Treatment Name: BEAM (Carmustine + Etoposide + Cytarabine + Melphalan)

BEAM (Carmustine + Etoposide + Cytarabine + Melphalan) is a Chemotherapy Regimen for Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (autoSCT)

How does BEAM work?

Each of the medications in BEAM are designed to slow the growth of and kill cancer cells. BEAM is commonly given as the conditioning regimen for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma.

B – BiCNU® (Carmustine)
E – Etoposide
A – Ara-C (Cytarabine)
M – Melphalan

Goals of therapy:

BEAM is given to kill residual lymphoma cells and to prevent relapse. BEAM is commonly given with the goal of cure.

Schedule

How is BEAM therapy for autologous stem cell transplant given?

Carmustine intravenous (I.V.) infusion over two hours 6 days prior to stem cell infusion
Etoposide I.V. infusion over 1 to 2 hours once or twice daily on Days 5, 4, 3, and 2 prior to stem cell infusion
Cytarabine I.V. infusion over one hour twice daily on Days 5, 4, 3, and 2 prior to stem cell infusion
Melphalan I.V. infusion over 15 to 30 minutes one day prior to stem cell infusion

Estimated total infusion time for this treatment:

Over two hours on Day -6, up to six hours for Days -5 to -2; as short as 15 minutes for Day -1
Infusion times are based on clinical studies, but may vary depending on doctor preference or patient tolerability. Pre-medications and intravenous (I.V.) fluids, such as hydration, may add more time

BEAM usually requires an 18 to 28-day hospital stay (or sometimes longer), depending on bone marrow function recovery and how well the side effects of treatment are tolerated.

Click here for the common BEAM starting doses.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects from BEAM for autologous stem cell transplant?

In a multi-drug regimen, each medication has unique side effects. When these medicines are given together, drug-related side effects reported in clinical studies give the best estimate of what to expect. In clinical studies, the most commonly reported side effects of BEAM are shown here. Side effects sometimes have percentage ranges [example: 74 – 100%, neutropenic fever] because they differed between clinical studies:

Hair loss (nearly all patients will lose their hair temporarily)
Neutropenic fever (74-100%)
Mouth sores(42-84%)
Nausea or vomiting (25-81%)
Diarrhea (46-82%)
Rash (24%)
Lung toxicity (7-17%)

Watch videos on common BEAM therapy side effects below

Side effect videos
Hair LossNeutropenic FeverNausea and VomitingDiarrhea

Monitoring

How often is monitoring needed?

Labs (blood tests) may be checked before treatment, then daily or every other day for the first few weeks while in the hospital, and then periodically after hospital discharge. Labs often include: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), blood magnesium, blood phosphorpus, plus any others your doctor may order.

How often is imaging needed?

Imaging may be checked before treatment to assess the status of lymphoma prior to transplant, during the 1st month during hospitalization if there is a concern for an infection or blood clot, then typically every 3 months after transplant for the first 2 years, every 6 months for the next 3 years, or whenever clinically indicated. Imaging may include: positron emission tomography (PET scan) or computerized tomography (CT scan) of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. A chest x-ray may be needed if an infection such as pneumonia is suspected during hospitalization. An ultrasound may be performed to evaluate for formation of a clot during treatment.

How might blood test results/imaging affect treatment?

Daily or every other day labs will indicate bone marrow recovery after transplant. White blood cell recovery known as white blood cell engraftment typically occurs day 11 to day 21 after stem cell infusion depending whether growth factors support agents were used. During this time mouth sores tend to heal, nausea and vomiting decrease, antimicrobial prevention agents are discontinued and patient is prepared for discharge in the following days.

Questions to Ask Your...

A better understanding of your treatments will allow you to ask more questions of your healthcare team. We then hope that with the answers, you will get better results and have greater satisfaction with your care. Because we know it's not always easy to know what questions to ask, we've tried to make it easy for you!

Choose any healthcare provider below to see common questions that you may want to ask of this person. Then, either print each list to bring to your clinic visits, or copy the questions and send them as a message to your healthcare team through your electronic medical record.

Questions to ask your Doctor Nurse Pharmacist

What does my caregiver need to know before I start therapy? Caregivers: Caregivers will benefit from knowing the treatment you are receiving and what side effects they can expect. Caregivers may also benefit from knowing what "as needed" medications you have to treat common side effects of chemotherapy. It is important that they know the treatment schedule in case they need to take time off of work to bring you to the infusion center or doctor appointments. Use our Treatment Tracker to help you plan for treatment, doctor appointments, lab draws, and send all of these reminders to your smartphone. Work with your doctor and ask questions early and often before small problems become big ones. Knowing who to call during business hours as well as after hours is also extremely important. Reference
Am I able to be the primary caregiver when my loved one is receiving cancer treatment? Caregivers: Caregiving can be very difficult, especially if you live in a remote location and do not have access to resources, have little money, are elderly yourself, or are caring for someone who requires a complicated treatment regimen (Reference). Ask your doctor if they think you are able to care for your loved one based upon the treatment they are receiving and the condition they are in. When possible, reach out to other family members for help and seek assistance from friends. Many people will want to help, but may not know how unless you tell them! Take good notes during appointments and ask your doctor what might make things easier for you as a caregiver. For example, by connecting with a social worker, together you may locate resources such as grants, or temporary housing to make it easier for you to care for your family or friend. For example, you may qualify for free house cleaning.
What are the best ways to minimize costs of treatment? Cost: One way to minimize costs associated with cancer treatment is to ask your doctor what types of tests they are ordering. If they are expensive, ask if they are covered by insurance before getting the test. If you are concerned about costs, you can also ask your doctor to only order tests that are absolutely necessary and to minimize the ones that are unlikely to change the plan. Some anti-cancer and supportive care medications are now available as generic formulations and preferred by insurance companies. If these medications are still expensive, ask your doctor to work with your pharmacist to find cheaper alternatives. Some drugs have co-pay cards or patient assistance programs that can help reduce the cost.
Will this treatment cause birth defects if I get pregnant while I am receiving treatment? Fertility: Many drugs used to treat cancer have not been tested in women who were pregnant. You and your doctor should discuss whether a baby might be at risk for birth defects if you get pregnant while receiving anti-cancer medications. Similarly, the risks to a baby fathered by men taking anti-cancer medications are largely unknown. If you are a man about to take take an anti-cancer medication, you should first discuss the potential risks with your doctor.
Do I need to consider preserving my fertility before treatment? Fertility: Depending upon whether you are a man or a woman, there are several ways to preserve your ability to have children after treatment. For men, sperm banking can be done. For women, eggs or embryos can be preserved. Click here to learn more about the processes of fertility preservation. Alternatively, medications can be given to women prior to starting chemotherapy with the hope that once treatment is over with, the medications can be stopped and ovulation will resume. Other strategies may exist. If fertility preservation is of interest, ask your doctor about it right away so that it will not delay treatment of the cancer. You may also be able to receive help paying for it. The Live Strong Foundation maybe one organization that can help provide a grant.
Will I need to change what I eat during cancer treatment? Healthy Diet: Ask your doctor if a dietician is available to speak with you. The dietician can thoroughly evaluate what you eat (your diet) and can work with your doctor to come up with specific recommendations based upon your diagnosis and treatment. In general, most experts recommend that you consume a diet that has enough protein to ensure you maintain your muscle mass. Some experts recommend plant-based protein whenever possible (Reference). A diet that contains whole grains, fiber, fruits, and vegetables is generally recommended, but some experts caution that uncooked fruits or vegetables during eaten during periods when your immune system is greatly suppressed could lead to infection. Because many treatments do not suppress your immune system, you may be able to continue your normal diet. Ask your doctor and dietician what is safe and good to eat and what is not. Visit Stanford Health Care's website on nutrition for recipes. Additional Reference found here.
Am I able to safely continue over-the-counter and herbal supplements while receiving this treatment? Home Medications: Some over-the-counter (or "O.T.C.") vitamins or medications and herbal supplements may increase the risk of side effects of therapy, or cause the treatment to not work as well. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist everything that you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications, as well as any eye drops, inhalers, topical medications such as creams or patches, implants or injections, which are sometimes forgotten but are all medications too!
What if I'm worried that the treatment won't work? Mindset: Our mindsets describe for us what is right, what is possible, and what is natural. Changing our mindset often requires a combination of education and communication with others. In general, mindsets can be shaped by our education and experiences, people we trust, the media, social networks, culture, or religion. When it comes to treatment, it is okay to be uncertain. Your doctor wants to do what is right and will only offer treatment they think will help. Try to change your mindset by talking with your doctor. The belief that treatment will help you meet your goals is powerful and may actually lead to beneficial physiologic changes in your body.(Reference)
How might I maintain a better sense of control? Mindset: Your doctor may have advice specific to your situation, and may recommend that you see a social worker who can listen to you and recommend specific resources, often at little to no cost! In the meantime, consider visiting our emotional wellness page to learn about our "Life H.A.C.Ks"
Do I need to see any other doctors? Monitoring: If you have not seen a specialized cancer doctor, known as a medical oncologist for solid tumors such as breast, lung, or prostate cancer, or a hematologist for cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, it is generally recommended that you do so. A cancer doctor will typically take over coordinating care and monitoring after surgery has been performed to remove the cancer. An oncologist or hematologist will help determine if medications may be needed to get rid of any remaining cancer cells, or to help prevent the cancer from coming back.
What do I need to know regarding my blood tests, which are sometimes referred to as "labs"? Monitoring: Unless you have access to them via your electronic chart, we recommend that you always ask for a copy of your labs. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different blood tests available for your doctor to order. Some are common and some are not. Have your team explain to you what blood tests they have ordered and what the results mean when you do not understand. This way you will have a better understanding if the treatment is working or not. Plus, doctors may prescribe medications when your lab work is abnormal. When your lab work returns to normal you may be able to stop taking these medications, or reduce the dose.
Is it helpful and safe to exercise before treatment? Physical Activity: Physical exercise before, during, and after treatment has been shown to decrease the number of side effects and increase survival for patients with certain cancer types. You may not feel like exercising before treatment, but once you start feeling better ask your doctor about recommendations on the best way to start moving your body again in a way that is safe and beneficial. Importantly, you may have certain physical limitations now that may prevent you from doing certain exercises that may get better with treatment and time.
How well does this treatment work for people with the same type of cancer? Prognosis: Clinical trials results (which can be found under references at the bottom of ChemoExperts.com treatment webpages) give doctors an idea of the response rate and what to expect when prescribing a specific cancer treatment. However, clinical trials enroll patients who are not always similar to the general population. It is sometimes harder to tolerate treatment when you have certain other conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or being overweight, among others. Because of this, the expected response rate to treatment is best answered by your doctor.
How can I keep track of all of my doctor visits, lab appointments, scans, and medication refills? Schedule: Your doctor and nurse will give you a schedule of treatments, including dates and times. They may be subject to change based upon your condition, your schedule, and the clinic's availability. There are many ways to keep track of things, including writing them in a calendar, or using your smartphone. To get started, try using our ChemoExperts Treatment Tracker to input the date and time of your treatments and appointments into the calendar. Then using your smartphone, put in the code you have generated and sync all events to your smartphone's calendar so that you won't miss a single appointment!
What can I be doing to reduce the number of side effects I may get? Side Effects: If you have a good understanding of what side effects to expect you can begin to take measures to possibly prevent them. Watch our side effect videos to learn more. For side effects that we do not yet have videos for, ask your doctor for ideas on how best to prevent them or if they occur, manage them appropriately. Doing so may keep you out of the hospital or even save your life!
Are there any long-term side effects associated with this medication, and if so, is there anything I can do to prevent them? Side Effects: Long-term side effects of anti-cancer medications are specific to each medication. Not all anti-cancer or chemotherapy medications have long-term side effects, but several have been associated with memory difficulties (sometimes called "chemo brain"), heart problems, diabetes, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, fertility problems, or fatigue. Ask your doctor if the medications you are receiving may cause any of these (or others) and if there is anything you can do to reduce the risk or prevent them altogether.
Will this treatment cause fatigue and if so, what can I do about it? Supportive Care: According to one large study, fatigue is reported by roughly 6 out of 10 people receiving treatment for cancer (Ref: Roila F, et al. Support Care Cancer. 2019). It is commonly described as the hardest side effect to deal with when receiving cancer treatment. In about half of these people, fatigue lasted for more than 4 months. The investigators also found that the most important factors related to the development of fatigue were decreased physical activity, poor sleep quality, pain, anxiety, anemia, and depression (Ref: Roila F, et al. Support Care Cancer. 2019). Fatigue may impact your relationship with others, and ability to work or have fun. It is often under-treated and importantly, medications are not always needed to make it better. If fatigue is an expected side effect of your treatment, or you feel it already, work with your doctor now on ways to prevent fatigue or to decrease its impact on your lifestyle.
What is a consent form and do I need to sign it before treatment? Treatment: A consent form contains information about your treatment, including possible risks and expected benefits. Signing the consent means that you understand and agree that the possible benefits outweigh risks and that you are willing to move forward with treatment. Not all treatments require a consent form. Your doctor will tell you if a consent is needed.
How do I keep good records of my treatment history and what documents should I ask for? Treatment: We think the best way to keep track of things is to come prepared for clinic visits with pre-prepared questions, like this one! Then take good notes throughout each and every visit. At the end of each visit, ask your doctor for copies of your labs, scan results, pathology reports, and any other test results they might have.
If possible, should I change how I do my job in order to balance treatment-related side effects? Work: While not always possible, some people are able to change what they do at their jobs to reduce some of the stress or physical demands on their body while undergoing treatment for cancer. Many people do not want to stop working and this might be one way to keep working until you are feeling back to your normal self.
Should I take time off of work to receive this treatment? Work: Many anti-cancer medications can be taken at home thus allowing one to continue to work full-time. That said, side effects of pills can be as severe as some intravenous therapies and may prevent you from working until they are under control. If you need to receive intravenous infusions, check our schedule section to see how long the infusion might take and decide whether it would be good to take that day off or adjust your work hours when possible. Based upon your specific treatment, your doctor will help you decide what to do and when appropriate, may write a letter for you to take time off of work.

What if my job as a caregiver is getting harder? Caregivers: Caregivers can be partners, children, parents, siblings, friends, or colleagues. Importantly, the needs of the person receiving treatment may first grow and not decrease until that person feels better. As a result, the primary caregiver may take on more tasks, such as cooking, laundry, house cleaning, or child care. Although being a caregiver can be both rewarding through improved self-worth, and relationship enhancement, it can become overwhelming at times too (Reference). Tell your doctor what has become most difficult for you to manage. And remember, it's okay to ask other potential caregivers for help with tasks to make your job as a primary caregiver a little easier.
What should I do if I receive a bill for something that I thought would be covered by insurance? Cost: On occasion, items may be submitted and denied by insurance for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the medication or procedure is not covered, but sometimes claims are submitted with too little information to be approved by insurance or sometimes claims are submitted with the wrong information (example: miscoded). A denial letter from the insurance company, when issued, usually helps to explain the situation. If you receive an unexpected bill, ask your doctor if there is a financial counselor or someone you can speak with to help you.
What if I do not feel like eating during treatment or if foods taste different to me now due to treatment? Healthy Diet: Some treatments are well-known to change the way foods taste. Some experts recommend avoiding your favorite food if it tastes different during treatment so that when you are finished with treatment, you will still enjoy eating it. In addition, if food makes you nauseated, try to avoid foods that produce a lot of aroma, or leave them uncovered so that they do not produce overwhelming smells when you take the lid off. If you are unintentionally losing weight, ask your doctor if you can meet with a dietician who can recommend specific foods that will help prevent further weight loss.
What foods should I avoid while receiving treatment? Healthy Diet: Be sure to check with your doctor and pharmacist about foods that may interact with your treatment because certain medications may be affected. For example, grapefruit and grapefruit juice commonly interacts with certain anti-cancer pills.
What foods should I eat during treatment? Healthy Diet: Ask if a dietician is available to speak with you. In general, most experts recommend that you consume a diet that has enough protein to ensure you maintain your muscle mass. Some experts recommend plant-based protein whenever possible. If you have had antibiotics recently, dairy products may be more difficult to digest and cause abdominal pain. It may take time to re-populate the good bacteria in your gut once antibiotics are stopped. Some experts also do not recommend probiotics and would advise you talk with your doctor and pharmacist before taking a probiotic supplement while receiving cancer treatment. In general, it is best to avoid highly processed foods, and those that have a lot of sugar. Ask your doctor or clinical pharmacist if raw fruits and vegetables are safe to eat with your treatment as these are often the best source of necessary vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
What if my other doctors prescribe medications while I am receiving treatment from you? Home Medications: Before you start taking medications, it is usually a good idea to tell your hematologist or oncologist about newly prescribed medications from other physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners to avoid any dangerous drug-drug interactions. If they do not know the answer, they will refer you to a pharmacist.
Do you recommend I make any lifestyle changes now, or is it best to wait until after treatment? Mindset: Now might be the time to start thinking about lifestyle changes. Are you avoiding things that make you unhealthy and doing things that build you up? Treatment will likely work better if you are in better physical condition! If you are feeling fatigued from treatment, watch our video on fatigue for some ideas on regaining energy.
What if I am concerned about my sexual health? Who can I talk to? Mindset: Intimacy is an important part of many people's lives. Cancer and its treatment (surgery or medications) may cause anxiety, fear, a depressed mood, nausea, or fatigue, all which can lead to decreased sexual desire, decreased function and lower level of intimacy. It is a common problem and is probably underreported. Although it may be a bit uncomfortable to talk about at first, your doctor will understand. Certain medications may help improve your sexual health. Additionally, ask your doctor about the availability of counselors or other specialists that can speak with you and your partner. These specialists may have you fill out a brief questionnaire that will help them help you! Reference
If I am having a hard time coping with the diagnosis, treatment, and all of the disruptions they have caused in my life, are there support groups available? Mindset: Support groups available online or in-person and may be offered by your treatment center. Ask your doctor which ones they recommend.
How do I know when to call about a side effect and when to try to manage it on my own? Side Effects: Ask your doctor and nurse which side effects from your specific treatment are most concerning and when to call the clinic, or an after-hours on-call doctor for help. That said, sometimes even seemingly simple problems such as mild constipation should prompt a phone call to your doctor in order to prevent a small problem from becoming a major one, such as a complete bowel obstruction. Most importantly, by calling your doctor when you are not feeling well, side effects will be appropriately managed and you will feel better faster.
What can I be doing to take care of myself while receiving treatment? Supportive Care: It is important for a patient to be able to activate and support self-management, as well as engage in an exercise program that is safe and tailored to their abilities. Self-management refers to tasks related to the management of the disease or treatment, working with new emotions, and the possibility of changing roles in relationships in order to continue to live well with the condition (Chan RJ et al. Support Care Cancer. 2020). The delivery of information, such as that which is found on ChemoExperts.com, can help patients gain the knowledge necessary to begin to self-manage side effects such as fatigue, pain, diarrhea, constipation, and more. Certain side effects require immediate attention by your health care provider and it is important that you know what these are and when to seek immediate medical attention. In order to effectively take care of yourself, set goals with your doctor and formulate actionable plans that enable you to work through problems when you can, but also seek help in a timely manner when you need it. Ask questions when you do not understrand something. As clinicians ourselves, we see too many patients remain silent during their clinic visits. Now is your time to speak up!
How long has this treatment been used to treat people? Treatment: The longer a particular treatment has been in use the higher likelihood that your doctor will have real-world experience with it and be able to tell you what the road ahead might look like. However, for the older regimens still in use, the clinical trials that led to their use did not typically report detailed information on side effects like newer therapies do now. Thus, by reading the references (found at the bottom of every ChemoExperts.com regimen page) for cancer treatments, your doctor will still have a good idea of what to expect for medications they are prescribing for the first time.
What can I be doing to increase the chances of this treatment working? Treatment: Your doctor may recommend dietary changes, increased physical activity, or simply staying on schedule with all prescribed treatments. Tell your doctor if you are missing doses of medications and the reasons why. They are here to help you, not judge you, and would rather know so that they can give you the ideas or resources you need to be successful.

Now that treatment is over, can I start trying to have a baby? Fertility: Ask your doctor when it is safe to start a family or adding to your current one. If you used fertility preservation methods prior to starting treatment, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in reproductive medicine to help with having a baby.
Am I able to enjoy an occasional glass of wine or beer now that treatment is over? Healthy Diet: Alcohol can harm your liver and interact with certain medications. Moreover, alcohol is a known risk factor for developing certain types of cancer, therefore it is very important you do not drink alcohol without being cleared to do so by your doctor first. Important Note: this question only applies to those who are of legal drinking age.
Could persistent fatigue after treatment be related to what I eat? Healthy Diet: It has been shown in a clinical study of cancer survivors that a diet high in vegetables (particularly green leafy vegetables), nuts and seeds, whole grains, and fish was associated with a lower chance of having fatigue as well as lessening the severity of fatigue. In addition, it may improve the quality of your sleep. Just like exercise, sticking to a diet takes a certain amount of discipline, but it is worth it! Know that it may take time to feel the full benefits of incorporating more of these foods into your diet. If your diet could use improvement and feeling better matters to you, then give it your best effort to make these changes. You may lose weight and over time be able to lower the dose of, or even stop medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol if you take these as well.
Are there diet changes that might help prevent developing cancers in the future? Healthy Diet: Foods with whole grains (examples: wheat, bran, oats), those containing dietary fiber, and non-starchy fruits and vegetables have the best evidence for decreasing the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor if you can meet with a dietician to get healthy eating recommendations as well as recipes you may like.
What if I'm still experiencing anxiety after treatment? Mindset: Anxiety after treatment is natural and may come and go. If it is physically affecting you or your ability to sleep or socialize with others, talk with your doctor about it, and consider speaking with someone such as a social worker. Talking with someone can be very therapeutic, and may be better than taking medications for anxiety that may have side effects, such as fatigue.
How often do I come to clinic after this treatment is over? Monitoring: If the cancer goes away and you are in remission, your doctor will recommend a specific monitoring program for you after treatment is complete. There are many different types of cancer and they do not always behave in the same way. It is important that you follow your specific monitoring program which is designed to detect cancer (if it returns) early with the goal of making it easier to treat. If you miss a follow-up appointment or lab check, be sure to get it rescheduled right away. If the cancer is not in remission after treatment, your doctor may offer an alternative treatment if one exists.
What can I do if I'm having a hard time exercising? Physical Activity: Your beliefs about what you can do and your expectations regarding how your body will benefit likely have a strong impact upon whether you start exercising, and whether you stick with it. Some experts find that the most successful people make physical activity a part of their routine, just like you do with brushing your teeth. Over time, you will find that daily physical activity will lead to many health benefits for both your body and your mind. To avoid hurting yourself, consider starting out slow. Every little bit counts, especially when it becomes a regular practice. Ask your doctor about the best way to begin a physical activity program and whether they think seeing a physical therapist would help as well. Physical therapists can teach you new exercises and ensure the ones you are doing now are safe and beneficial.
What does the term "relapse" mean and how might it affect me? Prognosis: A relapse refers to the cancer going away and coming back within a certain timeframe. Generally speaking, if it comes back within a year or two, your doctor will likely discuss a second line therapy that you have not received before. If it comes back many years after the first treatment, your doctor may discuss repeating the original treatment since it was effective the first time.
What can I do if my treatment is over and I am still having side effects? Side Effects: It is not always easy to predict if side effects from treatment will go away or when. When speaking with your doctor, try to describe what is troubling to you and how it limits the things you want to do. By setting goals, you can tell if the interventions you make to reduce the side effect are helping you get closer to goal. For example, chemo brain (cancer-related cognitive dysfunction), may limit your short-term memory. Your doctor may be able to recommend treatments, including those that do not have more medications. (Chung NC et al. Oncology. 2018)
What can I do to get back to feeling like myself? Supportive Care: Many people are motivated to seek the information and tools necessary to speed recovery and reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. For both those living with or without active cancer, a primary goal is to improve the quality of life. (Doyle C et al. CA Cancer J Clin. 2006). Getting back to feeling like yourself might seem difficult, especially if you do not know where to start. Some people buy supplements thinking that pills will help them feel better. Unfortunately, these often do not work. If you are not quite feeling like yourself emotionally, physically, or spiritually, try to define what it is you want to feel like first. Being goal oriented may help you determine what the path forward looks like and what you need to do to reach your goals. (RJ Chan et al. Support Care Cancer. 2020). It may require that you talk with your doctor, who can further refer you to others for help when needed. For most people, the road to recovery requires that you maintain a healthy weight, get into an exercise routine, and eat a healthy diet. Life after recovery from treatment is not always easy, and living with cancer can be more difficult. Set goals with your healthcare team to help motivate you. Believe in yourself because you can do it!
What can I do to help prevent the cancer from returning? Survivorship: Cancer prevention is of the utmost importance, especially when you have a history of cancer. Although this is a difficult question to answer, your doctor may have specific recommendations for you. Closely follow your doctor's recommendations for monitoring and don't miss or cancel clinic visits. In general, the World Cancer Research Fund International and American Institute for Cancer Research recommend the following: 1) Be physically active each day 2) avoid eating processed foods and try to avoid adding sugar to your foods or drinks 3) Eat mostly plant-based foods and limit red meat and processed meat consumption 4) It is best to avoid alcohol altogether, but if you decide to drink, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 per day for men and 1 per day for women 5) Limit processed foods that are high in salt 6) Use the foods you eat (vegetables and fruit), not supplements (vitamin or herbal pills), to prevent cancer. It's not always what you are eating, it's what you're not eating that matters too.
Now that I have finished treatment, am I in remission? And if so, what is the risk of the cancer coming back? Treatment: For curable cancers, remission is usually the goal. This means there are no signs or symptoms of cancer. Patients in remission are followed closely for any signs of cancer returning. If the cancer returns, there are usually additional options for treatment. Depending upon the type, and stage of cancer, the goal may or may not be to induce a remission. For incurable cancers, the goal may be to make you feel better and live longer.
If treatment required me to stop working, when will I be feeling well enough to return to work? Work: The answer to this question varies based upon the type of cancer and treatment received. One study showed that people continually feel better the farther out from treatment they get, with improvement still seen for some as late as 18 months after the last dose of therapy. People with blood cancers and those that require chemotherapy, as compared to targeted therapy or surgery, may take longer to fully recover.

Questions to ask your Nurse Doctor Pharmacist

What can my caregiver expect to experience emotionally? Caregivers: Being a caregiver can hold a lot of meaning and personal satisfaction, but it is important to be aware that caregivers experience emotional pain, sadness, and frustration as well. They may experience caregiver fatigue and, if so, might look for a local or online support group to assist with navigating the ups and downs. Ask you nurse if there are specific things that they think might help your caregiver as well.
Who should I consider to have as my caregiver during cancer treatment? Caregivers: Your primary caregiver should be a trusted spouse, partner, parent, or adult child. You can also consider close friends, co-workers, or neighbors to assist.
What tasks might be required of my caregiver? Caregivers: If you are not feeling well, your caregiver may need to be available to drive you to and from your clinic appointments, lab draws, and infusion visits. If the treatment you are receiving increases the risk of serious side effects, you may need to have someone available around-the-clock in case you need urgent help or deciding if you need transportation to the ER. At some or all stages of your treatment, you may need a caregiver in home 24 hours a day to help you with eating and bathing until your are feeling better. Caregivers often play an important role in helping you keep track of your scheduled medications throughout treatment. Ask your nurse what other ways your caregiver may be able to help.
Are there any programs that I can use to help minimize the cost of my treatment? Cost: If your cancer treatment is going to be costly, there may be financial or patient assistance programs available to you to help lessen out-of-pocket costs. Ask your nurse if any of these are available and if someone such as a financial counselor can help you. You may qualify for financial or patient assistance programs, or supplemental insurance. If you do not know your pharmacist, your nurse may be able to connect you with one that may help reduce the cost of medications.
Who should I speak to regarding fertility preservation (i.e. sperm banking/egg freezing)? Fertility: Timing is important. If you are interested in having children in the future, do not delay in dealing with this issue. Ask your nurse and doctor to connect you with a fertility specialist that will be able to assist you throughout this process. For more information on this topic, Click on our "Doctor" icon, and select "Fertility" as a category.
What kinds of foods should I eat to prepare for treatment? Healthy Diet: Before treatment, ask your nurse if the specific treatment you are receiving is likely to change the way food tastes or if you are likely to lose weight. Now might be a good time to reevaluate what you eat on a daily basis. If you eat a lot of sugary or fatty foods, it would be good to eat more wholesome foods such as vegetables and fruits. Remember, it is not always what you are eating, it is what you are NOT eating that matters as well. Fruits and vegetables may contain valuable cancer-fighting compounds that may help you heal faster. If your healthcare team advises that you avoid vegetables, ask them for the written information that supports this recommendation.
What resources can I use to help me make better choices regarding my diet as I begin cancer treatment? Healthy Diet: Many oncology clinics have a dietician available to help you make positive changes in your diet. If one is not available, your nurse may be able to give you appropriate resources to help you make safe and positive dietary changes.
What should I do if I'm not a person who likes to ask for help? Mindset: Your nurse wants to make your life easier, but won't be able to unless you tell him or her what you are struggling with. Know that most health care professionals genuinely want to help you and the questions you ask now will save both you and them time by preventing problems down the road. If you can change your mindset and begin asking for assistance early, it will help them and it will help you. Problems may be able to be prevented and everyone wins!
Which lab values are most important for me to keep track of? Monitoring: This depends upon your specific treatment, but in general, you should understand the normal ranges for your white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, serum creatinine (kidney function), and liver function tests (bilirubin, AST, ALT, Alkaline phosphatase). Your nurse may be able to help you understand what happens if your lab results are not within the normal ranges for these specific tests.
Is it important to keep good records of my laboratory results? Monitoring: It is always a good idea to keep good records during your treatment course. Your nurse can help you get the records that you need.
If I am to be hospitalized for treatment, when should I arrive? Schedule: Hospitals can be busy places, with dozens of patients coming and going each and every day. The nurses may have to coordinate the time you come in for treatment around the time at which a hospital room becomes available. Make sure you speak with your nurse prior to coming to the hospital so you that know a room will be ready for you when you arrive.
If I experience an infusion-related reaction to my treatment, how will it be managed? Side Effects: Infusion reactions can be common with certain treatments and can be managed in different ways. If a reaction occurs, nurses will first stop the treatment, then call your doctor for instruction on how to proceed. Ask your nurse to give you information on how an infusion reaction would be managed if it occurs.
What can I be doing to reduce the number of side effects I get from cancer treatment? Side Effects: If you have a good understanding of what side effects to expect, you can begin to take measures to prevent them. Watch our side effect videos to learn more. For side effects that we do not yet have videos for, ask your nurse for ideas on how best to prevent them or if they occur, manage them appropriately. Doing so may keep you out of the hospital or even save your life!
How long does a stem cell transplant take? Stem Cell Transplant: Prior to a transplant, patients often undergo preparative chemotherapy, which can be anywhere from 1 to 8 days. The re-infusion of stem cells takes no more than a few hours and is given through the vein much like a blood transfusion. Depending upon the type, recovery can take 2 to 4 weeks in the hospital and several months or more as an outpatient. These timeframes are highly variable and your nurse may be able to offer additional details. If you experience side effects, you may need to continue seeing your transplant doctor for months to years, depending upon your condition and transplant-related complications experienced.
If I'm afraid to start treatment, who is the best person to talk with? Treatment: Your nurse may have experience helping other patients who have received the same treatment recommended to you. If they do not have experience, ask your nurse to schedule another appointment with your Doctor to answer questions. You can also ask your nurse if a social worker is available to talk to. They may be able to help you navigate through many of the fears of starting treatment and help you take the proper steps in addressing them.
What type of intravenous (I.V.) access is best for this treatment? Treatment: There are many ways to infuse treatment, including a peripheral I.V. line, a port, a PICC line (pronounced 'pick'), a tunneled catheter, and others. Your doctor, nurse, and sometimes pharmacist will work together to determine what is best for you.

What if my caregiver is not available? Caregivers: It is important to have a designated back-up during the times your primary caregiver is unavailable or to have a plan in place for the times that they are not around. If you know you will have difficulty making it to certain appointments, ask your nurse if they might be able to reschedule for a time or day that works for you. If you need transportation to a health-related appointment, your social worker may be able to assist, but will need plenty of time to make arrangements for you. In the case of an emergency, never hesitate to call 911.
What should I look for to know if my caregiver is experiencing caregiver fatigue? Caregivers: If your caregiver begins appearing irritable, withdrawn, depressed, stressed, etc. they may be experiencing burnout. Changes in their sleep pattern and/or eating habits may also be a sign. Your nurse may know of other signs to look out for as well.
What can I do to support my caregiver? Caregivers: Encourage your caregiver to schedule rest and relaxation, have other friends or family members take "shifts" being the caregiver, allow friends or loved ones to cook meals, or find local or online support groups when time permits. It is important your caregiver continue to engage in activities that bring them joy, even though they may feel guilty stepping away from their role. Remind them they can't take care of you unless they take care of themselves first! Your nurse may have more specific ideas for you as well.
What should I eat if I am experiencing diarrhea during cancer treatment? Healthy Diet: In some cases, diarrhea can be caused by an infection. Be sure to speak to your nurse and care team before attempting to manage diarrhea at home. You should then consider trying the B.R.A.T. diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast, oatmeal, or crackers) or bland foods. If you like dairy products, know that they may cause cramping in some people during treatment. If your stomach is bothering you, and you are having diarrhea, eat dairy in small amounts until you know you can tolerate a full serving.
How can I ensure I am getting adequate nutrition when I have no appetite during cancer treatment? Healthy Diet: When food becomes unappealing, focus on protein shakes, smoothies, electrolyte replenishing drinks, and broth. Ask your nurse to connect you with a dietician to help you with making food choices that agree with you. When all else fails, eat what you can! Most experts agree that a small snack that sounds delicious and stays down is better than nothing at all.
What can I eat when I have mouth sores or mucositis? Healthy Diet: If appropriate, your nurse may be able to provide a recipe for a salt and soda mouth rinse that can help with the healing process when you have mouth sores or mucositis. Focus on eating bland, soft foods that do not take a lot of effort to chew. Consider avoid acidic substances such as citrus or tomatoes until the mouth sores have gone away. If you are losing weight and pain is preventing you from eating, you may want to ask your nurse about possibly medicating with pain pills before meals.
If I am admitted to the hospital, do I need to bring my home medications with me? Home Medications: It is always helpful to bring your medications so that your healthcare team can see exactly what you are taking and determine if you need any refills before you go home. Importantly, most if not all, medications will be supplied by the hospital. However, some medications such as oral anti-cancer medication or chemotherapy pills may not be routinely stocked and may not be readily available to the hospital's pharmacy. If this is the case, and your doctor wants you to continue to take your oral anti-cancer medication, you may ask the hospital if their policy permits you to use your own medication so that you do not miss doses. If you do bring your medications, and they allow you to use your own supply, it is important to know that hospital staff often require that they oversee the administration of these medicines so that they know exactly what you are taking in order to keep you safe. If they do hold onto your medications, make sure you ask for your them back before you leave since it is common for people to forget. Your nurse may be able to help answer more specific questions about medications brought into the hospital.
What do I do if I want to take natural or dietary supplements with anti-cancer treatment? Home Medications: Natural or dietary supplements are often unregulated and unproven. They may reduce the effectiveness of certain types of anticancer therapies or chemotherapy, or add additional side effects that you may not be aware of. Because of these things, herbal and dietary supplements are often not advised to be taken during treatment. That said, some supplements may be beneficial and even recommended. Importantly, your medical team can give you specific instructions on what to do if you are interested in these types of therapies. Do not start these therapies without speaking to your medical team first. If you would like to learn more about certain dietary and herbal supplements so you can ask more detailed questions of your doctor, visit this website sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and scroll to the bottom to type in the supplement you are interested in knowing more about.
Who do I contact if I need a refill on my medications? Home Medications: To make sure that you don't experience any delays in treatment, make sure you ask your nurse who you should contact and how you should contact them when you need medication refills. Also be sure that they have your preferred pharmacy on file so they can send your prescription to the correct pharmacy.
If I am having mental health issues during treatment, what resources are available? Mindset: There are many resources that can help people deal with their diagnosis and treatment. Know that you don't have to face mental health issues alone. Talk to your nurse about what services are available at your treatment center to help with anxiety or depression, and ask what other mental health services are available in your area.
Who can help me stay active when I am feeling weak? Physical Activity: In order to maintain activity in a safe manner, ask your nurse to put you in contact with a physical therapist. They can assess your strength level and give you individualized exercises to maintain and build muscle safely. An example is to get up every hour during the day for a short walk in the house to maintain endurance. It might not be easy, but try to stick with it because it may greatly benefit you in the long run.
How can I prevent nausea or make it go away if I get it? Side Effects: There are many anti-nausea medications available. Of the ones you have been given, ask your nurse or pharmacist for guidance which to take and when. If you are having difficulty eating, anti-nausea medications taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal can sometimes help. Eating soda crackers every couple of hours may help to absorb some of the acid in your stomach. Your nurse may recommend ginger ale, ginger chews, peppermints, or bland foods when you are feeling nauseated. Ensure you are maintaining proper hydration since being dehydrated can make nausea worse. Lastly, remember anti-nausea medications may have side effects too! Ondansetron (Zofran), the most commonly taken anti-nausea medication causes constipation in many people and may require the addition of a stool softener or laxative.
Where can I buy a wig if I need one? Side Effects: Ask your nurse to recommend that best place to obtain a wig. Then ask if they can give you a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis" so that the wig may be billed under your medical insurance to reduce the amount that you need to pay out of pocket.
What side effects should I contact the clinic about if they happen? Side Effects: Ask your nurse which side effects should prompt a phone call and which side effects can be managed on your own. While certain side effects can wait until normal clinic hours to be reported to the clinic staff, some should not wait and need to be reported right away as they may be very serious or life threatening. Ask your nurse what side effects should be reported right away and should not wait.
When will I be able to go home from the hospital after receiving a stem cell transplant? Stem Cell Transplant: Your nurse and doctor will want to ensure your blood cell counts are within a safe range, or trending in the right direction. Additionally, they will want to know that you are able to drink an adequate amount of fluid, eat enough calories to meet your daily needs, take all your medications by mouth, and safely move about to be able to go home. They will also want to be sure you have adequate caregiver resources available to you to assume care and help you with tasks such as eating, bathing, and taking medications.
What can I do to avoid getting infections during and after a stem cell transplant? Stem Cell Transplant: Regular hand washing, frequent ambulation/exercise, good oral care, daily showers, sufficient oral fluid intake, adequate nutrition, and taking antimicrobial medications (when indicated) can all help to prevent infection after stem cell transplant. During transplant, infections may arise from within your own body, such as a bacterial infection from within your stomach or intestine, or a viral infection that has remained dormant (suppressed and inactive) until now. Expanding your lungs well every day with activity can prevent pneumonia. Keeping your mouth clean can help with avoiding dental issues and blood stream infections. Showering daily will protect your skin from breakdown and infection. Ask your nurse about other ways to prevent infections during the transplant process.
Will I need pre-medications before blood or platelet transfusions? Supportive Care: Not all patients need to receive medications prior to receiving blood products, but in some cases they may be needed. Ask your nurse if you will need any pre-medications prior to getting blood products.
What is a "type and screen" or a "type and cross"? Supportive Care: These are tests that are performed prior to getting blood transfusions. Your nurse can provide information on how they are performed and typically how long it takes to get results.
How should I take care of my central I.V. line while I am at home in-between treatments? Treatment: Each different type of intravenous (I.V.) access requires a different level of care. For example, a PICC line (Pronounced "pick") will need to be flushed more often than a port. Your nurse can give you instruction on how and how often to care for your line. Proper line care will hopefully prevent infections and keep the line working for the duration it is needed. If lines are not cared for properly, they may need to be removed and/or replaced.

How can I thank my caregiver(s)? Caregivers: A heartfelt thank you note or a small gift can be thoughtful ways to show your appreciation for the help you received during treatment and recovery. Although not your primary caregiver, your nurse will have likely played an important role in your care. Nurses are wonderful people and often do not receive the appreciation or recognition they deserve. If your nurse was exceptional and made a difference in your life, consider rewarding your nurse with a small gift if you find it within your means to do so, or write a thank you letter and address it to the place where he or she works.
Can I resume a normal diet now that cancer treatment is complete? Healthy Diet: Some dietary changes that were made during treatment may no longer be needed, while some changes should be continued even after treatment is complete. Talk to your nurse or dietician about any changes to your diet that can or need to be made now that you are no longer on treatment. If you ate a lot of sugary substances before treatment, it is probably best to limit how much you eat and ensure your body is fueled with wholesome, nutritious substances that will keep you performing at your best.
Now that I am done with treatment, what medications are no longer needed and should I restart medications I was taking before treatment? Home Medications: Some supportive care medications can be stopped after treatment is complete and some medications need to be continued for a period of time. Also, some medications that were stopped before treatment may now need to be restarted. Your nurse can work with your doctor and pharmacist to determine what changes need to be made to your medication regimen. It is always good to ask so that you are not taking any medications that you do not really need.
How can I return to a more normal lifestyle after my treatment is complete and not worry too much about the cancer coming back? Mindset: The fear of the cancer returning is a very common and normal fear to have after treatment is complete; however, it should not prevent you from enjoying life. Talk to your nurse to see what tips they can give to help you return to a positive mindset, similar to the one you had before diagnosis. If desired, your nurse can also help set up an appointment with a social worker if you have not already spoken with one. social workers may help connect with resources you did not know were available, which may help you regain a sense of control.
How often will I have to get lab draws now that treatment is complete? Monitoring: Monitoring may be required for some cancer types even after treatment is complete. Your nurse can advise you on how often these need to be done and where they can be taken care of.
What can I do to prevent fatigue or lessen fatigue if I already have it? Side Effects: Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are some of the best things you can do to get your strength back and lessen fatigue. Ask your medical team for specific exercises to do at home. Starting out slow and making small improvements is sometimes the best way to not feel overwhelmed or get frustrated when getting in to an exercise routine. If you want additional help, ask your nurse to arrange for you to see a physical therapist (PT). Many physical therapists have doctorate degrees and are experts in customizing a program that will help you regain strength and mobility.
How long will it take for side effects from treatment to go away? Side Effects: Some side effects may start to resolve shortly after stopping treatment, some make take time to resolve, and some may actually be permanent. It's important that you have appropriate expectations regarding which side effects may resolve and which may not. If your treatment has finished, tell your nurse what side effects you are still experiencing and what you can do to make them go away faster or lessen their impact on your quality of life.
What survivorship networks and resources are available to me? Survivorship: Even when treatment is finished, survivors of cancer may still find survivorship resources very helpful and valuable as they navigate life after cancer and begin to resume the things in their life that have been interrupted by having a cancer diagnosis and receiving treatment. Your nurse may be able to recommend some of these resources to you. If you receive treatment from a university hospital or large healthcare system, there may be programs offered within these centers that are available to you.
How long will I need my central line and when will it be removed? Treatment: Depending upon the situation, a central line may be kept for several years after completing treatment or it may be removed shortly afterwards. Your doctor or nurse can give you a better idea of how long your central line will be needed.

Questions to ask your Pharmacist Doctor Nurse

Is my caregiver allowed to pick up my prescriptions? Caregivers: In most cases, a caregiver should be allowed to pick up your prescriptions from the pharmacy for you. Sometimes, a driver's license, government-issued I.D., or other additional information may be needed before a caregiver can pick up certain medications. Ask your pharmacist if any steps need to be taken before your caregiver goes to the pharmacy.
Should my pharmacist know my caregiver's contact information? Caregivers: Yes, if you establish with your pharmacy that your caregiver is an acceptable contact person they can keep that information on file and use it when they cannot reach you, such as when you have new medications to pick up, or if there is a problem filling your medication.
Should my caregiver go with me to my doctors visits, infusion treatments, and pharmacy to pick up prescriptions? Caregivers: It is often helpful for someone to go with you to help remember important things related to your treatment. Because it is difficult to remember everything that healthcare providers say, this helper could also take notes on important information that you can both refer to at a later time during treatment. Your caregiver may want to listen to counseling by the pharmacist and take notes while they are teaching you about your medications.
What foods or drinks, if any, should I be avoiding as I start treatment for cancer? Healthy Diet: There may be certain foods and/or drinks that interact with your treatment or may increase your risk of certain side effects. Your pharmacist can check for possible drug-food interactions to help you avoid certain foods or drinks that might cause problems when taken with your current medication regimen and cancer treatment.
Am I able to safely continue over-the-counter and herbal supplements while receiving this treatment? Home Medications: Some over-the-counter and herbal supplements may increase the risk of side effects of therapy, or cause the treatment to not work as well. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist everything that you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications. This includes eye drops, inhalers, topical medications such as creams or patches, implants or injections, which are sometimes forgotten but are all medications too! Consider visiting this website from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to learn more about herbal products. When you visit this website, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the herbal medication you are interested in learning more about.
How do I deal with being overwhelmed after receiving so many prescription medications? Mindset: Try your best to learn how to pronounce each medication, know how they work to help you, and what dosage you are supposed to be taking. If you feel overwhelmed by this, you are not alone! Ask your pharmacist to help you with each of these. After telling them all of the medications you take, ask them to help you figure out the best time of day to take each one. If you do not already have them, buy two pillboxes to help you keep track of all of the medication you take on a weekly basis. By using two pillboxes you will know when you need to refill a medication well before you run out.
How will I know if my cancer treatment is working? Monitoring: Your doctor will monitor your progress through ordering certain tests designed to tell if the treatment is working. These may include blood tests, or scans, but also a physical assessment of your body's ability to function properly. Ask your pharmacist how they might determine if your medications are working and what the plan will be if you happen to need different treatment in the future. Your clinical oncology pharmacist may be able to help you understand what treatments might be suitable for you to consider in the future.
Who will help me organize my cancer-related medications? Schedule: A pharmacist can help you organize your medications so that you know what to take and when. Most retail pharmacies sell plastic drug organizers (pillboxes) that help with this process. Be sure to ask the pharmacist or nurse before leaving the clinic if there are any new medications you are supposed to pick up at the pharmacy.
What can I be doing to reduce the number of side effects I get? Side Effects: If you have a good understanding of what side effects to expect, you can begin to take measures to prevent them. Watch our side effect videos to learn more. For side effects that we do not yet have videos for, ask your pharmacist for ideas on how best to prevent them or if they occur, manage them appropriately. Doing so may keep you out of the hospital or even save your life!
If I need a stem cell transplant, are there medications I will have to buy beforehand? Stem Cell Transplant: There are usually very few medications required for you to take at home before a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant. The medications you may take at home depend on if you are getting an "auto" or "allo" transplant. Your doctor or clinic pharmacist would be able to help you with this situation. Because you will likely need to take many new medications after the transplant, it would be a good idea to obtain a pill cutter, and pillboxes you like to help you stay organized and to take the right amount of medication at the right time.
What are the most important side effects I may experience from this cancer treatment? Supportive Care: Ask your clinical pharmacist if they have personal experience with other patients who have received the same treatment. Knowing you personally, they may be able to help you understand which side effects might be more likely to occur compared to others. Go to our Side Effects section and ask them to explain to you what it might mean to have any of the side effects we have listed. If you are deciding between cancer treatments, you may also want to compare the side effects of multiple cancer treatments by printing the Side Effects section alone and setting each of them side by side. Just remember to go through each one carefully because a short list does not always mean it is an easier treatment!
Is it important to keep good records of my treatment history? Treatment: Keeping track of your treatment history is important especially if you are seeing multiple doctors or use multiple pharmacies to fill your prescriptions. Accurate treatment records should include the names and dates each treatment was started and stopped, and drug doses (example: milligram strength) whenever possible. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if they can provide this information to you. Knowing your treatment history may also help you determine which treatments might be available as an option for you in the future. Knowing exactly what medications you have taken in the past and what you are taking now can also help your pharmacist figure out if certain medications are causing you specific side effects.

What if after the 1st of the year, or 1st of July my insurance plan resets and I cannot afford my out-of-pocket deductible? Cost: Ask to speak with a financial counselor, a pharmacist, or pharmacy technician that specializes in high-cost treatments. Most specialty pharmacies have these resources and should be able to help point you to potential resources, such as grant funding.
What if I become pregnant or if I father a child while receiving cancer treatment? Will my baby be affected? Fertility: The answer to this question may depend upon the type of treatment and the answer may also not be known. Ask your pharmacist to look for information (such as journal publications) about the outcomes of pregnancies when women became pregnant when receiving treatment themselves or when women became pregnant from a man who was receiving cancer treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment since they may change how you are treated after having a discussion with you to learn what your goals are. Many times, but not always, cancer can continue to be treated throughout a pregnancy and a clinical pharmacist may be able to help.
What if my non-cancer doctors prescribe medications while I am receiving cancer treatment? Home Medications: Before you start taking new medications, it is usually a good idea to tell your hematologist or oncologist about newly prescribed medications from other physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners to avoid any dangerous drug-drug interactions. Ask your pharmacist if they are able to screen newly prescribed medications for drug-drug interactions.
Are any medications I am taking preventing me from increasing my physical activity? Physical Activity: If you are taking many medications and you do not know a lot about them, it is possible that they may be causing side effects that are preventing you from doing the things you want to do. For example, people continue medications for constipation which may then cause diarrhea if they forget to stop taking them when the constipation resolves. Certain medications may contribute to profound fatigue that may be limiting the amount of activity you are able to do during the day. Some medications may be interfering with your sleep, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, if not taken early on in the daytime. If you would like to be doing more with your day, ask your pharmacist if you're taking medications that might be affecting your physical ability to exercise or mental ability to stay awake.
What can I do if I'm having trouble figuring out the best times to take my medications? Schedule: Talk to your pharmacist to try to minimize the number of times per day you need to take medication. Your pharmacist will make sure that the pills you take together at certain times of day are safe and will not interact with each other.
If I experience certain side effects during treatment, how long will it take for the side effect to go away? Side Effects: Depending on the specific side effect and how long the medication stays in the body, side effects may resolve quickly or take an extended amount of time to resolve. Your pharmacist can often give you a better idea of when to expect certain side effect to go away or decrease in severity.
If I am given multiple medications designed to take on an "as needed" basis for the same problem, how do I know which order to take each one? Side Effects: It is common for patients to receive multiple medications used to prevent or to treat symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, constipation, pain, or others. If you have received multiple new medications, it may be difficult to know which one to use and when. Based upon the medications you have available to you, ask your pharmacist to help you understand which medication is best to try first, how long to wait for it to work before trying something else, and when it may be best to call the doctor for help. It may take a little time and effort to learn about these medications, but it is well worth it. You may feel much better when you take them at times that they benefit you most and cause fewest side effects.
What medications will I have to take after my stem cell transplant? Stem Cell Transplant: If you had an autologous, or "auto," transplant, you may need to take medications for a short period of time to help prevent infections. Also, you may be started on maintenance anti-cancer treatment to prevent the cancer from coming back. If you had an allogeneic, or "allo," transplant, you will be sent home with several new medications to help prevent graft vs. host disease, infections, and other side effects from the transplant. Since medication changes happen frequently after the transplant, make sure you always leave with an updated medication list and remember to go home and update the medications in your pill boxes too if there have been any dosage changes, new medications prescribed, or medications that have been temporarily discontinued or stopped. Your pharmacist can explain why each medication is needed and give you information about cost and potentially assist you with finding ways to make them affordable.
If my prescription is expensive, am I able to ask for a smaller quantity of pills? Treatment: Both supportive care medications and anti-cancer pills can sometimes be very expensive, and either cost you or your insurance company a lot of money. Some medications are required to be dispensed by a pharmacist in their original container with the original seal on the bottle or blister pack (individually sealed medications supplied in a foil pack) and therefore the entire quantity shown on the bottle or blister pack must be dispensed. However, if the prescribed amount medication is more than one bottle or blister pack, you have the freedom to ask for less medication. Ask your pharmacist which medications can be supplied in smaller amounts if you are uncertain you will use the entire amount. Less waste may also be better for the environment.
Should I get a pillbox to help me keep track of my medications? Treatment: A pillbox can help you keep track of your medications, even if you are only taking one medication daily. Because many of us lead busy lifestyles, it is easy to take a medication and then moments later think to yourself, "did I just take that?". Taking extra medication can be dangerous and leave you with not enough pills at the end of the month. We recommend buying two pillboxes that have at least two compartments for each day of the week. By placing your medications in a pillbox and filling two entire weeks. it will allow you to see if you have taken the medication on any given day when it is due, and when you are getting close to needing a refill. Check with your pharmacist first to see if each medication can go in your pillbox since some need to stay in the original container until right before you take it.
I always seem to be running low on my medications. What can I do so that I do not have only one pill left at the time of the refill? Treatment: If you have prescription insurance, you are often permitted to refill your medication (if refills are allowed and prescribed) by the 80% rule. For example, if your prescription refill is for a 30-day supply, you may be able to refill it as early as Day 24. If you think you will be taking a certain medication for a long time, work with your pharmacist to determine the earliest date you can refill it to avoid running low on your supply. Additionally, if you plan to go on vacation, tell your pharmacist the exact dates (needed by insurance company) that you will be gone and ask them to get a "vacation override" allowing you to fill more than the typical "one month supply" of medicine so that you do not have to worry about trying to refill the medicine while you are away.

How long after I stop taking treatment can I consider my fertility safe to move forward with having children? Fertility: Often times the answer to this question is specified in FDA-labeled package insert information. Ask your pharmacist to look this up and to update you and your doctor with the information they have found.
Are there any side effects that I might experience even after treatment is completed? Side Effects: Most side effects occur while you are actively receiving treatment, but in some cases certain side effects can occur months to years after treatment is complete. Based upon the treatment you received, ask your pharmacist if there are any side effects that you should watch out for in the future.
Are there any medication(s) that I can stop taking after therapy that will help reduce side effects and help me feel better? Supportive Care: Your doctor will ultimately decide which medications you can stop taking but you should also ask your clinical pharmacist to review all your medicines to see if there are any that are no longer needed.
Are there any medications or supplements I can take to keep the cancer from coming back? Survivorship: If you are interested in any medications or supplements to prevent the cancer from returning, talk to your pharmacist before starting any of these treatments. Your pharmacist can explain the potential benefits and risks of taking any of these medications and help you decide if any of them may be right for you. Be sure to ask before spending your money since supplements can be very expensive and may not be recommended by your pharmacist or doctor.
Where do I dispose of unused chemotherapy or other medications? Treatment: If medications are not expired, ask your pharmacist if there might be any chance of needing them again in the future before you throw them away. If not, they may know of programs that accept unused medications in their original container that are not expired. If there are no programs located nearby that can recycle your unused medications, call your local police or fire department to see if they accept and destroy medications. Alternatively, if you have unused medications and are concerned about someone else taking them, mix them with old coffee grounds or other food scraps before throwing them away. This may also be the most environmentally friendly way of disposing of them. Before flushing medication down the sink/toilet, first ask your pharmacist to advise you on the best way is to dispose of it. For more information, visit this FDA website on unused medication disposal.
How long after completion of treatment can I resume a full work schedule? Work: A pharmacist may be able to give you information about how long certain side effects are likely to last after the last dose is taken. Your doctor can assess your overall health status and provide advice regarding when they feel like you are ready to return to work based upon their assessment of your physical and mental health, as well as their experience with other patients who have taken the same treatment.

ChemoExperts Tips

What are the 7 most important things to know about BEAM while receiving therapy?

BEAM chemotherapy and stem cell transplant require a long stay in the hospital. Try to be as active as possible by taking walks in the hallway, or using an exercise bicycle in the room, if available. This will hopefully speed time to recovery
Antibiotics, antifungal agents, and antiviral medications are commonly used to prevent infection. The particular medications and schedules used may vary between institutions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience discomfort anywhere as this may be a clue to an infection
Recombinant hematopoietic (blood) growth factors such as filgrastim (Neupogen®) are frequently administered to patients following stem cell transplant in order to speed up white blood cell recovery and shorten duration of hospitalization
Nausea and vomiting are major side effects associated with BEAM chemotherapy and may last for a couple of weeks after chemotherapy is given. Tell your doctors how you are feeling. Your healthcare team may be able to administer several anti-nausea medications around-the-clock to reduce nausea
BEAM chemotherapy may result in the development of painful mouth sores and difficulty eating. Your team may increase the pain medication regimen and if needed, administer nutrition intravenously (by vein, I.V.) also known as Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
A pharmacist should ALWAYS review your medication list to ensure that drug interactions are prevented or managed appropriately
Clinical trials may exist for lymphoma. Ask your doctor if any studies are currently enrolling in your area. If not, go to clinicaltrials.gov to search for other centers offering study medications.

Patient Assistance & Co-payment Coverage

Patients under the age of 65 years, or those with private insurance plans:
If you have insurance and are looking for patient assistance or copay assistance for BEAM (Carmustine + Etoposide + Cytarabine + Melphalan), we have provided links that may help.

Visit our Patient Assistance page and click the links to various patient assistance programs for help paying for BEAM (Carmustine + Etoposide + Cytarabine + Melphalan). Depending upon your income, they may be able to help cover the cost of:

Carmustine
Etoposide
Cytarabine
Melphalan

For Branded medications (may be available for generic medications too), check with the manufacturer to determine if a co-pay card is offered and if it could reduce your monthly copay.

If you are uninsured, check with the manufacturer to determine if you are eligible to receive medication at no cost.

Medicare and Medicaid patients (Patients 65 years or older):
The clinic providing treatment will likely pre-authorize medications and immune therapies such as BEAM (Carmustine + Etoposide + Cytarabine + Melphalan) and are the best source to help you understand drug cost.

Ask to speak with a patient assistance technician or financial counselor at the clinic or hospital administering this therapy.

Emotional Wellness

What is Emotional Wellness?
Emotional wellness is having a positive outlook balanced with a realistic understanding of current life events. This requires both an awareness and acceptance of your emotions. It is with this knowledge that you can develop a plan to take the necessary actions to positively impact your life.

Emotional wellness uses an ongoing process to continually reflect on the stressors of life in a constructive manner to move forward and create happiness.

Because emotional wellness is deeply connected with physical, social, and spiritual wellness, pursuing it often becomes particularly difficult in times of major illness. Despite this difficulty, working toward emotional wellness has been connected to improved treatment outcomes and a higher likelihood of achieving goals of therapy.

Learn more about pursuing emotional wellness while receiving treatment with BEAM (Carmustine + Etoposide + Cytarabine + Melphalan)

Individual Drug Label Information

Carmustine (BiCNU®)

Carmustine is an intravenous (I.V.) infusion that is typically given over at least 2 hours
FDA Black-Box Warning for low white blood cells, low platelets, low red blood cells, and lung toxicity
Dosage adjustments may be required for decreased kidney function
Carmustine may interact with cimetidine to cause more severe bone marrow suppression (lower white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts)

General side effects from Carmustine (BiCNU)

Low red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Lung toxicity
Injection site reactions may occur during administration of carmustine which often present as flushing of the skin and burning at the site of injection.
Although rare, it has the potential to cause secondary cancers
Click on the carmustine (BiCNU) package insert below for reported side effects, possible drug interactions, and other prescribing information

Side Effect Videos
Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaHair LossBleedingAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

See DailyMed package insert.

Etoposide (VP-16)

Etoposide is an intravenous (I.V.) infusion that is typically given over 30-60 minutes or in some instances, as a continuous infusion
Etoposide interacts with grapefruit juice and can cause increased exposure to etoposide if taken together
Dosage adjustments may be required for decreased kidney or liver function

General Etoposide (VP-16) Side Effects

Often causes temporary hair loss, which is usually reversible after stopping etoposide therapy
Gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, mouth sores, nausea and upset stomach can be common
Although rare, it has been linked to the development of acute leukemia (2-12%) and typically occurs 2-3 years after therapy
May cause low blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets)
Click on the etoposide (VP-16) package insert below for reported side effects and potential drug Interactions

Side Effect Videos
DiarrheaHair LossFatigue BleedingAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

See DailyMed package insert.

Cytarabine (Ara-C)

Cytarabine is most commonly given as an intravenous infusion but may be given subcutaneously
FDA Black-Box Warnings for low white blood cells, low platelets, low red blood cells, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, liver damage, and abdominal pain
Dosage adjustments may be required renal or liver function
May cause a series of symptoms known as Cytarabine (Ara-C) Syndrome within 6 to 12 hours after administration. Symptoms may include fever, rash, chest pain, muscle aches, bone pain, tiredness, and inflammation and redness of the eye

General Cytarabine (Ara-C) Side Effects

Low red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets
Nausea or vomiting
Liver dysfunction
Click on the cytarabine (Ara-C) package insert below for reported side effects and possible drug interactions

Side Effect Videos
Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaFatigue BleedingPainAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

See DailyMed package insert.

Melphalan (Evomela®, Alkeran®)

Melphalan is an intravenous (I.V.) infusion that is typically given over 15 - 30 minutes
Patients who experience a hypersensitivity reaction to melphalan should have the infusion stopped immediately and not receive further doses. A hypersensitivity reaction may result in itching, swelling, rash, fast heart beat, low blood pressure, or difficulty breathing
Dosage adjustments may be required for decreased renal function
Special care should be taken if melphalan is administered into a peripheral I.V. line due to the risk of the drug leaking out into the tissue (skin or muscle) and causing damage. This is known as extravasation. Unless peripheral veins are adequate, melphalan should be given into an injection port, or central venous line, such as a P.I.C.C line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)
May cause suppression of ovary function resulting in menopause and end of periods in premenopausal women
May cause reversible or irreversible function of testicular function in men
Women of child-bearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving melphalan. If a woman becomes pregnant while receiving melphalan, she should be informed of potential hazards to the unborn baby
It is not known if melphalan is excreted in human milk, therefore women who plan to nurse a baby after receiving melphalan should be advised of the risks of breast-feeding

General side effects from Melphalan (Evomela®, Alkeran®)

Low red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets
Gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, mouth sores, nausea and upset stomach are common
May cause lung problems
Although rare, it has been linked to the development of acute leukemia or other cancers
Acute hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, were reported in 2.4% of patients
Click on the melphalan (Evomela®, Alkeran®) package insert below for reported side effects, possible drug interactions, and other prescribing information

Side Effect Videos
Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaHair LossFatigue ConstipationPainAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

See DailyMed package insert.

References

2) Mills W, Chopra R, McMillan A, et al. BEAM chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation for patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. J Clin Oncol 1995;13:588-595

3) Caballero MD, Rubio V, Heras I, et al. BEAM chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell support in lymphoma patients: analysis of efficacy, toxicity and prognostic factors. Bone Marrow Transplant 1997;20:451-458

4) Jo J, Kang B, Jang G, et al. BEAC or BEAM high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients: comparative analysis of efficacy and toxicity. Ann Hematol 2008;87:43-48

5) Wang E, Chen Y, Corringham S, et al. High-dose CEB vs BEAM with autologous stem cell transplant in lymphoma. Bone Marrow Transplant 2004;34:581-587

Created: March 19, 2020 Updated: January 25, 2021

What is Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (autoSCT)?

Autologous stem cell transplant or "bone marrow transplant" is a type of stem cell transplant in which a patient’s own stem cells are collected prior to administration of high-dose chemotherapy, or a combination of high-dose chemotherapy agents, with or without radiation.

High-dose chemotherapy is designed to kill more cancer cells, but it also destroys normal blood-producing cells in the bone marrow. Because of this, previously collected stem cells are infused after high-dose chemotherapy to allow the bone marrow to recover blood cell production faster and can prevent a potentially life-threatening infection from occuring.

NOTE: Treatment Options listed below are not all-inclusive. Other treatments may be available. ChemoExperts provides drug information and does not recommend any one treatment over another. Only your Doctor can choose your therapy.

What does Cure mean?

The word “cure” means there are no cancer cells left in the body and cancer will never come back. Depending on the cancer type and stage, this may be the true goal of therapy. However, it is very difficult to prove all cancer cells are gone. Even though images, like X-rays and MRI’s, and blood tests may not show any signs of cancer, there can be a small amount of cancer cells still left in the body. Because of this, the word “remission” is used more often. This means there are no signs or symptoms of cancer. Patients in remission are followed closely for any signs of cancer returning. Sometimes, more chemotherapy may be given while in remission to prevent the cancer from coming back.

Doctors usually do not consider a patient “cured” until the chance of cancer returning is extremely low. If cancer does return, it usually happens within 5 years of having a remission. Because of this, doctors do not consider a patient cured unless the cancer has not come back within 5 years of remission. The five-year cutoff does not apply to all cancers.

Common BEAM starting doses

Carmustine 300 mg/m² intravenous infusion over 2 hours on Day -6 prior to stem cell infusion
Etoposide 100-200 mg/m² intravenous infusion over 1 to 2 hours once or twice daily on Days -5 to -2 prior to stem cell infusion
Cytarabine 100-200 mg/m² intravenous infusion over 1 hour twice daily on Days -5 to -2 prior to stem cell infusion
Melphalan 140 mg/m² intravenous infusion over 15 to 30 minutes on Day -1 prior to stem cell infusion

Note: Individual doses may vary based upon your Doctor's recommendation, or drug availability.

BEAM clinical trials

1) Chopra R, McMillan A, Linch D, et al. The place of high-dose BEAM therapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation in poor-risk Hodgkin's disease. A single-center eight-year study of 155 patients. Blood 1993;81:1137-1145

2) Mills W, Chopra R, McMillan A, et al. BEAM chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation for patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. J Clin Oncol 1995;13:588-595

3) Caballero MD, Rubio V, Heras I, et al. BEAM chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell support in lymphoma patients: analysis of efficacy, toxicity and prognostic factors. Bone Marrow Transplant 1997;20:451-458

4) Jo J, Kang B, Jang G, et al. BEAC or BEAM high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients: comparative analysis of efficacy and toxicity. Ann Hematol 2008;87:43-48

5) Wang E, Chen Y, Corringham S, et al. High-dose CEB vs BEAM with autologous stem cell transplant in lymphoma. Bone Marrow Transplant 2004;34:581-587

What is a CBC?

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a frequently ordered blood test that tells clinicians the status of your: 1) White blood cell count, 2) Hemoglobin, and 3) Platelet count at the time the test was taken.

Common uses:
1) White blood cell count (WBC): is used to determine infection risk, or response to chemotherapy. Certain chemotherapy agents may harm our good infection-fighting cells. Sometimes chemotherapy may need to be delayed to allow these cells to recover.

2) Hemoglobin: is used to determine if someone is anemic. Anytime the hemoglobin is below 12 g/dL, the person is said to be anemic. Red blood cell transfusions, and sometimes iron can be given to restore the hemoglobin level, but anemia treatment should always aim at treating the underlying cause or condition.

3) Platelet count: is used to determine if the risk of bleeding is increased or if a platelet transfusion is required to prevent bleeding. Certain medications that increase bleeding risk, such as: aspirin, certain chemotherapy agents, and blood thinners, may need to be stopped temporarily until the platelet count is within a safe range.

What is a CMP?

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a frequently ordered blood test that tells clinicians the status of your: 1) Electrolytes & Acid/Base status, 2) Kidney function, 3) Liver function, 4) Blood sugar, and 5) Calcium at the time the test was taken. It is commonly used to monitor liver and kidney function when beginning new medications such as chemotherapy. A total of 14 tests are run simultaneously and are shown below.

Electrolytes & Acid/Base status:
1) Sodium, 2) Potassium, 3) Carbon dioxide, 4) Chloride

Kidney Function:
5) BUN (blood urea nitrogen), 6) Serum creatinine (Scr)

Liver Function:
7) AST, 8) ALT, 9) Total bilirubin, 10) Alk Phos, 11) Albumin, 12) Total protein

Blood sugar:
13) Serum glucose

Calcium:
14) Serum calcium

What does engraftment mean?

Engraftment is when the new blood-producing cells start to multiply in the bone marrow and appear the blood. White blood cell engraftment usually occurs first, prior to platelet or red blood cell engraftment, and is associated with the healing of mouth sores, resolution or abatement of nausea and neutropenic fever.

What is TPN?

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is the process of administering required nutrition intravenously, bypassing the normal process of food digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. It frequently consists of glucose, lipids, amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.

What is a conditioning regimen?

A conditioning regimen is a form of treatment used to prepare a patient for stem cell transplant. Conditioning regimens are used to make room in the bone marrow for new white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets to grow. They also help eliminate or kill any residual cancer cells and ensures that the body does not reject the newly infused stem cells. It often includes chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody, total body irradiation, or their combination.

Treatment Name: BEAM (Carmustine + Etoposide + Cytarabine + Melphalan)

BEAM (Carmustine + Etoposide + Cytarabine + Melphalan) is a Chemotherapy Regimen for Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (autoSCT)

How does BEAM work?

Goals of therapy:

Schedule

How is BEAM therapy for autologous stem cell transplant given?

Estimated total infusion time for this treatment:

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects from BEAM for autologous stem cell transplant?

Watch videos on common BEAM therapy side effects below

Side effect videos Hair LossNeutropenic FeverNausea and VomitingDiarrhea

Monitoring

How often is monitoring needed?

How often is imaging needed?

How might blood test results/imaging affect treatment?

Questions to Ask Your...

Questions to ask your DoctorNursePharmacist

Questions to ask your NurseDoctorPharmacist

Questions to ask your PharmacistDoctorNurse

ChemoExperts Tips

What are the 7 most important things to know about BEAM while receiving therapy?

Patient Assistance & Co-payment Coverage

Emotional Wellness

Individual Drug Label Information

Carmustine (BiCNU®)

Side Effect Videos Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaHair LossBleedingAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

Etoposide (VP-16)

Side Effect Videos DiarrheaHair LossFatigue BleedingAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

Cytarabine (Ara-C)

Side Effect Videos Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaFatigue BleedingPainAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

Melphalan (Evomela®, Alkeran®)

Side Effect Videos Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaHair LossFatigue ConstipationPainAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

References

What is Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (autoSCT)?

NOTE: Treatment Options listed below are not all-inclusive. Other treatments may be available. ChemoExperts provides drug information and does not recommend any one treatment over another. Only your Doctor can choose your therapy.

What does Cure mean?

Common BEAM starting doses

BEAM clinical trials

What is a CBC?

What is a CMP?

What does engraftment mean?

What is TPN?

What is a conditioning regimen?

Side effect videos
Hair LossNeutropenic FeverNausea and VomitingDiarrhea

Questions to ask your Doctor Nurse Pharmacist

Questions to ask your Nurse Doctor Pharmacist

Questions to ask your Pharmacist Doctor Nurse

Side Effect Videos
Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaHair LossBleedingAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

Side Effect Videos
DiarrheaHair LossFatigue BleedingAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

Side Effect Videos
Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaFatigue BleedingPainAnemiaNeutropenic Fever

Side Effect Videos
Nausea and VomitingDiarrheaHair LossFatigue ConstipationPainAnemiaNeutropenic Fever