What is metronomic chemotherapy?

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)

Metronomic chemotherapy is an innovative chemotherapy treatment delivery method in which a single chemotherapy dose is delivered in smaller amounts over a period of a few days.

Metronomic chemotherapy is a treatment option for patients whose prostate cancer has spread to the bone or elsewhere in the body. In some cases, metronomic chemotherapy may be used for localized prostate cancer, to sensitize the cancer cells to radiation therapy.

Unlike conventional chemotherapy, metronomic chemotherapy may help you to better tolerate and continue chemotherapy treatment by minimizing the impact of a single, large dose on the body. And, since you receive smaller amounts each time, this method may also help to reduce side effects, such as nausea and low blood counts.

Because the chemotherapy drugs circulate in the bloodstream for several days, metronomic dosing may also prolong exposure of prostate cancer cells to the anti-cancer drugs.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Chemotherapy For Cancer

One of three common treatments for cancer, chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow down the progression of cancer cells. Different chemotherapy drugs are used for different types of cancers and can be combined with other treatments, like radiation therapy or surgery. Chemotherapy often causes side effects, such as fatigue, nausea and mouth sores. Most side effects subside after treatment ends; however, some side effects can develop late in treatment and cause long-lasting issues, such as heart and kidney problems, or damage to nerve and lung tissue. Make sure to talk to your oncologist early about these potential side effects. To prepare for chemotherapy, ask your doctor for tests to check your heart and liver functions to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo treatment. Once you're ready for treatment, you may receive the drugs intravenously through a port in your chest, orally by taking a pill or through an injection into a muscle.

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