Oxaliplatin vs Irinotecan myelosuppression?

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javier_garcia123
javier_garcia123 Member Posts: 28
in Colorectal Cancer #1

I'd like to know which is harder on blood, that is, which has more myelosuppression, between Oxaliplatin and Irinotecan, thanks in advance

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  • traci43
    traci43 Member Posts: 773 Member
    #2
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    I've had both

    I don't recall one being better than the other in terms of myleosuppression.  Most people end of postponing a round or two due to low counts, it happens.  I've had 26 round with Oxy and close to 30 with Irinotean.  The big side effect with Oxy is the neuropathy--that's long term for most of us.  I still have numbness in my feet 5 years later, although it's gotten better over time.  The big side effect with Irinotecean is diarrehea.  I've had it for days (3-5) and nothing can stop it, you have to wait until the colon lining renews.  I had to reduce my Irinotecan to 40% the recommended to keep the diarrehea at bay.  I don't recall having to reduce the Oxy, but they did add Benadryl after my reaction to the air conditioning so I slept through my infusion.  Traci

  • MAliceR
    MAliceR Member Posts: 98
    #3
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    I have had both as well. I

    I have had both as well. I had Oxa for 8 months starting nearly 4 years ago. I actually was able to work through my treatment. I didn't ever have a blood count delay. I guess I was lucky with that. I have been told most people do. What I did have was a severe reaction to anything cold and neuropathy. If you go on Oxa, start Acupunture as soon as you can. By the time I started it, my fingers were numb and I was numb to my knees. Through Acupunture, I was able to get 99% of the feeling back in my fingers and most of the feeling in my legs and feet. I just have some numbness at the tips of my toes and the center of the balls of my feet. 

    I had Irino for 6 months, starting a year ago last January. My side effects were much different with Irino. I had an infusion and then wore a pump for 48 hours. I had a lot of fatigue and nausea and while I didn't get neuropathy, I lost my hair. Once again, I was lucky I didn't have any low blood count delays. 

    Honestly, I would take either or both again, if it meant I had a better chance of survival.

    If you haven't had either before, talk to your Dr about all the expected side effects and then make an educated decision together. It is your body and you have a right to be part of your treatment plan.

    Don't give up! Good luck to you....

    Mary

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