unless he is retaining water which stinks (its no fun). Eating breakfast is also important and eating small meals throughout the day is a good way to boost the metabolism of his body's cells. However, I know how difficult it is to eat while on chemotherapy. Every persons body metabolizes drugs at different rates, you could try these things. I hope I helped!"

Thin Kaboudit replied: "While I can understand why you might be asking, have you really thought through the potential consequences of trying to accelerate "removal" of a chemotherapy agent? It's SUPPOSED to be a poison that kills (high metabolism) cancer cells without quite killing (regular metabolism) rest-of-the-patient..... messing with this process without a physician's guidance doesn't seem like a smart move, if you think about it. Chemo sucks. But it beats cancer. It KILLS cancer.... Good luck to your son, and please don't follow any "non-medical" medical advice!"

Is there anyone who has been treated w/ the drug methotrexate? Did you have any terrible side effects? I just had surgery for an ectopic pregnancy and my doctor is going to give me this medication, because some of the tissues are regrowing in my tube(where the surgery was) I usually try to go w/ a natural approach but that is not an option for this situation. The only alternative is to have my tube removed. Please only answer, if you are knowledgeable ,have experienced something like this, or have used this drug for treatments other than cancer. Thanks.

jim replied: "Most drugs usually don't have any of the side affects that the doctor warns you about. If the drug was that dangerous it would not be administered. It's probably you're best bet."

ms_Lila replied: "I was treated years ago with a low dose of Methotrexate for psoriasis. I had a rough time with it. I don't know how your dosing would go but mine was say Wednesday night and again Thursday morning and then nothing until the next Wednesday night and Thursday morning. By the time I got up on the Thursday morning I already had an terribly upset stomach and the second dose always brought on a migraine for me. I basically lost a day each week while I was on it. You might not be the same - you might be alright. If your doctor recommended it then you should ask him/her about the possible side effects verses the good that it can do for you. They are suggesting the use of it for a reason. Good luck to you."

I have lost faith in my health care provider. How can I explain this to the next doctor? I thought I could just tell the next doctor that it is a matter of lack of trust. My present health care provider over medicates, he even prescribed anti-cancer medication (methotrexate) against mild arthritis. I ended in hospital for a week. He still wants me to take that medecine which nearly did me in. He gets very annoyed when I mention side effects, and brushes if off. Frankly he scares me but can I say this to the next doctor?

spirit free replied: "The reason being is that your Doctor is trained to prescribe medicine and do surgery. Not to take care of you. but to take care of the pharmacuetical companies out there. They are the highest stocks and pay a lot of money out. They want you hooked on drugs, and then you get more symptoms because of the drug they gave you, so they prescribe another drug and then it has its side affects and then they will treat you for that one and so on and so forth. Your health isn't the issue here, it is all about the money they make. the next doc will be the same way more then likely."

Brendan replied: "doctors are trained to be impartial. they are told not to listen to a self diagnosis in case of hypochondriacs, that is why he might have dismissed you, but if he is making you take medicine that is clearly not intended for someone in your position. don't hesitate to get a second opinion. go ask your pharmacist or another GP, this is your health were talking about."

Anybody out there take Methotrexate for an Ectopic Pregnancy? Anybody out there take Methotrexate for an Ectopic Pregnancy? Found out I was pregnant Thursday and Friday we found it was an Ectopic Pregnancy and I'm taking injections of methotrexate to avoid surgery (& scar tissue so that we can have babies in the future) but with a lower doseage due to it being used to treat ectopic preg. vs cancer treatment I'm just wondering what other people's experiences were, maybe it's just the hormones but I seem to be a bit of a "case" - nausea, totally tired & all that jazz. Talk to me! Thanks... Wow. Thanks for the support and well wishes. I guess I didn't expect that from this posting and it touched me a bit more deeply than I expected. Happy and comforted tears are always better than sad ones, it's a difficult thing to go through so thanks for your personal well-wishes! It means a lot...

blue_girl replied: "I take methotrexat for rheumatoid arthritis. I have to take it once a week and I notice that the day that I take it and the day after I feel nausea, tired, and a small headache. So I guess they may be a temp. side effect."

Mum to 2 replied: "I want to first say that I am very sorry you are going throught this. My heart goes out to you. After the injection you will need most likely to be seen twice in the next week and then have blood drawn weekly until the blood tests tells that your ectopic pregnancy is completely resolved. Occasionally a patient will need a second injection or surgery. Until your ectopic pregnancy has resolved completely please observe the following restrictions: No Alcoholic Beverages (Beer,Wine, Wine Coolers or Hard Liquor). No Intercourse or Sexual Activity. No Vigorous Athletic Activity (such as aerobics, contact sports, horseback riding, etc.). No multivitamin preparations containing folic acid. Please call your doctor if you develop any problems or symptoms. This would specifically include symptoms such as shoulder pain, dizziness, light-headedness, severe abdominal pain or excessive vaginal bleeding (soaking over one pad every one to two hours). Mild to moderate lower abdominal pain is a common occurrence during treatment. If you develop a problem which causes you to seek immediate medical attention, please be sure to inform the physician who cares for you that you are being treated for an ectopic pregnancy. If you develop problems with nausea and vomiting, info your Dr. It is very important that you keep all of your appointments if any. Up to 10% of women do not respond to methotrexate therapy and require surgery. A small percentage of patients will require a second dose of the methotrexate and this can only be determined from blood tests results. I wish you loads of luck and many healing blessings."

BDFDGirl replied: "I just wanted to tell you I am sorry you are going through this.... I have no experience with methotrexate, but completely understand your desire to avoid surgery. I hope this works and wish you a speedy recovery & healing."

Methotrexate? I'm Scared!? I just found out I have a tubal pregnancy. This is extremely frightening for me. Dr. says I need to have a shot (in the butt) with a drug they give cancer patients...called "methotrexate". She said it is a small dosage, but I am scared of the side effects. Not to mention my sadness of losing my pregnancy. I really thought I miscarried...because I've been bleeding for a week...unfortunately, my hormones levels in blood work show a slight increase and that means tubal pregnancy. Please respond if you have any information for me regarding this "Methotrexate" drug....I'm scared.

Sally G replied: "I'm not sure why they are giving you methotrexate, but you'll be ok. I took methotrexate many times and never had any side effects from it. You have my condolences on the tubal pregnancy. However, it happens....the chances are good that next time things will be ok."

ConnieWho replied: "Try checking this site out. "

lisa g replied: "They do give a very low dose...I worked at a clinic that administered this drug for the same reason..Most people did not have any side effects from it and some people just had some diarrhea....I am so sorry for your loss....Good Luck!"

carashall replied: "I am so sorry for your loss, also...I though they only diagnosed tubal pregnancy from ultrasound confirmation? I don't know, though. I've never had that happen."

half way there replied: "First let me say I will be praying for you. You will have to avoid becoming pregnant for at least one cycle due to the injection. You should be talking to your Dr about your fears and any other health concerns or conditions you may have. Look this medication up on the web and read what it says about it. I am sure your Dr knows what they are doing but you need to be fully informed to feel better about what is going on. Have you had an ultrasound first? I would ask your Dr about one before getting this shot as it can cause birth defects, you need to make sure you can not carry this pregnancy full term first. Again I am sorry that you are going through this and will keep you in my prayers."

sasha1966 replied: "Methotrexate (MTX) blocks folate metabolism and inhibits DNA synthesis in cells. Therefore cells that are rapidly dividing, like cancer or fetal cells,will be affected and stopped by MTX. It is also used very often for people with rheumatoid arthritis but with a different mechanism of action. The dose you are getting is much lower than that given to cancer patients. Arthritis patients take MTX on a weekly basis as long as they need it to reduce and control their symptoms. MTX is a common, if unlabeled, treatment for tubal pregnancy. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea."

no toosure24 replied: "i'am sorry to hear that, i had an ectopic pregnancy about 7 months ago, i was bleeding too for a week and i had to stay over night in the hospital, and they gave me that same shot, it was in the butt too it didn't hurt that bad it just stung alittle, the only side affect i had was my hair was coming out a little bit more than usual when i brushed it not bad though, don't worry everything will be fine, it only lasted for a couple of months, and you probaly won't be able to get pregnant again for a few months after it gets out of your system, when you go home from the hospital you will probally have really bad cramps, just lay in a hot bath tub that helped me and if it gets so bad that you can't stand it go back to the hospitasl but don't worry everything will be fine"

Side effects of Methotrexate Chemo.? I would like to hear from anyone that has been given Methotrexate for chemo during cancer treatments. I would like to know what kind of side effects I will be in for (i.e. pain during injections, hair loss-how much, mouth sores-how bad). Thank you for your help.

Vampire V replied: "commoan side effcts r mouth sores,digestive upsets,skin rashes and hair loss"

Mookz M replied: "Methotrexate LPF Inj Side Effects See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mouth sores, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, persistent sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, black stools, skin rash, enlarged glands/lymph nodes, dark urine, bone pain, unusual pain and discoloration of the skin. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine, chest pain, dry cough, trouble breathing, calf pain/swelling, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, severe headache, neck stiffness, mental/mood changes, seizures. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist."

More Resources

Methotrexate - National Cancer Institute
This page contains brief information about methotrexate and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, related news and research results, ...

ACS :: Cancer Drug Guide: methotrexate
... prevents cells from making DNA and RNA, thus stopping the growth of cancer cells. ... methotrexate is injected into the spinal canal to kill cancer cells ...

Definition of methotrexate - National Cancer Institute Drug ...
methotrexate. An antimetabolite and antifolate agent with antineoplastic ... Methotrexate binds to and inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, resulting ...

Methotrexate - Yahoo! Health
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, ... Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung. ...

Methotrexate for trophoblastic cancer
Drug details for Methotrexate for trophoblastic cancer. ... Methotrexate can be used to prevent trophoblastic cancer in women who are ...

Methotrexate (Oral Route, Injection Route) - MayoClinic.com
... Clinic offers award-winning medical and health information and tools for ... Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (a type of cancer of the blood and lymph system) ...

Methotrexate Information from Drugs.com
Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head ... Methotrexate is usually taken once or twice per week and not every day. ...

Methotrexate : BC Cancer Agency
Special pediatric considerations are noted when applicable, otherwise adult provisions apply. Methotrexate. Cancer Drug Manual� 2006 ...

methotrexate: Definition from Answers.com
methotrexate n. A toxic antimetabolite, C 20 H 22 N 8 O 5 , that acts as a folic acid antagonist to ... at which cancer cells grow and divide make them more ...

Healthopedia.com Drugs Information - Methotrexate For Cancer ...
Children?Newborns and other infants may be more sensitive to the ... Methotrexate For Cancer: Description and Brand Names. Methotrexate For Cancer: Proper Use ...