Side - Effects
1. Pain – The patient usually experiences only mild pain after treatment of cutaneous metastases. However, there can be severe pain for 1-2 weeks from treatment of tumors in the oral cavity.
2. Muscle contraction – Muscle contraction with SENNEX® ElectroChemoTherapy (ECT) is usually not painful. But the patient should be informed before treatment under local anesthesia.
3. Necrosis – Necrosis is uncommon in ECT treatment of small tumors. It is more common in tumors exceeding 3 centimeters.
4. Hyper-pigmentation – Skin hyper-pigmentation is unusual, but may occur if Bleomycin is used.
Treatment localizations with increased risk of serious complications
- When tumors in the vicinity of the common/internal carotid artery are treated, there is an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Ultrasound is usually helpful.
- When tumors in the oral cavity or in the base of the tongue are treated, there is an increased risk of swelling that may compromise the airway. Delayed extubation or a tracheostomy is recommended in these cases.
Exclusion from treatment
- Pregnancy.
- Allergy to the chemotherapeutic drug.
- The presence of a pacemaker that cannot be turned off during the treatment.
- Tumors with periosteal and/or bone invasion.
Contraindications
- If the patient has previously received 400.000 IU of Bleomycin, only Cisplatin can be used. The Lifetime dose of Bleomycin is 400.000 IU. This dose cannot be exceeded.
- If the patient has pulmonary fibrosis, intravenous Bleomycin should not be used.
- If serum creatinine > 150 micromol/l, Bleomycin should not be used.