Understanding the Side Effects of Cancer Treatments

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, making it hard for the body to manage them. Chemotherapy, often referred to as chemo, involves using medications designed to destroy these fast-growing cancer cells or stop their growth. However, since chemo targets rapidly dividing cells, it can also affect healthy ones, leading to a variety of side effects. Researchers are actively working on ways to minimize these effects on the body.

The body is constantly generating new cells to replace old or damaged ones. Some healthy cells, such as those in the digestive tract and those responsible for growing hair, divide frequently. As a result, they are often adversely affected by chemotherapy medications.

Chemotherapy can produce several side effects. Among the most common are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair thinning or loss, and mouth sores. Which symptoms a patient experiences often depends on the type of cancer and the particular drugs used in treatment.

One significant impact of chemotherapy is a lowered white blood cell count. These cells are essential for defending the body against illnesses and infections. A decrease in their numbers makes a person more prone to getting sick. Additionally, some chemotherapy medications may lead to nerve-related issues, known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which may cause discomfort, numbness, tingling, and issues with coordination.

“Chemotherapy is effective,” says Dr. Ting Bao, an oncologist with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “Although it causes side effects, there are growing options for managing them.”

To combat nausea and vomiting, anti-nausea medications can be prescribed. Dietary adjustments may help manage symptoms such as fatigue and oral discomfort. Regular physical activity and good sleep habits may also ease tiredness. Pain linked to chemotherapy can sometimes be treated with medications. However, options for relieving CIPN symptoms remain limited. Your doctor can suggest the best approach depending on your individual condition.

New possibilities to alleviate chemo side effects are being studied. Some findings indicate that acupuncture could help reduce nausea and vomiting. This practice, which involves gently inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, has shown promise. Other studies are exploring natural substances, such as ginger, to determine if they can help with nausea relief.

Dr. Bao is currently investigating the use of acupuncture and yoga as potential therapies for CIPN. Yoga incorporates stretches, controlled breathing, and mindfulness exercises.

“I find these traditional techniques compelling because they tend to have minimal side effects,” Bao notes. “For acupuncture, common reactions include light bruising or bleeding, while yoga may occasionally cause joint or muscle discomfort.”

Initial findings from her research suggest these practices may ease certain symptoms associated with CIPN. She is continuing her studies with larger clinical trials.

Other scientific efforts aim to uncover how CIPN develops on a molecular level and to develop medications that can specifically address those mechanisms.

If you’re about to start chemotherapy, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider about potential side effects. They can work with you to create a plan to manage them. Many treatment centers offer educational sessions that explain common side effects and how to handle them. Support groups are also available to assist patients in navigating the treatment process.