頭頸癌常見化療藥物及副作用之照護

Common Chemotherapy Drugs and Care for Side Effects in Head and Neck Cancer

頭頸癌為台灣十大癌症之一，其累積個案數逐年攀升，而化學藥物治療為頭頸癌常見治療之一，破壞癌細胞的同時，健康的細胞也會受到影響，身體機能也會隨之下降，當患者面對疾病本身的不適加上治療帶來痛苦，其生活品質也會越來越差，影響治療意願，此時護理人員扮演者照護及陪伴的角色，應該對其化療藥物及副作用有充分的認識，協助病人緩解化學治療帶來的不適感，預防併發症的發生，將病人的傷害降到最小，使其對治療充滿信心。本文提及頭頸癌常見的誘導型化學治療及合併放射治療的化學治療藥物，包含鉑金類（如：Cisplatin、Carboplatin…等）、紫杉醇類（如：Paclitaxel、Docetaxel…等）、抗代謝藥物嘧啶類（如：5-Fluorouracil，簡稱5-FU）及標靶類藥物（如：Cetuximab…等），說明其治療機轉並詳述常見副作用噁心、嘔吐、嗜中性白血球低下症、周邊神經病變、皮膚紅疹及口腔炎等照護，希望藉此提升臨床護理人員對於頭頸癌常見化療藥物的認識，提高頭頸癌患者化療後的護理照護品質。

Head and neck cancer ranks among the top ten cancers in Taiwan, with an increasing number of cases each year. Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for this type of cancer, yet it not only targets cancer cells but also impacts healthy cells, potentially diminishing overall bodily functions. Patients often endure the discomfort of the disease alongside the side effects of treatment, which can significantly affect their quality of life and willingness to continue therapy. In such challenging times, nurses play a pivotal role in providing care and support. It is crucial for them to possess a comprehensive understanding of chemotherapy drugs and their side effects. This knowledge enables nurses to help patients manage discomfort, prevent complications, and minimize harm, thereby fostering confidence in the treatment process. This article explores commonly used chemotherapy drugs for head and neck cancer, including platinum-based agents like cisplatin and carboplatin, taxanes such as paclitaxel and docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and the targeted therapy cetuximab. It delves into their mechanisms of action and provides detailed guidance on managing common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, rash, and oral mucositis. By enhancing clinical nurses' knowledge of these chemotherapy drugs, this article aims to elevate the standard of nursing care provided to patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, ultimately improving their post-chemotherapy experience.