MITOMYCIN

Background and Date of Approval

Mitomycin is a cytotoxic antineoplastic medication belonging to the class of antineoplastic antibiotics. It has alkylating and antimetabolite properties and is used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Mitomycin received its initial FDA approval in the United States in 1974.

Uses

Mitomycin is an anti-emetic agent used in the treatment as an adjunct to ab externo glaucoma surgery. It is also used to treat advanced pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and stomach cancer.

How is it administered?

Mitomycin is a prescription drug available in injection form. This medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is intended for topical application to the surgical site of glaucoma filtration surgery. It is not intended for intraocular administration. During the infusion, the patient will be closely monitored for any adverse reactions, such as allergic reactions or changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Do not self-administer this medicine. The dose of the injection will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors. Mitomycin can be given during the surgery.

Side Effects

The common side effects of Mitomycin are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, bruising, shortness of breath, and numbness. Other serious side effects include swelling of lips, severe lung disease, and kidney problems. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.

Warnings

Mitomycin is not recommended in patients who have hypersensitivity reactions. This medicine may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Mitomycin is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant during therapy. It may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. This medicine should be avoided in patients with severe immunosuppression due to bone marrow suppression.

Precautions

Mitomycin has been associated with an increased instance of postoperative hypotony (Intraocular pressure). Use of mitomycin for longer than 2 minutes may lead to unintended corneal damage. Direct contact with the corneal endothelium will result in cell death. Use in phakic(the lens is implanted into the eye without removing the eye's natural lens). patients have been correlated to a higher risk of lenticular change and cataract formation.

Word of Advice

Mitomycin can harm a developing fetus or nursing infant. Discuss contraception options and avoid breastfeeding during treatment. Mitomycin commonly causes fatigue; adequate rest and self-care are important during the treatment period. Patients should avoid contact with people who are unwell, practise thorough hand hygiene, and take precautions to reduce infection risk. In stomach cancer, mitomycin is often used alongside other chemotherapy drugs including fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin. This combination therapy is indicated in patients with advanced or metastatic stomach cancer that has spread to distant sites. Mitomycin suppresses the body's ability to fight infections, so minimising exposure to germs and infection sources is essential. Include immune-supporting foods such as broccoli, ginger, and spinach in your diet.

References

Mobius Therapeutics, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2012] [ Accessed on 30th Nov 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/022572s000lbl.pdf Hadeer Sinawe, Damian Casadesus; Mitomycin; NCBI Bookshelf; Updated on 29/07/2021; Accessed on 01/12/2021; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562249/ KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 865.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mitomycin used for?

Mitomycin is used to treat various types of cancer, including bladder, breast, and stomach cancers.

How is mitomycin administered?

Mitomycin can be administered intravenously, intravesically, or topically, depending on the type of cancer being treated.

What are the common side effects of mitomycin?

The most common side effects of mitomycin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, and increased risk of infection.

Can mitomycin be given during pregnancy?

No, mitomycin can cause harm to a developing fetus and should not be given during pregnancy.

What precautions should I take while receiving mitomycin?

It is important to practice good hand hygiene, avoid contact with people who are sick, and take other steps to reduce your risk of infection while receiving mitomycin.

Available Brands 6

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS