Different types of treatments are used to treat lung cancer, depending on the type of tumor involved and a patient's individual condition. Chemotherapy is generally used to treat small cell lung cancer, which has often spread by the time it is diagnosed. It is also used for non-small cell lung cancer but may not be as effective. Chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer usually combines at least two drugs, each of which may cause its own side effects.
Causes
Chemotherapy drugs are used because they kill cancer cells and ultimately reduce pain, improve quality of life and extend life for some people who have lung cancer. Since these drugs target any rapidly dividing and rapidly growing cells, they also kill rapidly growing non-cancerous cells in the body, such as blood cells, cells found in the roots of the hair and those that line the digestive tract. That is why side effects are common.
Types
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores and other problems with the digestive tract may occur with some chemotherapy treatments. Anemia (reduced red blood cell count) is common with chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer and will ultimately cause fatigue and other problems such as mental confusion ("brain fog") if untreated. Your white blood cell count may also be reduced, raising your risk of getting an infection. When blood cells are damaged, unusual bruising and bleeding may occur. Some chemotherapy agents target hair cells and the result is at least partial hair loss. Hair grows back as soon as treatments are discontinued.
Time Frame
Anemia, nausea, increased risk of infection, fatigue and hair loss are some of the side effects that occur a short time after treatment begins. Some of the long-term side effects of chemotherapy for lung cancer may include fertility problems, heart damage and increased risk of developing other types of cancer, such as blood cancer (leukemia).
Prevention/Solutions
Anti-nausea medications such as ondansetron (brand name Zofran) and tranquilizers such as lorazepam (Ativan) are sometimes given in advance of chemotherapy to help prevent the nausea and vomiting that accompanies some lung cancer treatments.
Epoetin alfa, a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone in the body that stimulates the growth of new red blood cells, is normally given to anyone who becomes anemic due to chemotherapy. White blood cell count can be maintained with a drug known as G-CSF, or neupogen. There is no treatment to prevent hair loss due to chemotherapy, but until hair grows back, some people opt to wear wigs, hats and scarves and work with a hairstylist to find a style that will help compensate for the temporary loss of hair.
Considerations
Although it may be difficult to even think about food, much less eat, while suffering side effects like nausea that affect the gastrointestinal tract, maintaining a healthful diet during chemotherapy treatment helps people with lung cancer feel better, stay strong and have enough energy from day to day. Physicians, nurses and dietitians can provide tips and strategies for maintaining weight and getting enough protein and other essential nutrients throughout chemotherapy treatment.
