Question:
Is MITOMYCIN-N, an injectible medicine, an alternative to radiation therapy for cheek carcinoma?

My mother aged 63 is a recent victim of cheek carcinoma and has been advised radio therapy. The treatment is yet to be started. One of my relatives,a medical rep, suggested me to consult physician to seek advice for the disease administration with the use of mitomycin-N, an alternative injectible that does not have the side effects of radiation therapy and more effctive than radiation therapy. She is at the start of secondary stage and the wound measures 2.5X3 cms. She is also a diabetic without insulin dependancy. I will be much thankful if given an early opinion.

Answer: It sounds like this is a chemotherapy drug. Chemotherapy is much different than radiation therapy. The two may be used seperately or in conjunction with one another. There are so many different types of cancer and studies of drugs and radiation and the combination of the two, and even combinations of chemotherapy drug types. You most certainly ask your doctor about the types of treatment for your mother but chemotherapy may or may not be the best treatment. It is not as simple as just picking one or the other.