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Criteria for reducing chemo doses?

Page last modified on: September 19, 2008
Question from Applepie: What criteria do you use to decide whether the patient cannot tolerate AC chemo treatment side effects any more?
Answer —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: It sounds as if you or somebody you know is having a tough time with treatment. Some people are sensitive to the drugs and cannot receive the full doses. Although we do not generally recommend reducing doses, sometimes a "slight" reduction in the dose can work wonders.

In general, side effects that resolve by the next treatment cycle do not mandate a change in either the drugs or the dose. If you don't bounce back or almost bounce back, you may need to consider an alternative approach with your doctor.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Chemotherapy Updates. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in chemotherapy treatment: different types of drugs and regimens, how to reduce or eliminate unpleasant side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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