Chemotherapy is a common and effective treatment for many types of cancers. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, but can also damage rapidly dividing healthy cells of the mouth, skin, intestines, liver and other organs. While chemotherapy has many life-saving benefits, its toxic side effects can cause discomfort to cancer patients. A medical professional should explain the potential immediate and long-term side effects of chemotherapy drugs before treatment.
Liver Damage
The liver serves as the body's detoxification center and helps to eliminate chemotherapy drugs from the bloodstream. Over time, prolonged exposure to toxic chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to liver cells and tissue. According to MayoClinic.com, chemotherapy can have long-term effects on liver function. Chemotherapy patients with a prior history of liver problems will likely be monitored for liver function through certain enzyme tests. Typical signs of liver damage include jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes, fatigue, pain under the ribs on the right side of the body, and swelling of the feet or abdomen.
Blood in the Urine
Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, can cause hemorrhagic cystitis, or blood in the urine. The American Cancer Society explains that blood can continue to appear in the urine for some time after chemotherapy treatment. In some cases, urinary blood symptoms may even worsen after the completion of chemotherapy.
Damage to Male Reproductive System
Many chemotherapy drugs can cause long-term damage to the reproductive system. The American Cancer Society explains that chemotherapy drugs can damage sperm-producing cells in men and lead to infertility. It is recommended that men needing chemotherapy who wish to have children later in life freeze down sperm prior to treatment. Chemotherapy will not always result in complete infertility in men, but may lead to changes in sperm production that can cause birth defects in any children fathered after chemo treatment.
Damage to Ovaries
Chemotherapy can cause permanent damage to a woman's ovaries. Such damage can lead to permanent infertility in women and may also result in birth defects to children born after chemotherapy. According to MayoClinic.com, permanent ovarian damage can cause some women to enter menopause early. Women concerned with fertility issues related to cancer treatment may should consult a fertility specialist to consider options such as embryo freezing and egg freezing before beginning chemotherapy.
Secondary Cancers
Some chemotherapy drugs, particularly alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide, are associated with an increased risk in developing certain forms of leukemia. Acute myelogenous leukemia is the most common type of leukemia caused by chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society explains that acute lymphocytic leukemia can also be caused by chemotherapy drugs. The risk of developing a secondary cancer from chemotherapy depends on the dose and length of chemotherapy treatment. Risk for secondary leukemia is greatest at about five to 10 years after the initial chemotherapy treatment. Leukemias that are caused by chemotherapy are very difficult to treat and have a poor prognosis.
References
- American Cancer Society: What Are the Possible Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
- American Cancer Society: Second Cancers Caused by Cancer Treatment
- MayoClinic.com: Long-term side effects of chemotherapy
- MayoClinic.com: Cancer survivors: Managing late effects of cancer treatment
- National Cancer Institute: Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer
