Actinomycin D

Actinomycin D is one of the older chemotherapy drugs which has been used in therapy for many years. Actinomycin D is a clear, yellow liquid which is administered intravenously and most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Gestational Throphoblastic cancers

• Testis

• Wilm's Tumor

• Rhabdomyosarcoma

• Ewing's Sarcoma

Method and schedule of administration of this drug is determined by the type and extent of the cancer. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Actinomycin D is normally administered daily for five consecutive days.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects determine the amount and schedule of administration of Actinomycin D. The Following are some of the most common and important adverse effects of this drug::

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Hair loss

• Soreness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing

• Diarrhea

• Skin discoloration

It is imperative that patients communicate any side effects or problems to their medical oncologist.