MATRIX
What is MATRIX?
MATRix is a combination of chemotherapy and a targeted therapy drug. It is used to treat primary CNS lymphoma. It may also be used to harvest stem cells in people having a stem cell transplant. It is best to read this information with our general information about chemotherapy, targeted therapies and the type of cancer you have.
Your doctor will talk to you about this treatment and its possible side effects before you agree (consent) to have treatment.
MATRix is named after the initials of the drugs it uses. The drugs are:
- methotrexate (M)
- Ara-C (A) – a brand of cytarabine
- thiotepa (T)
- rituximab (Rix)
Methotrexate, cytarabine and thiotepa are chemotherapy drugs. Rituximab is a type of targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody. The drugs used in MATRix can pass through the brain’s protective layer (the blood–brain barrier) into the brain and spinal cord.
How MATRIX is given
You have MATRix during a stay in hospital. A chemotherapy nurse gives it to you.
During treatment, you usually see a cancer doctor, a chemotherapy nurse or a specialist nurse, and a specialist pharmacist. This is who we mean when we mention doctor, nurse or pharmacist in this information.
Before or on the day of treatment, a nurse or person trained to take blood (phlebotomist) will take a blood sample from you. This is to check that your blood cells are at a safe level to have chemotherapy.
You will see a doctor or nurse before you have treatment. They will talk to you about your blood results and ask you how you have been feeling. If your blood results are okay, the pharmacist will prepare your treatment. Your nurse will tell you when your treatment is likely to be ready.
Your nurse usually gives you anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs before the treatment.
You may have MATRix drugs through:
- a central line – a fine tube that goes under the skin of your chest and into a vein close by
- a PICC line – a fine tube that is put into a vein in your arm and goes up into a vein in your chest.
Your course of treatment
You usually have up to 4 cycles of MATRix treatment over a few months. Your doctor will talk to you about how many cycles you may have.
A cycle of treatment includes:
- the days you are given the chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs
- a rest period when you do not have any drugs, to let your body recover.
A cycle of MATRix is usually 21 days (3 weeks). You usually have the MATRix drugs over 5 to 10 days. But you may have them over a longer period.
On the days you have your chemotherapy drugs, you also have a continuous infusion (drip) of fluids. This helps to reduce the side effects of high-dose methotrexate and keeps you hydrated.
You will also have a drug called folinic acid (sometimes called leucovorin or calcium folinate). This is also to reduce the side effects of high-dose methotrexate. You have it regularly until the methotrexate is out of your system. You have a blood test to check the level of methotrexate in your body.
Once you have had all the drugs, you have a rest period with no treatment for the remaining days of the cycle. This completes your first cycle of MATRix.
At the end of the rest period, you start your second cycle of MATRix.
About side effects
We explain the most common side effects of this treatment here. We also include some less common side effects.
You may get some of the side effects we mention, but you are unlikely to get all of them. You may have some side effects that we have not listed here. Always tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about any side effects you have.
Your doctor can give you drugs to help control some side effects. It is important to take them exactly as your nurse or pharmacist explains. This means they will be more likely to work for you. Your nurse will give you advice about managing your side effects. After your treatment is over, most side effects start to improve.
Serious and life-threatening side effects
Some cancer treatments can cause severe side effects. Rarely, these may be life-threatening. Your cancer doctor or nurse can explain the risk of these side effects to you.
Contact the hospital
Your nurse will give you telephone numbers for the hospital. If you feel unwell or need advice, you can call them at any time of the day or night. Save these numbers in your phone or keep them somewhere safe.
More information
We cannot list every side effect for this treatment. There are some rare side effects that are not listed. You can visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) for more detailed information.
Side effects while treatment is being given
Allergic reaction
Some people have an allergic reaction to monoclonal antibody treatment while they are having it. The first infusion is the most likely to cause a reaction, so it is usually given more slowly than later treatments. Before treatment, you will be given medicines to help prevent or reduce any reaction.
Signs of a reaction can include:
- feeling hot or flushed
- shivering
- itching
- a skin rash
- feeling dizzy or sick
- a headache
- feeling breathless or wheezy
- swelling of your face or mouth
- pain in your back, tummy (abdomen) or chest.
Your nurse will check you for signs of a reaction during your infusion. If you feel unwell or have any of these signs, tell them straight away. If you do have a reaction, they can treat it quickly.
Sometimes a reaction happens a few hours after treatment. If you develop any signs or feel unwell after you get home, contact the hospital straight away.
Cytarabine syndrome
Cytarabine may cause some symptoms 6 to 12 hours after it has been given. This is called cytarabine syndrome. Signs can include:
- a high temperature or chills
- a rash
- pain in the eyes, bones, tummy or chest.
You may be given medicines before treatment to help prevent or reduce these symptoms.
If you have any of these symptoms, tell your nurse or contact the hospital straight away.
Blood pressure
Some people's blood pressure falls while they are having rituximab. If you usually take medicine to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may ask you not to take it for 12 hours before having rituximab. Sometimes, rituximab can make your blood pressure go up. The nurse will check your blood pressure regularly.
The drug leaks outside the vein
The drug may leak outside the vein. If this happens it can damage the tissue around the vein. This is called extravasation. Extravasation is not common but if it happens it is important that it is dealt with quickly. Tell your nurse straight away if you have any stinging, pain, redness or swelling around the vein.
Common side effects
Risk of infection
This treatment can reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood. These cells fight infection. If the number of white blood cells is low, you are more likely to get an infection. A low white blood cell count is sometimes called neutropenia.
An infection can be very serious when the number of white blood cells is low. It is important to get any infection treated as soon as possible. Contact the hospital straight away on the 24-hour contact number you have been given if:
- your temperature goes over 37.5°C (99.5°F)
- you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature
- you have symptoms of an infection
- your temperature goes below 36°C (96.8°F).
Symptoms of an infection include:
- feeling shivery and shaking
- a sore throat
- a cough
- breathlessness
- diarrhoea
- needing to pass urine (pee) a lot, or discomfort when you pass urine.
It is important to follow any specific advice your cancer treatment team gives you.
The number of white blood cells will usually return to normal before your next treatment. You will have a blood test before having more treatment. If your white blood cell count is low, your doctor may delay your treatment for a short time, until your cell count increases.
You may be given a drug called G-CSF. This encourages the body to make more white blood cells. You have it as a small injection under the skin.
Bruising and bleeding
This treatment can reduce the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot.
If the number of platelets is low, you may bruise or bleed easily. You may have:
- nosebleeds
- bleeding gums
- heavy periods
- blood in your urine (pee) or stools (poo)
- tiny red or purple spots on the skin that may look like a rash.
Tell your doctor if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding. You may need a drip to give you extra platelets. This is called a platelet transfusion.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells)
This treatment can reduce the number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. If the number of red blood cells is low, this is called anaemia. You may have symptoms such as:
- pale skin
- lack of energy
- feeling breathless
- feeling dizzy and light-headed.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have these symptoms.
If you are very anaemic, you may need a drip to give you extra red blood cells. This is called a blood transfusion.
Feeling sick
The nurses will give you anti-sickness drugs regularly to help prevent or control sickness during your treatment. If you feel sick or are sick (vomit), tell your nurse or doctor. They may change the anti-sickness drug to one that works better for you.
Sore mouth and throat
This treatment may cause a sore mouth and throat. You may also get mouth ulcers. This can make you more likely to get an infection in your mouth or throat. Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth or dentures in the morning, at night and after meals.
If your mouth or throat is sore:
- tell your nurse or doctor – they can give you a mouthwash or medicines to help
- try to drink plenty of fluids
- avoid alcohol, tobacco and foods that irritate your mouth and throat.
Changes to your taste
You may get a bitter or metal taste in your mouth. Sucking sugar-free sweets may help with this. Some foods may taste different or have no taste. Try different foods to find out what tastes best to you. Taste changes usually get better after treatment finishes. Your nurse can give you more advice.
Diarrhoea
This treatment may cause severe diarrhoea. Diarrhoea means passing more stools (poo) than is usual for you, or having watery or loose stools. If you have a stoma, it will be more active than usual.
Your hospital team may give you anti-diarrhoea drugs to take.
If you have diarrhoea or a mild increase in stoma activity:
- follow any advice from your cancer team about taking anti-diarrhoea drugs
- drink at least 2 litres (31/2 pints) of fluids each day
- avoid alcohol, caffeine, milk products, high-fat foods and high-fibre foods.
Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if:
- you have diarrhoea at night
- you have diarrhoea more than 4 times in a day
- you have a moderate or severe increase in stoma activity
- the anti-diarrhoea drugs do not work within 24 hours.
You may need to have extra fluids through a drip.
Tummy pain
This treatment can cause inflammation in the gullet, stomach, or bowel.
You may get pain or discomfort in your tummy (abdomen), feel bloated or have indigestion.
Tell your doctor straight away if you have:
- severe tummy pain or a fever
- blood or mucus in your stools (poo)
- dark or tar-like stools
Constipation
This treatment can cause constipation. Constipation means that you are not able to pass stools as often as you normally do. It can become difficult or painful.
If you have constipation, your doctor can give you drugs called laxatives to help.
Loss of appetite
This treatment can affect your appetite. Don't worry if you do not eat much for a day or 2. But if your appetite does not come back after a few days, or if you are losing weight, tell your nurse or dietitian. They can give you advice. They may give you food or drink supplements. Or they may suggest changes to your diet or eating habits to help.
Effects on the kidneys
Methotrexate can affect how your kidneys work, but usually only when you have it in high doses. Your doctor can tell you more about this. Your doctor will ask you about any other medicines or supplements you take, as some can affect how your kidneys clear methotrexate from your body.
You will have blood and urine tests before and during treatment to check how well your kidneys are working.
Before and after each treatment, your nurses will give you extra fluids through a drip. This is to protect your kidneys. It is also important to drink at least 2 litres (3½ pints) of non-alcoholic fluid each day during treatment.
Tell your nurse or doctor if:
- you are not able to drink as much as you have been asked to – for example, if you feel sick
- you are being sick or have diarrhoea
- you are passing urine (peeing) less than usual.
Feeling tired
This treatment will make you feel very tired and you will need a lot of rest. You will get tired easily for some months after treatment has finished. Gentle exercise, like short walks, can give you more energy. The tiredness will slowly get better.
If you feel sleepy, do not drive or use machinery.Pain
You may get pain in your muscles, joints or where your tumour is. If this happens, tell your doctor so they can give you painkillers. Tell them if the pain does not get better.
If you have painkillers you would like to use at home, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist whether they are suitable for you.
Sore and red palms of hands and soles of feet
You may get sore and red palms of hands and soles of feet. The skin may also begin to peel. This is called palmar-plantar or hand-foot syndrome. It usually gets better after treatment ends.
Tell your doctor or nurse about any changes to your hands or feet. They can give you advice and prescribe creams to improve any symptoms you have. It can help to:
- keep your hands and feet cool
- moisturise your hands and feet regularly
- avoid tight-fitting socks, shoes and gloves.
Skin changes
This treatment may affect your skin. It may cause a rash, which might be itchy. It may cause redness or changes in skin colour. It may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Your doctor or nurse can tell you what to expect. If your skin feels dry, try using an unperfumed moisturising cream every day. The treatment can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Always tell your doctor or nurse about any skin changes. They can give you advice and may give you creams or
Hair loss
Your hair will get thinner. Or you may lose all the hair from your head. You may also lose your eyelashes and eyebrows, as well as other body hair. Hair loss usually starts after your first or second treatment.
Your nurse can talk to you about ways to cope with hair loss. There are ways to cover up hair loss if you want to. Your scalp may be sensitive. It is important to cover your head to protect your skin when you are out in the sun.
Hair loss is almost always temporary. Your hair will usually grow back after treatment finishes.
Effects on the liver
This treatment may affect how your liver works. This is usually mild. Liver problems may cause the skin or the whites of the eyes to become yellow.
You will have blood tests to check how well your liver is working. Your doctor or nurse may suggest you avoid alcohol and some medicines.
Raised blood sugar levels
This treatment can raise your blood sugar levels. If you have a raised blood sugar level, you may:
- feeling thirsty
- needing to pass urine (pee) more often
- feeling tired.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have these symptoms.
If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may be higher than usual. Your doctor will talk to you about how to manage this. You may need to change your insulin or tablet dose.
Eye problems
Your eyes may become watery and feel sore. Your doctor can prescribe eye drops to help with this. If your eyes get red and inflamed, tell your doctor. This is called conjunctivitis. You may need antibiotic eye drops.
Always tell your doctor or nurse if you have pain or notice any change in your vision.
Cytarabine and methotrexate may also:
- make your eyes more sensitive to light
- cause blurry vision
- cause eye pain.
You will be given steroid eye drops to help prevent this.
Less common side effects
Effects on the nervous system
This treatment can affect the nervous system. Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you have, or someone with you notices you have, any of these symptoms:
- headaches or dizziness
- changes in eyesight
- numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- problems with moving or speaking
- loss of balance or co-ordination
- loss of memory or concentration
- feeling drowsy or confused
- feeling anxious or restless or low in mood
- fits (seizures).
You should not drive or operate machinery if you have these symptoms.
Effects on the lungs
This treatment can cause changes to the lungs. Tell your doctor if you develop:
- a cough
- wheezing
- breathlessness.
You should also tell them if any existing breathing problems get worse. You may have tests to check your lungs.
Effects on the heart
This treatment can affect how the heart works. You may have tests to see how well your heart is working. These may be done before, during and after treatment.
If the treatment is causing heart problems, your doctor may change the type of treatment you are having.
Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms during your treatment. or contact your doctor straight away on the 24-hour number the hospital has given you if you have any of these symptoms after treatment:
- pain or tightness in your chest
- breathlessness
- swelling in the face, arms or legs (build-up of fluid)
- dizziness
- changes to your heartbeat.
Other conditions can cause these symptoms, but it is important to get them checked by a doctor. If you cannot get through to your doctor, call the NHS urgent advice number on 111.
Hearing changes
This treatment may cause hearing changes, including hearing loss. You may have ringing in the ears. This is called tinnitus. You may also become unable to hear some high-pitched sounds. Hearing changes usually get better after this treatment ends. But some can be permanent. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your hearing.
Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS)
This treatment may cause cancer cells to die and break down very quickly. When cancer cells break down, it can lead to a sudden release of chemicals into the blood. This is called tumour lysis syndrome (TLS).
Your kidneys can usually keep these chemicals in balance, but they might not be able to cope with very large amounts. The chemical imbalance can affect how well your kidneys work and cause problems with your heart rhythm.
You will have regular blood tests to check the levels of these chemicals.
If you are at risk of TLS, your doctor can give treatment to help prevent it. You may have:
- extra fluids through a drip
- medicines such as rasburicase or allopurinol
Drinking at least 2 litres (3½ pints) of fluid a day will also help.
Second cancer
Other information
Blood clot risk
Cancer and some cancer treatments can increase the risk of a blood clot. Symptoms of a blood clot include:
- throbbing pain, redness or swelling in a leg or arm
- suddenly feeling breathless or coughing
- sharp chest pain, which may be worse when you cough or take a deep breath.
If you have any of these symptoms, contact the hospital straight away on the 24-hour contact number you have been given. If you cannot get through to your doctor, call the NHS urgent advice number on 111.
A blood clot is serious, but it can be treated with drugs that thin the blood (anticoagulants). Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
You can help reduce the risk of developing a blood clot by:
- staying active during treatment
- drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.
You may be given anticoagulants to help prevent a clot.
Hepatitis B reactivation
If you have had hepatitis B (a liver infection) in the past, rituximab can make it active again. Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about this and test you for hepatitis B. If you have active hepatitis B, you will not have treatment with rituximab.
Other medicines
Some medicines can affect how this treatment works or be harmful when you are having it. Always tell your cancer doctor about any drugs you are taking or planning to take, such as:
- medicines you have been prescribed
- medicines you buy in a shop or chemist
- vitamins, herbal drugs and complementary therapies.
Tell other doctors, pharmacists or dentists who prescribe or give you medicines that you are having this cancer treatment.
You can visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) for more detailed information about your treatment.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations can reduce your risk of getting certain infections. Your doctor or nurse may talk to you about having vaccinations.
Doctors usually recommend that people with cancer have a flu vaccination and a coronavirus (covid) vaccination. These are both inactivated vaccinations that can help reduce the risk of infection. People with weak immune systems can have these, as they are not live vaccinations.
If your immune system is weak, you need to avoid live vaccinations. This is because they can make you unwell. Live vaccines contain a very weak version of the illness they are vaccinating you against. Your cancer doctor or GP can tell you more about live and inactivated vaccinations.
Contraception
Your doctor will advise you not to get pregnant or make someone pregnant while having this treatment. The drugs may harm a developing baby. It is important to use contraception during your treatment and for a while after treatment finishes. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can tell you more about this.
Breastfeeding
You are advised not to breastfeed while having this treatment, or for some time after treatment finishes. This is because the drugs could be passed to the baby through breast milk.
Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Fertility
Some cancer drugs can affect whether you can get pregnant or make someone pregnant. If you are worried about this, it is important to talk with your doctor before you start treatment.
Sex
If you have sex in the first few days after this treatment, you should use barrier protection such as a condom or dental dam. This will protect your partner if any of the drug is in your semen or vaginal fluids.
Medical and dental treatment
If you need medical treatment for any reason other than cancer, always tell the doctors and nurses you are having cancer treatment. Give them the contact details for your cancer doctor so they can ask for advice.
If you think you need dental treatment, talk to your cancer doctor or nurse. Always tell your dentist you are having cancer treatment.
About our information
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References
Visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) to download a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for more detailed information. The leaflet lists all known side effects.
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert health professionals and people living with cancer.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.
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