Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/c28.dxr/00056_Field_SRC.c28.C.20.txt

Text File | 1997-01-28 | 1KB | 14 lines

• Complete blood count (CBC) each week after the initial treatment, to follow the effect on hemoglobin , white
  blood cells and platelets. After the appropriate dose of chemotherapy and the time required for recovery have
  been determined, a CBC will be required only before the next course of chemotherapy. Most patients can take
  repeat courses of melphalan and prednisone every four weeks, but recovery may be delayed in some, who will
  have to wait six weeks between courses.
• Serum calcium and creatinine every 6 to 12 weeks.
• If the patient is excreting light-chain protein in the urine (Bence Jones protein), the total protein excreted in a
  24-hour urine specimen should be measured before every course of treatment, to determine if the treatment is
  reducing the production of Bence Jones protein by the myeloma cells. Electrophoresis of the urine protein
  should be done occasionally, especially if the amount increases or does not disappear, to make sure that
  mainly light chains are being excreted. Some patients will develop a nephrotic syndrome and excrete a mixture
  of serum proteins.
• Bone x-rays should be taken to investigate the causes of new bone pain.
• Repeat bone marrow examination may be needed to confirm remission or relapse.