Main »
Mammology
» Side effects of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer
19:46
Side effects of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer
Side effects of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer
Chemotherapy - this is a very effective treatment for cancer, because chemotherapy drugs affect the cells of rapidly. But, unfortunately, except for the cancer cells in the human body, there are other healthy cells, which are also characterized by rapid growth and division. These cells are blood cells and hematopoietic system, the oral mucosa and gastrointestinal tract, nose, vagina, and the cells of hair follicles and skin appendages - nails.
But these cells are listed, there is one advantage compared to cancer cells - they can be restored if damaged as a result of chemotherapy. In cancer cells do not have this ability. So with time after the end of chemotherapy you will grow hair back, recover energy and infectious complications will be.
In addition, you can receive supportive medications during the course of chemotherapy to help her cope with side effects. Many of the side effects of chemotherapy fade quickly, but the effect of some may persist for months or even years.
Serious side effects of chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy may contribute to osteoporosis (rarefaction and weakening of bone tissue). In postmenopausal women, the blood contains enough hormones involved in the formation of bone structures (eg, estrogen). As a result, increases the risk of fractures. In premenopausal women chemotherapy may cause temporary shutdown of ovarian function, which contributes to a weakening of bones. In particular, this effect relates to the combination chemotherapy CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil).
Preparations of taxanes Taxol and abraksan have a more pronounced negative effect on the nerve fibers in the hands and feet compared with Taxotere. This phenomenon can be temporary or permanent. One way to avoid such complications is to reduce the dose abraksana.
Taxotere can irritate the tear ducts and cause excessive tearing.
Adriamycin can have toxic effects on the heart. To avoid this effect, or to minimize it, this drug is used in safe doses.
In very rare cases, cyclophosphamide can cause leukemia (a malignant blood disease).
Preparations of taxanes (taxol, taxotere) may sometimes have a damaging effect on the nerve fibers in the hands and feet, causing polyneuropathy, which may last several months.
Of course, it is impossible under this section to describe all possible side effects of each chemical preparations. The severity and frequency of side effects depend on factors such as dose, previous treatment, the combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and methods of treatment.
