Side effects in the bone marrow
Damage to the bone marrow is considered particularly serious and in some cases life-threatening: it produces fewer white and red blood cells. The result: increased susceptibility to infections, anemia and coagulation disorders.
After completion of chemotherapy, the hematopoietic bone marrow recovers. However, depending on the duration of chemotherapy, this may take several months.
Chemotherapy: hair loss
Hair loss is a typical side effect for many cancer patients. Chemotherapy drugs attack the hair roots. The hair root cells of the scalp hair are particularly affected, as they multiply very quickly. Eyelashes and eyebrows, on the other hand, usually remain intact.
Before purchasing a wig, ask your health insurance company/insurance company whether and to what extent you can expect to be covered or to share the costs.
Chemotherapy: side effects nausea and vomiting
Nausea is also a common side effect for many patients. Chemotherapy drugs irritate the vomiting center in the brain, which triggers nausea and even vomiting.
Chemotherapy: Side effects on mucous membranes
Mucous membranes in the digestive tract, as rapidly growing cell clusters, are also attacked by chemotherapeutic agents. Painful inflammations of the mouth and throat are particularly stressful for patients, but can be prevented with careful oral care (e.g. daily mouth rinses).
Chemotherapy: side effects on germ cells
Some cytostatic drugs (especially alkylants, procarbazine) disrupt ovarian function in women and spermatogenesis in men. The resulting infertility is usually permanent. For this reason, it makes sense for young patients to talk to their doctor before starting chemotherapy about the possible freezing of eggs or sperm for a later wish to have children.
Chemotherapy: side effects on certain organs
- Liver damage (cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil)
- Kidney damage (cisplatin, methotrexate, mithramycin)
- Cardiac injury (doxorubicin, daunorubicin)
- Urinary bladder damage (cyclophosphamide)
- Nerve damage (vinca alkaloids, oxaliplatin)
