BEP chemotherapy regimen is used to treat testicular cancer and also a type of ovarian cancer known as a germ cell tumour.
which drugs?
Bleomycin, Etoposide, CisPlatin
how is it given?
Into a vein, intravenously. This maybe through a canula, central line or a PICC line. They are all given as a drip or infusion. You will also be given anti-sickness drugs and lots of fluids intravenously.
how often is it given?
There are two different ways it may be given.
- Schedule A
- Day 1 - etoposide and cisplatin
- Day 2 - bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin
- Day 3 - etoposide after this you can go home
- Day 8 - Bleomycin (as a day patient)
- Day 15 - Bleomycin (as a day patient)
- Rest for a week (total 21 days)
- Day 1 again
- Schedule B
- Day 1 - Etoposide and cisplatin
- Day 2 - Bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin
- Day 3 - Etoposide and Bleomycin
- Day 5 - Etoposide and bleomycin
- Day 8 - Bleomycin (as a day patient)
- Day 9 - Bleomycin (as a day patient)
- Rest for a week (total 21 days)
- Day 1 again
are there any side effects?
Chemotherapy can cause unpleasant side effects. The main ones are mentioned here and you can find out ways of coping with them by visiting the deal with it section.
- Lowered resistance to infections: Your immune system doesn't work as well as it should when you're having chemo, so you might pick up more colds or infections
- Feeling sick: The drugs can cause nausea (feeling sick), but medicines are given to help prevent and control this
- Hair loss: This usually starts about 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose of etoposide chemo. Hair may be lost completely or it may thin. You could also have thinning and loss of your eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair
- Loss of appetite: You may go off your food while you're having this treatment
- Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness: You will have less energy than normal and you might feel tired more easily
- Sore mouth and taste changes: Your mouth might become sore and dry and you may notice small ulcers
- Your kidneys may be affected: This usually doesn't cause any problems, but to make sure that no damage is done you'll have a blood test before each treatment (to check your kidneys are working).You'll also be given a 'drip' of fluids into your vein before and after the chemo to keep your kidneys working well
- Changes in nails: Your nails may become darker or ridged. This usually returns to normal within a few months of finishing treatment.
anything else I should know?
This chemotherapy can also affect fertility. It can really help to talk this through with your doctors they may advise you to store sperm before you start treatment. For more information see the fertility section.
It is generally advised that you should not father a child whilst you having treatment for cancer. It is important to use contraception during and for a few months after you have finished treatment. There is more information in the fertility and sexuality sections.
how will I feel?
Chemo affects everyone differently, but it's likely that you'll feel rough sometimes (and better at others). You might also feel depressed, irritable, sad or angry. All of these feelings are normal. It can really help to talk things over with someone close or a counsellor to help you cope with it all. If you want more to find out more about coping with it, there is lots more information in the deal with it section.
