Cytoxan-Lukemia

I.m confused is lukemia a side effect of TC or of all chemo prodicals? I was just given my 1st treatment of TC, Thursday. Right before the treatment the counselor was like by the way there is a 10% chance of contracting lukemia/
SCARY

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The 10% chance is an over estimate, but the risk of developing a second malignancy (usually leukemia) with the group of drugs called 'alkylating agents' is really there.  Cytoxan is a member of this group of chemo drugs but the risk of second malignancy is lowered compared to other drugs in the same class such as mustargen or melphalan.

I believe that with cytoxan, the risk of developing leukemia in the next 5-10 years is less than 3%.

I suggest that you review the informed consent process with your doctors, and make sure you are informed of every risk and understood them.  Good luck with your treatment and God bless.