amphotericin B for fungal infections. Also, the transfused marrow does not "take" in some 
cases (1 in 10 cases at other centers). If this happens, a second marrow transfusion may be 
given. The table below lists the possible short-term and long-term side effects. 
AGENT 
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS 
Busulfan 
Permanent damage to bone marrow 
Increased skin pigmentation (color) 
Lung disease 
Skin rash 
Liver damage 
Inability to have children (sterility) 
Breast growth in males 
Cataracts 
Second cancers 
Seizures 
Cytoxan 
Severe nausea and vomiting 
Electrolyte imbalance and fluid retention 
Diarrhea 
Bleeding from the bladder 
Hair loss 
Skin rashes 
Low blood counts 
Sterility 
Heart failure 
Methotrexate 
(injected in the 
spinal fluid) 
Headaches 
Nausea, vomiting 
Seizures ("fits") 
Brain damage 
Back pain 
Dilantin 
Sleepiness 
Gum problems 
Allergies 
Mesna 
Headache 
Joint pain 
Diarrhea 
ALTERNATIVE 
PROCEDURES 
If you do not want a transplant for yourself (your child), we could give treatment with 
different drug combinations or radiation therapy. Although the side effects would not be 
as bad, we do not think these treatments would control the cancer better. Also, you (your 
child) could have no further therapy. 
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