Toxic chemicals make up chemotherapy medications. Cancer cells grow rapidly and divide uncontrollably, and these medications attack cancer cells and stop their division and growth. Because of the toxic nature of chemotherapy, normal body cells that grow rapidly also are affected. Damage to normal body cells causes unwanted side effects.
Hair Loss
Chemotherapy kills quickly growing hair follicle cells, causing hair to fall out two to three weeks after the first chemotherapy infusion. Depending on the type of chemotherapy given, partial or total hair loss is possible. The American Cancer Society says that hair usually grows back after chemotherapy, although it might change in texture and color.
Decreased Blood Counts
Blood cells also grow and divide quickly. Their short life cycle causes your body to constantly produce new cells. Cells typically affected by chemotherapy infusion include red and white blood cells and platelets. The Chemotherapy Source Book lists fatigue, risk for infection and bleeding as side effects of having low blood counts.
Gastrointestinal Complications
Cells that line the gastrointestinal tract are damaged with chemotherapy treatment. The gastrointestinal tract begins at the mouth and ends with the colon. Gastrointestinal side effects vary depending on the type of medication given. The American Cancer Society lists mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, appetite loss and taste changes as harmful side effects from chemotherapy.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to nerve cells that send messages from the brain to the body. Certain types of chemotherapy cause peripheral neuropathy that consists of numbness, tingling and weakness, usually in the hands or feet. The Chemotherapy Source Book lists paclitaxel, oxaliplatin and docetaxel as some of the highest risk chemotherapy agents known to cause peripheral neuropathy, although there are many others.
Toxicity to Organs
Some chemotherapy medications cause toxicity and permanent damage to organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Medications including doxorubicin damage heart tissues if given in high doses. Cisplatin causes kidney damage and failure in some cases. Many other medications cause organ damage, but this typically occurs when high doses are given. Doctors typically run tests before giving chemotherapy to ensure that organs function well enough to receive treatment.
References
- "The Chemotherapy Source Book"; Michael C. Perry, Ph.D.; 2007.
- American Cancer Society: Managing Side Effects
