Why is dexamethasone given with cisplatin?

Glucocorticoids (GCs) such as dexamethasone (DEX) are widely used as a co-treatment with chemotherapy because of their effectiveness to prevent edema, nausea, and toxic reaction caused by cytotoxic treatment in tumor patients [1]. GCs co-treatment also improves appetite, weight loss and relieves bone pain [2].

How is gemcitabine and cisplatin administered?

Gemcitabine (Gemzar) and cisplatin are usually given in an outpatient infusion center, allowing the person to go home afterwards. On occasion, they may be given in the hospital if someone is too sick. Gemcitabine + cisplatin is repeated every 21 or 28 days. This is known as one Cycle.

What is GDP protocol?

Treatment. GDP regimen was implemented in 21-day cycle: gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 intravenously over 30 minutes on days 1 and 8), dexamethasone (20 mg/day orally on days 1–4 and days 11–14), and cisplatin (25 mg/m2 intravenously over 60 minutes on days 1–3).

Does gemcitabine and cisplatin cause hair loss?

Flu-like symptoms of muscle pain, fever, headache, chills and fatigue. Rash. Hair loss. Muscle weakness.

How often do you take gemcitabine and dexamethasone?

Treatment consisted of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 intravenously (i.v.) on Days 1 and 8, dexamethasone 40 mg orally on Days 1–4, and cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 i.v. on Day 1 (GDP), every 21 days as an outpatient. The primary end point was a response after two cycles.

What’s the difference between cisplatin and gemcitabine?

Gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) Find out what GC (gemcitabine and cisplatin) chemotherapy is, how you have it and other important information about having GC. GC is a combination of chemotherapy drugs and is also known as Gemcis or Gemcisplat. It’s made up of the drugs: gemcitabine (or Gemzar)

What should I do if I get an injection of Gemzar?

A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Gemzar is injected. If any Gemzar injection accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.

What are the side effects of gemcitabine injections?

Less common. Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.