What Are the Benefits of Dexamethasone During Chemotheraphy Treatment for Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. Chemotherapy is a typical treatment to fight lung cancer, but the side effects are sometimes as dangerous to the patient as the disease itself. Dexamethasone is prescribed to cancer patients to help alleviate side effects.

Benefits

• The benefits of dexamethasone for lung cancer patients include helping with nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy treatment, increasing the appetite, and reducing swelling and inflammation.

Function

• Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called glucocorticosteroids. These drugs are man-made versions of natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands that reduce inflammation and seem to alter immune system responses.

Types

• Dexamethasone may be taken as a pill, liquid, by IV, or as eyedrops or a skin lotion. The method depends on the patient's needs and condition.

Combination

• Sometimes dexamethasone is prescribed in conjunction with other medications for better results. One such combination is dexamethasone with nabilone, which a study published in the 1987 American Journal of Clinical Oncology found was a positive treatment option for patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Warning

• Dexamethasone can cause side effects such as insomnia, fluid retention, muscle weakness, higher risk of infection, poor wound healing, heartburn, increased blood sugar levels and irritability.