Miriam’s wonder pill: A glimpse into oral chemotherapy 

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the Philippines. In 2010, there were an estimated 51,808 cancer deaths, according to Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates published by Philipine Cancer Society in 2010. In the same year, there were around 82,468 new cases of cancer in the Philippines. All of them rely on limited treatments for fighting the life-threatening disease. 

 

To fight cancer, oncologists first must determine the best treatment depending on a patient's condition. Surgery is the most common and accessible method if the cancer was detected in an early stage. Chemotherapy, which is done through intravenous (IV) therapy, is the go-to treatment for most cancers. There is also radiotherapy for curing small, cancerous growths. In some cases, some patients who are strong and young are given concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy to increase the chances of beating cancer. 

 

But there is one treatment that is often overlooked. This is oral chemotherapy, or senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's "wonder pill." 

 

The president of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology Dr. Jorge Ignacio told GMA News Online that oral chemotherapy has been available in the Philippines for more than ten years. This treatment is three times more effective than the standard chemotherapy. Plus, it has fewer side effects compared to other treatments.

“Patients who take oral chemotherapeutic drugs usually experience skin rashes, loose bowel movement, and changes in tastes,” Ignacio shared. 

 

With its many benefits, why do only a few avail of this treatment? Oral drugs are only administered as a first-line treatment to patients who are in stage 3-B or 4 cancer, which is inoperable. It is never prescribed to patients who are in the earlier stages of cancer. 

 

Moreover, the drug usually costs P90,000 - 120,000 every month, while the standard chemotherapy is only P30,000 - 60,000 every cycle, which lasts three to four weeks, Ignacio shared. This is why oncologists have been careful on prescribing the treatment. 

 

However, Ignacio said some drug companies have programs that give as much as a 40 percent discount or a free box. Speaking as a resident of the Philippine General Hospital, Ignacio also said that people who couldn't afford it can request the treatment from PCSO. 

 

Not one-size-fits-all 

 

Oral chemotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. For each type of cancer, there is a certain drug that a patient should take. Patients suffering adenocarcinoma or lung cancer, for instance, are usually prescribed erlotinib or gefitinib. 

 

Lung cancer patients take the drug at least once a day for as long as the patient is responding to the drug.

"[A patient will take the tablet] as long as napapaliit niya ang tumor," Ignacio shared.

 

Before recommending oral chemotherapy, oncologists will administer the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) test. EGFR is an oncogene or a gene that can potentially lead to cancer. Patients with lung cancer like Sen. Santiago are 55 percent likely to be EGFR positive. Meaning, there is a higher chance of them to respond positively to EGFR-targeted treatment. 

 

Is relapse possible even after oral chemotherapy? "Of course, yes. Once you're a cancer patient, you will always be a cancer patient," Ignacio said.

Close monitoring and regular check ups with the physician is still the best way to control cancer. — VC, GMA News