by V. Kumar

Created on: May 26, 2008

Chemotherapy usually refers to treatment of cancer by use of medicines, which selectively destroy the cancer cells. These chemotherapeutic drugs destroy the fast growing abnormal cancer cells, but while destroying them, these medicines also damage some normal cells, and in the process cause various unpleasant side effects in the body. These side effects are a major limitation in the use of chemotherapy, and often one of the most stressing part of cancer treatment for the patient.

CAUSE OF SIDE EFFECTS

The chemotherapeutic medicines interfere with the process of cell division, by which cells grow and multiply. Since the cancer cells grow very fast, these medicines interfere in their growth and destroy them. Unfortunately, in the body, there are several type of normal cells that also grow and multiply faster than other cells, and hence also become a target for destruction by the cancer chemotherapy. These cells include red and white cells of blood, platelets, hair cells, skin, mucosal cells lining the inside of mouth, stomach and intestines and lymphatic cells involved in body immunity. Damage to these cells leads to the various adverse side effects that are associated with cancer chemotherapy.

These side effects are of three major types, immediate reversible side effects, long term side effects and organ toxicity affecting particular organs.

I. IMMEDIATE REVERSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Most common side effects of cancer chemotherapy fall in this category. Needless to say that though not permanent, they are a very distressing experience, and seriously hamper the quality of life till they last. They include the following.

1. GENERAL SICKNESS - Damage to various cells within the body leads to a general feeling of sickness, which is particularly aggravated by the effects on digestive system.

2. NAUSEA & VOMITING - Nausea and vomiting result from the damage to the cells lining the stomach and the intestines and sensations of this injury sent to a certain 'vomiting center' in brain through the vagus nerve. It can be best managed by using 'ANTI-EMETICS' like DOLASETRON (ENZEMET), a serotoinin inhibitor and APREPITANT (EMEND), a substance P inhibitor, which block the carriage of this sensation to the emetic center and thus relieve nausea and vomiting.

3. DIARRHEA OR CONSTIPATION - Damage to the cells lining the intestines can lead to either diarrhea or constipation. It is best to manage it with changing dietary habits, using a lot of vitamins and dietary supplements.

4. MALNUTRITION

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