AC-T chemotherapy

What is AC-T?

AC-T is the name of a combination of drugs used together to treat breast cancer. The names of the drugs are Adriamycin® (doxorubicin), cyclophosphamide and Taxotere
® (docetaxel). These drugs are given by a needle into a vein in your arm.

What is the treatment schedule?

Each AC-T cycle is 3 weeks long. This means you will be considered for treatment once every 3 weeks. For the first 4 cycles of your treatment (cycles 1 to 4) you will receive Adriamycin® and cyclophosphamide (AC). For the last 4 cycles of your treatment (cycles 5 to 8) you will receive Taxotere® (docetaxel).

How should I prepare for AC-T treatment?

Before starting each AC treatment, drink lots of fluids and urinate often. AC can irritate your bladder. Tell your oncologist or chemotherapy nurse if: It is painful to urinate (pee)
You have blood in your urine Before your treatments with Taxotere® (docetaxel),
your doctor will give you a prescription for dexamethasone tablets. Dexamethasone helps prevent some of the side effects of the chemotherapy. Take your dexamethasone tablets the morning and night before each chemotherapy treatment. Your doctor and
pharmacist will give you more instructions on how to take this medicine.
While being treated, do not eat grapefruit, starfruit or seville orange, and their juices or products made from them. They may make side effects worse or change the effectiveness of your chemotherapy.

What are the common side effects of AC-T treatment?

Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the types of drugs used and how your body reacts to those drugs.

Side effects of Adriamycin® and Cyclophosphamide treatment (cycles 1 to 4) Nausea (sickness in stomach) and vomiting Infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat)
Sores in your mouth Fatigue (tiredness and weakness) Red urine Troubles with memory or concentration Hair loss, Bowel changes – constipation and diarrhea, Pain with urination
Irritated and watery eyes.

Side effects of Taxotere® treatment (cycles 5 to 8)

• Infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat)
• Hair loss
• Sores in your mouth
• Fatigue (tiredness or weakness)
• Dry or itchy skin or nail changes
• Mild swelling and puffiness (water retention)
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Possible allergic reaction during the infusion
• Pain in the muscles or joints
• Troubles with memory or concentration
• Changes in appetite