Side Effects of Antineoplastics

A neoplasm is a non-normal tissue mass that can lead to a lump or tumor. Not all neoplasms become malignant or cancerous, though some do. Antineoplastics are drugs that are taken to prevent malignant neoplasms, tumors and lumps from growing. Antineoplastics recognize cells that divide quickly as cancer cells and kill them. However, there are some cells that naturally divide quickly and they are attacked as well, which leads to negative side effects.

Blood Cells

• Blood cells are impacted by antineoplastics because they divide quickly. Anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are the most common conditions caused by chemotherapy. Anemia means that red blood cell and hemoglobin counts are too low. Oxygen cannot be transferred through the body as efficiently as it should be, which can cause fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. Neutropenia is a condition in which the white blood cell count is too low. This is problematic since white blood cells are the ones that fight off infections. Thrombocytopenia occurs when the platelet levels become too low. Excessive bleeding and bruising are common since there are fewer platelets to help the blood to clot.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Atineoplastics can lead to nausea and vomiting. Nausea is the sick feeling in the stomach associated with the need to vomit. Vomiting is when the stomach's contents are expelled through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting occur when the drugs trigger the release of serotonin and other chemicals into the stomach and small intestine. These chemicals give the brain the message that the body needs to vomit. Antiemetic drugs can be taken to provide some relief from nausea and vomiting.

Other Digestive Problems

• Other digestive problems brought on by chemotherapy are diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite and mouth sores. The digestive tract must maintain a balance of fluids in order for a person to have normal bowel movements. When the cells in the digestive tract are damaged by antineoplastics, they cannot maintain that balance, which can result in either diarrhea (loose stools) or constipation (hard stools). Diarrhea can be particularly dangerous as it can lead to dehydration, among other things. Mouth sores occur when cells in the gastrointestinal tract are damaged and become infected. A decrease in appetite is common, partly due to the other digestive-system side effects, but also because the taste buds can be affected.

Heart Problems

• Atineoplastics can have adverse effects on the organs in the body, including the heart. When the heart is damaged, it is referred to as cardiotoxicity, a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood through the body as effectively as it should. In severe cases, cardiotoxicity leads to cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure or the need for a heart transplant.

Hair Loss and Emotional Issues

• One of the most visible side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. Hair follicles are among the healthy cells that are attacked by the drugs, which often results in patients losing the hair on various parts of their bodies. For some people, this drastic change in their appearance combined with the other side effects and the pain from having cancer can lead to emotional distress. Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or depressed are normal reactions, though they should be discussed with the doctor.

Additional Side Effects

• There are many types of antineoplastic drugs, each with different side effects. Other sides effects include bone loss, menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes), memory loss, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, sexual side effects, general pain, dry skin and rashes. Although many side effects are considered "normal" for people undergoing chemotherapy, it is important to discuss them with a doctor to determine if any relief can be provided or to monitor any changes.