Chemotherapy is one of the most popular cancer treatment modalities, yet many patients and caregivers remain concerned about its side effects. This article provides accurate insights into what to expect during chemotherapy.
Major Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
The medically confirmed major side effects include:
- Hair Loss: One of the most well-known side effects. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and body. Severity varies by drug and dosage.
- Fatigue: A common feeling of constant tiredness due to chemotherapy affecting healthy cells, especially in bone marrow.
- Nausea/Vomiting: Ranges from mild to severe. Patients are advised to avoid caffeine and smoking. Sucking on hard candy or popsicles may help.
- Immunosuppression: Chemotherapy lowers white blood cell count, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Anaemia: Reduced red blood cell count leads to anaemia. Doctors may prescribe erythropoiesis-stimulating agents like Epoetin Alfa or Darbepoetin Alfa.
Other Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
Additional possible side effects include:
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Pain while swallowing
- Muscle numbness, tingling, or pain
- Skin and nail changes
- Weight changes or loss
- “Chemo brain” – loss of concentration
- Mood changes
- Loss of libido or sexual function
- Fertility issues
- Oral ulcers
- Malnutrition
- Hand, Foot and Mouth Syndrome
- Skin discoloration (especially with Taxanes)
- Kidney problems (e.g., elevated creatinine from Cisplatin)
- Hearing issues (Cisplatin)
- Liver toxicity (Taxanes)
- Cardiomyopathy (Doxorubicin)
- Skin/vein damage from extravasation (Doxorubicin)
- Lung toxicity (Bleomycin)
What Causes These Side Effects?
Chemotherapy is not highly targeted. It affects rapidly dividing cells—including cancer cells, bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the digestive and reproductive systems—leading to side effects.
Conflict With Other Medications
Chemotherapy can interact with other drugs. For example, combining chemo with blood thinners like aspirin may cause severe bleeding due to low platelet counts. Always disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies to your oncologist before starting treatment.
Emergency Signs (When To Call Your Doctor)
While side effects are common, some require urgent attention:
- Severe, unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Consistent high fever (>100°F)
- Intense chills
- Rashes or allergic reactions with severe itching
- Swelling of the throat or mouth
- Pain at chemo or catheter site
- Intense headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting
- Blood in stool or urine