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Leukemia Treatment Options
Side Effects of Cancer Treatments
Severe Anemia
The main side effects of leukemia chemotherapy treatment are
severe anemia (the risk of bleeding from a low platelet count)
and a high likelihood of infection. This is caused because:
(1) acute myelogenous
leukemia decreases the production of normal blood cells,
and
(2) the levels are further decreased by the added effects
of chemotherapy.
The intensity of chemotherapy required to destroy sufficient
leukemia cells to permit a remission leads to even more severe
decreases in red cells, phagocytes, and platelets. To reduce
the side effects of severe anemic or the reduction or red
cell blood transfusions are given. A platelet transfusion
is usually effective in providing sufficient amounts of these
cells until the beneficial effects of treatment occur several
weeks later, and blood cell counts return toward normal.
Physical Symptoms & Prevention
A rise in temperature or chills may be the only signs of infection
in a patient with a very low white blood cell concentration.
Persistent coughing, tenderness at a site prone to infection
like the area surrounding the anus or facial sinuses, sore
throat, pain on urination or frequent loose stools may be
signs of an infection.
The risk of infection can be decreased by vigorous hand washing
by all visitors and medical personnel and meticulous care
of indwelling catheter sites. Care of the gums, a site of
bacterial accumulation, also is an important area of infection
prevention.
The use of blood cell growth factors that stimulate the production
of phagocytes can shorten the period during which the white
cell count is low. Those used most frequently are granulocyte-colony
stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony
stimulating factor (GM-CSF).
Chemotherapy affects tissues that require a high rate of cell
birth (cell division) to keep them functional. The lining
of the mouth, the lining of the intestines, the skin, and
the hair follicles are such tissues. This explains why mouth
ulcers, diarrhea, and hair loss are common after chemotherapy.
Skin rashes also may occur.
Nausea and vomiting can be distressing side effects of chemotherapy.
The causes are complex. The effects are the result of actions
on the intestines and on centers of the brain which, when
triggered, lead to vomiting. Fortunately, drugs that counteract
the nausea and vomiting can relieve these distressing side
effects in most cases, if they occur.
Find out more about…
Coping with Leukemia
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Leukemia Cancer Information