[SBarro]

Definition of "rounds" and "cycles" of treatment

by SBarro on Sun Dec 21, 2014 11:06 am

In this forum, I often come across the use of the words "rounds" and "cycles" of treatment, but without mention of the number and / or frequency of treatment. I looked for a glossary of terms, but couldn't find any definition, though it appears that these are common terms.

Can someone please explain these terms?

Thanks,
Tom

[NStewart]

Re: Definition of "rounds" and "cycles" of treatment

by NStewart on Sun Dec 21, 2014 9:10 pm

I consider a round of treatment in my regimen as a 28 day cycle. I am taking Revlimid for 21 days and then have 7 days off. This equals 28 days or 1 round for me.

Nancy in Phila

[Ian]

Re: Definition of "rounds" and "cycles" of treatment

by Ian on Mon Dec 22, 2014 6:55 am

I always consider "round" and "cycle" to mean the same thing. Here is the U.S. National Cancer Institute's definition of a treatment cycle:

"In medicine, a course of treatment that is repeated on a regular schedule with periods of rest in between. For example, treatment given for one week followed by three weeks of rest is one treatment cycle."

http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?cdrid=688840

For many myeloma treatment regimens, a 4-week (28-day) cycle is common. So when someone says that they have had 4 "rounds" or "cycles" of treatment, they are talking about approximately 4 months of treatment.

There are exceptions, however, to the 4-week norm, often involving treatment with Velcade, which can be given in cycles that are shorter or longer than 4 weeks.

[K_Shash]

Re: Definition of "rounds" and "cycles" of treatment

by K_Shash on Wed Dec 24, 2014 11:07 pm

My Revlimid Instructions have this heading: "7 days before ordering the 'next supply" (or next cycle start date)," implying the three-week therapy (and the week off) are the "cycle."

I just came across this while going over the next few weeks blood tests, appointments, and surveys I have to complete. I hope this helps.

This definition seems to agree with what others have said.

K_Shash

[Wayne K]

Re: Definition of "rounds" and "cycles" of treatment

by Wayne K on Fri Dec 26, 2014 2:45 pm

I'm on the same schedule with Revlimid. When I was taking my original Velcade treatment, I also had a resting period after a series of prednisone and Velcade. I don't recall specifically what the doctor called them, but they were "rounds" or "cycles".