Side Effects of Cancer Therapy
Introduction:
Cancer cells are essentially normal cells that have “gone bad”. Because of that, drugs used to treat cancer may also affect normal cells and tissues, causing side effects. Although each drug is different, some of the side effects are shared by multiple anti-cancer medications. Here we will discuss the most common side effects and suggest some simple strategies to minimize them and/or to prevent complications. Keep in mind that these strategies do NOT substitute for supportive care drugs prescribed by your physician, but rather work together with them. For more information you can use internet links at the end of this section.
Some side effects of cancer therapy could cause serious, even life-threatening problems if left unattended. Please review Call Us Immediately If section for the list of warning symptoms.
Systemic treatment of cancer can be broken down into four categories: Standard chemotherapy, Targeted Therapies, Hormonal Therapies and Biological Therapies. Side effects differ between categories and between drugs within each category. Prior to start of treatment your physician and/or nurse will review the potential side effects specifically associated with your treatment plan in more detail.
Standard Chemotherapy
Standard Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells directly. Chemotherapy agents are on average most efficient during times that cells are dividing and reproducing. Cancer cells are not the only growing cells in our body. Some normal cell types, such as our hair cells, cells which form the lining of the mouth, stomach and intestines, blood cells and other cell lines are also rapidly growing and might be affected by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy might also cause damage to non-growing cells in specific organs such as our heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, etc.
Targeted Therapies
Targeted Therapies work by interfering with specific proteins or enzymes that regulate cell growth and promote their survival. These molecules are also present on certain types of normal cells, which could also be affected by these agents. Side effects in this class of drugs vary from medication to medication and include rashes, high blood pressure, increased risk of blood clots and bleeding, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, delayed wound healing, chills, nausea/vomiting, headaches, hand/foot syndrome, low blood cell counts, mouth sores and allergic reactions. In addition, some of these drugs carry the risk of more severe side effects such as heart and liver damage.
Biological Therapies
Biological Therapies use the body’s own immune system to kill cancer cells. Common side effects associated with biological therapies are rashes, flu-like symptoms (fevers, chills, muscle aches and pains), fatigue, liver damage, headaches and infusion reactions. Other side effects are possible and will be discussed in detail with you prior to starting therapy.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal Therapy is a systemic therapy which works by blocking hormone receptors or lowering hormone levels of specific hormones in the body. These treatments are used primarily in breast and prostate cancer. Side effects vary between specific drugs; common side effects include: hot flashes, weight gain or bloating, mood swings, depression, osteoporosis, vaginal dryness (for women), and breast tenderness and growth of breast tissue (in men). Keep in mind that some of these side effects will lessen or go away with time and that there are treatments available to alleviate other side effects.
For additional Information please visit Types of Cancer Therapy – Systemic Cancer Therapy Section.
It is important to remember that side effects of cancer therapy described in this section are only potential. Individual drugs have different likelihood of causing these effects, and every person responds differently to cancer therapy. A spectrum of side effects and their severity vary from person to person. Some people have very minimal side effects, while a few others have very severe problems; most people fall somewhere in the middle. Keep in mind that we have multiple strategies for helping to reduce the risk of side effects or helping you to cope with the ones that do occur. The crucial thing is to keep us informed of any problem you might experience so we could take care of it before it causes serious harm.