Methotrexate for Trophoblastic Cancer
Examples
|
| methotrexate preservative-free injection |
| methotrexate sodium preservative-free injection |
How It Works
Methotrexate stops the growth of rapidly reproducing cells, such as
cancer cells or fetal cells.
Why It Is Used
Methotrexate is the drug of choice for treating
trophoblastic cancer that affects the uterus only,
which accounts for the vast majority of cancer caused by
molar pregnancy.
Methotrexate can be used to prevent trophoblastic cancer in women
who are considered
high risk for developing cancer after removal of a molar pregnancy.
How Well It Works
Methotrexate cures about 90% of trophoblastic cancer that is
confined to the uterus.1 Cure rates are as high as 99%
in women with early diagnosis and minimal cancerous growth.2
Side Effects
Methotrexate side effects are most likely to develop with long-term
use. Common temporary side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of
appetite.
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances.
- Low
blood counts.
Less common side effects include:
- Sun sensitivity, easy
sunburn.
- Diarrhea or blood in the stool.
- Mouth
sores.
- Easy bruising and bleeding.
- Skin rash or
sores.
- Headaches.
- Chills and
fever.
- Lightheadedness.
Long-term side effects can include:
- Liver inflammation or damage. The risk of liver
damage is increased in people with
diabetes, people with a history of liver disease, and
those with a history of alcohol abuse.
- Inflammation of the lungs
(pneumonitis).
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
The possibility of experiencing severe side effects increases if
you combine methotrexate with alcohol or certain other medicines. You will be
advised to completely avoid the following until your
treatment has finished:
- Alcohol
- Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and
ibuprofen
- Penicillin
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Berkowitz RS, Goldstein DP (2007). Gestational
trophoblastic disease. In JS Berek, ed., Berek and Novak's Gynecology, 14th ed., pp. 1581–1603. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams
and Wilkins.
- Berkowitz RS, et
al. (1998). Recent advances in gestational trophoblastic disease. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10: 61–64.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|---|
| Last Revised | November 9, 2010 |
|---|
Last Revised:
November 9, 2010
Berkowitz RS, Goldstein DP (2007). Gestational
trophoblastic disease. In JS Berek, ed., Berek and Novak's Gynecology, 14th ed., pp. 1581–1603. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams
and Wilkins.
Berkowitz RS, et
al. (1998). Recent advances in gestational trophoblastic disease. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10: 61–64.
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