Chemo Protocol

I have chosen a high-dose chemotherapy treatment called ‘BEAM’ – BEAM is the initials used for the combination of chemotherapy drugs used, named: Carmustine (BiCNU), Etopiside, cytrarabine (Arabinoside) and Melphalan. BEAM is a conditioning regime for autologous SCT. This treatment is given to patients for stem cell transplant for Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This stem cell transplant allows patients to have higher doses of chemotherapy, which can improve their chances of curing the cancer. This treatment destroys the cancer cells and the healthy stem cells which are early blood cells, both found in the bone marrow (MacMillan, 2010). To help patients make new blood cells, patients own or donor’s stem cells are collected prior to treatment and given back to patients. This allows the stem cells to find their way to the bone marrow where they can begin the process in making new blood cells. Patients’ first day of having BEAM usually starts on day seven and counts backwards to zero, when stem cells are given using an infusion pump.

Drugs that is included in BEAM chemotherapy protocol.

Carmustine | 300mg/m2 | IV | Day 6 in 500ml dextrose 5% over 1 hour |
Etoposide | 200mg/m2 | IV | Daily from day 5 to day 2 – in 1000ml Sodium Chloride   0.9% over 60 minutes |
Cytarabine | 200mg/m2 | IV | 12 hourly from day 5 to day 2 in 100ml Sodium Chloride 0.9% over 30 minutes |
Melphalan | 140mg/m2 | IV | Day 1 in 250ml Sodium Chloride 0.9% over 20 minutes |

Information on Carmustine
Generic Name:
Carmustine
Trade Name:
BiCNU
Alkylates DNA and RNA inhibits several enzymes – probably due to Carmustine metabolites.
Methods of Administration:
IV infusion over 1 – 2 hours in D5W, NS
Specific Information:
Vesicant – avoid extravasation
Treatments only given every 6 – 8 weeks because of delayed toxicity (BMD) this crosses the blood brain barrier.
Drug Action:
Nitrosurea – Alkylating agent
Carmustine causes cross-links in DNA and RNA, leading...