Dexamethasone in Cancer Treatment

Why Dexamethasone Is Used in Cancer Treatment

• Managing Cancer-Related Symptoms:
  • Reducing swelling (edema) from brain tumors or metastases.
  • Relieving pain by reducing inflammation and pressure.
  • Improving appetite and energy levels.
• Anti-Nausea and Vomiting:
  • Used with chemotherapy to prevent nausea and vomiting.
  • Enhances the effectiveness of antiemetic medications (e.g., ondansetron).
• Treatment of Blood Cancer and Lymphomas:
  • Reduces tumor size and controls symptoms in leukemia and lymphoma.
• Prevention and Management of Allergic Reactions:
  • Given before chemotherapy drugs to prevent severe allergic reactions.
• Reducing Immune Response:
  • Helps manage severe immune-related side effects during immunotherapy.

Mechanism of Action (Specific to Cancer)

• Reduces Inflammation: Inhibits the production of inflammatory molecules (prostaglandins, cytokines) causing swelling and pain.
• Decreases Immune Response: Reduces white blood cell activity to prevent unwanted immune reactions.
• Brain Tumors/Metastases: Crosses the blood-brain barrier, reducing cerebral edema and relieving related symptoms.
• Enhancing Chemotherapy Effectiveness: Reduces inflammation and allergic reactions, improving chemotherapy efficacy.