Targeted cancer drugs for bone cancer

You might have a targeted cancer drug for primary bone cancer.

Targeted cancer drugs are treatments that change the way cells work and help the body to control the growth of cancer.

Mifamurtide

Mifamurtide is a type of targeted cancer drug. It is also called by its brand name, Mepact.

You might have mifamurtide if you are a child or young person up to the age of 30 with osteosarcoma and you:

• have a high grade cancer that has not spread
• have had surgery
• are having chemotherapy

It's not a common treatment for people with bone cancer. 

Having targeted cancer drug treatment

You have this drug through a tube into your bloodstream. A nurse puts a small tube into a vein in your hand or arm and connects the drip to it.

Or you might have a central line. This is a long plastic tube that gives the drug into a large vein, either in your chest or through a vein in your arm. It stays in while you’re having treatment.

Side effects

The side effects of targeted drugs vary according to the particular drug you are having. You may have a few side effects. They can include:

• an allergic reaction
• diarrhoea
• tiredness
• flu-like symptoms including fever, muscle aches and sickness
• low blood counts

When you go home

Treatment with targeted cancer drugs and chemotherapy can be difficult to cope with. Your nurse will give you numbers to call if you have any problems at home.

Tell your doctor or nurse about any problems or side effects you have.