Mitomycin is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for several different types of cancer, including breast, stomach, gullet (oesophagus) and bladder cancers. This information describes mitomycin, how it is given and some of its possible side effects. It should ideally be read with our general information about chemotherapy and about your type of cancer, which give further information and advice.

If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.

Mitomycin is a purple fluid.

Mitomycin may be given:

• as a slow injection into the vein (intravenously) through a fine tube (cannula) placed into the vein, usually in the back of the hand
• through a fine plastic tube that is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone (central line); or into a fine tube that is inserted into a vein in the crook of your arm (PICC line)
• into the bladder (intravesically) through a small plastic tube (catheter).
• by injection into an artery (intraarterially).

Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several sessions (or cycles) of treatment over a few months. The length of your treatment and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer for which you are being treated. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given mitomycin and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.

We have outlined the most common side effects as well as rarer ones, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor, chemotherapy nurse or pharmacist.

Lowered resistance to infection Mitomycin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point about 28 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.

Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:

• your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
• you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).

You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.

Bruising or bleeding Mitomycin can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, or bleeding gums.

Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with mitomycin you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these symptoms are a problem.

Loss of appetite A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice and tips on boosting appetite, coping with eating difficulties and maintaining weight.

Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) If you do feel sick this may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.

Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.

Changes to the lungs Mitomycin may cause some changes to lung tissue. Tell your doctor if you notice any coughing or breathlessness.

Your kidneys may be affected Your kidneys will be checked by a blood test before each treatment.

Hair loss It is very unusual to lose your hair. Some people notice that their hair becomes a little thinner, but not usually enough to be noticeable to other people.

Skin changes Mitomycin can cause a rash which may be itchy. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.

Changes in nails Your nails may become darker. This change grows out over a few months once treatment has finished.

Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.

Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the treatment finishes.

Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.

When mitomycin is given into the bladder the side effects may be different to those mentioned here. Usually the side effects listed above would be milder or may not occur at all. When mitomycin is given in this way it can cause pain and discomfort, inflammation of the bladder lining (cystitis), and occasionally damage to the bladder, including ulcers and a need to pass urine more often.

Leakage into the tissue If mitomycin leaks into the tissue around the vein it can damage the tissue in that area. If you notice any stinging or burning around the vein while the drug is being given, or any leakage of fluid from the cannula site, it is very important that you tell your doctor or nurse in charge of your treatment.

If the area around the injection site becomes red or swollen at any time you should either tell the doctor or nurse on the ward, or if you are at home, ring the clinic or ward and ask to speak to the doctor or nurse.

Risk of blood clots Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straightaway if you have any of these symptoms. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.

Other medicines Some medicines (including those you can buy in a shop or chemist) can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.

Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking mitomycin, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.

This section is based on our Mitomycin factsheet which has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:

• Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference (35th edition). Eds. Sweetman et al. Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.
• British National Formulary (56th edition). British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, September 2008.
• The Medicines.org.uk website – www.medicines.org.uk (November 2008).
• The Chemotherapy Source Book (4th edition). Ed. Perry. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2007.

For further references, please see general bibliography.