Intrathecal chemotherapy is one way of chemotherapy in spinal canal. Intrathecal chemotherapy is given to treat certain types of cancer. Intrathecal chemotherapy is given by an intralumbar injection. This is when a needle that has chemotherapy in it is put into the spine. Intrathecal chemotherapy can also be given into a ventricle in brain. This is done through an Ommaya reservoir. An Ommaya reservoir is a special device that is placed under the scalp. It allows chemotherapy to be given through the fluid around the spinal cord and brain.
Intrathecal chemotherapy allows the chemotherapy to go where it can kill the cancer cells. This is only a short duration treatment. An intralumbar injection is when chemotherapy is given into the spine. It is also called a lumbar injection. An intralumbar injection may be painful. Special medicines may be used by the doctors to make drowsy before the medicine is given.
The duration of Intrathecal chemotherapy will be decided by the doctor based on the severity of the cancer. Different chemo medicines may be used together. Chemotherapy is often given in cycles. This means that there will be a break between treatments to allow new healthy cells to grow. Intrathecal chemo may be given at a place decided by the Doctor either in a hospital or a special clinic. A specially trained Male or Female nurse will give the medicine. Normally, for the first time the chemotherapy is given in hospital.
Intrathecal chemo, sometimes gives pain. Tiredness may be felt after the treatment. Chemotherapy can cause many side effects. A possible bad side effect from Intrathecal chemo is that it may accidentally leak into an area it should not. It can also cause a buildup of chemo in your spinal fluid.
This is very dangerous.
Some of the other side effects are:
Feeling fatigued (very tired) after the chemo. This may happen suddenly or over time. Fatigue can last for days, weeks, or months. Chemo kills healthy cells. This may cause infection. Development of sores in mouth or throat may be felt.
Intrathecal chemotherapy also causes dizziness or blurred vision. This will lead to lie down flat for a few hours after receiving Intrathecal chemotherapy.
Intrathecal chemotherapy can cause headache pain and feeling hate to eat. Chemo may cause depression or confusion. Chemotherapy can also affect sexual organs. Women’s monthly periods may change or stop. There may be vaginal dryness, and having sexual intercourse may hurt. The place where the Intrathecal needle went in may feel sore or have a bruise.
Following tests may be required for Intrathecal chemotherapy treatment:
Blood test to see if there is infection in it. Blood taken from different parts of the body are tested. Chest x-ray is to be taken to see the picture of lungs and heart. CT scan may be taken. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of the cancer. Some other vital tests include taking temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respirations.
The risks involved in getting Intrathecal chemotherapy are development of a bad infection in spinal canal or other parts of body. Chemo can permanently damage many organs in the body. If the chemo is not given into the right area, it could take a long time for the chemo to kill the cancer cells. The chemotherapy could be toxic and cause a severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. It may also cause the eyes to be sensitive to light. It could also cause death.