Mini-BEAM REGIMEN
The combination chemotherapycombination chemotherapy regimen known as Mini-BEAM consists of the following drugs:
- BCNU (carmustine)
- Etoposide
- Ara-C (cytarabine)
- Melphalan
A Typical Mini-BEAM Regimen (regimens should be tailored to the individual):
- Cycle length: 28 days
- Number of cycles: 2-4
- Day 1: BCNU (carmustine)
- Days 2-5: Etoposide (IV) & cytarabine (IV)
- Day 6: Melphalan (IV)
Vomit potential?
- Day 1: Moderately high
- Days 2-5: Low
- Day 6: Moderately high
What it's effective for and why
The Mini-BEAM combination chemotherapy">combination regimen is used as a preparative salvage chemotherapy regimen in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma prior to undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Side effects
While each patient will have his or her own experiences with the side effects of Mini-BEAM, the most common ones include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, and nausea and/or vomiting.
Patients are encouraged to report any and all side effects to their doctor or oncology team at the time of onset.
Sources
- Boyiadzis, Michael M. et al. Hematology-Oncology Therapy. 2007. New York: McGraw Hill, Medical Publishing Division.
- Perry, Michael C, Editor. Companion Handbook to the Chemotherapy Sourcebook. 1999. Baltimore; Williams & Wilkins.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Hodgkins lymphoma, V.2.2010
Significant studies and papers relevant to Mini-BEAM
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