The administration of antineoplastic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy) is crucial to achieve a response of the malignant disease.
This treatment is now an individualized approach for each patient, in which the treating oncologist tries to offer the best result with the least cost in terms of quality of life.
Unwanted actions
The side effects of an antineoplastic treatment vary depending on the drugs administered, but also depending on the patient, as each patient reacts in a different way.
Chemotherapy
The most common side effects from chemotherapy are:
• fatigue
• gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• swelling due to fluid retention
• alopecia
• hematological toxicity (leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, transaminasemia)
Less common and depending on the chemotherapeutic agents used is peripheral neuropathy manifested by a feeling of numbness or burning, instability or difficulty performing tasks that require delicate manipulations.
These symptoms are worse in the first days after the treatment is administered and subside thereafter, but present a cumulative burden. However, we must point out that not all patients experience adverse effects, some patients do not experience any symptoms, some experience mild or isolated symptoms and some suffer more. There is no “magic drug” that can make the side effects of chemotherapy go away, but certainly treating oncologists have a series of drugs (antiemetics, gastroprotectants, white growth factors, etc.) that can alleviate or even completely control the symptoms.
Immunotherapy & targeted therapies
The advent of immunotherapy and targeted therapies has brought us a host of new side effects. Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of Oncology, as it offers excellent results in a large number of malignant diseases, but side effects can potentially occur from all systems of the human body, such as for example endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency), pneumonitis, myocarditis, colitis, worsening of kidney function, itching and rash. It is very important to quickly recognize and deal with these side effects, so that the patients do not suffer and the treatment can continue.
In addition to available supportive medication, holistic treatment of side effects has excellent results. Exercise, such as pilates, yoga, walking, socializing with friends, or engaging in favorite activities, greatly contributes to better management of the side effects of treatment.
Some practical advice for patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy / targeted therapy would be:
– To take care to solve before or during the administration of the treatment all their questions about the management of any expected side effects.
– To ask for more time for discussion and information from the medical team that follows them if they have not solved all their questions and to become part of the team by having an active role.
– Always inform their oncologist immediately about any side effect they experience. There are many things they can do to help and ease or make the symptoms go away.
– To discuss their eating habits and create together a nutritional plan adapted to the requirements of the treatment as well as to their lifestyle.
– To ask for psychological support to deal with this new reality from a specialized psychologist or even a psychiatrist if necessary, as the emotional burden that accompanies the initiation and continuation of antineoplastic treatment can increase the side effects, especially nausea and vomiting. We must not forget the patient associations that offer an excellent outlet, especially by offering the possibility of socializing with other sufferers and raising the morale of the patients.
– Try to postpone activities that are not absolutely necessary for the first 5-7 days after the administration of the treatment.
It is understood that the antidote to the adverse effects of antineoplastic therapy is the essential contact and cooperation of the patient with the medical team.
She writes:
Manto Nikolaidis, Pathologist-Oncologist
Deputy Director of MITERA Oncology Clinic
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