TCH Chemotherapy Regimen for Breast Cancer

Navigating Cancer has a plethora of informative articles about chemotherapy drugs and regimens, some of the most complete information available online. In an effort to bring attention to these resources, we will be posting summaries to the blog so you can get a quick overview of the information, with links to learn more.

TCH Chemotherapy Regimen for Breast Cancer

TCH chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for breast cancer. It is made up of three drugs:

  • docetaxel (doe-se-TAX-el) or Taxotere® (TAX-o-teer)
  • carboplatin (KAR-boe-pla-tin) or Paraplatin® (pair-a-PLA-tin)
  • trastuzumab (tras-TOO-ze-mab) or Herceptin® (her-SEP-tin)

Docetaxel and carboplatin prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing, and can eventually cause the cancer cells to shrink and die. Trastuzumab is a new type of drug, called a monoclonal antibody, which targets cancer cells more precisely than chemotherapy drugs.

How TCH Chemotherapy is Given

Doses are given through in injection into a vein, and are based on weight and height. Your physician will determine how many treatments you receive.

Common TCH Chemotherapy Side Effects

All drugs can cause side effects, and every person reacts differently to each drug. The following side effects have been found to occur in more than 25% of patients on the TCH chemotherapy regimen. Some symptoms may only have mild effects, while others could be more moderate.

  • Risk of infection – Sore throat and cough, fever and chills
  • Nausea/Vomiting – Feeling queasy or sick to your stomach
  • Alopecia or hair loss – More than normal amount of hair loss in your brush, in the shower or on your pillow after sleeping
  • Neuropathy – Numbness or tingling feeling in the hands or feet
  • Mouth Sores and Pain – Pain, swelling and redness of the mouth, tongue and throat
  • Fluid Retention – Swelling around the eyes, lower legs, ankles, feet or abdominal area
  • Nail Changes – Darkening of the nails that usually grows out with the nail

Visit our TCH Chemotherapy Regimen page to learn how to minimize these side effects, possible treatments and less common side effects.

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