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Chemo Effects on the Liver

Chemotherapy is a treatment of powerful chemicals that kill both good and bad cells. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy may experience adverse effects throughout the body, including the liver. Liver dysfunction or damage is a serious condition, so it is important to recognize symptoms of a problem as soon as possible. There are ways to possibly manage and minimize the effects of chemotherapy on the liver, however.

  1. Conditions Caused by Chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy can affect the liver in several ways. Bilirubin, which is used by the liver to produce bile, can increase in the bloodstream during chemotherapy. Levels are normally low and any increase can indicate a problem with the liver. Chemotherapy can also cause an increase in liver enzymes. These enzymes indicate how healthy the liver is and, like bilirubin, high numbers indicate possible liver damage. Hepatotoxicity is another condition that can be caused by chemotherapy. It is a form of damage from chemicals that affects the liver's ability to filter out toxins.

    Symptoms of Liver Damage

    • Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy should pay close attention to any symptoms of liver damage. These symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, stomach upset, severe swelling and skin rashes. Mild liver damage may be easily treated with certain medications, provided the patient is healthy enough to withstand additional treatments. However, liver damage can quickly worsen and possibly lead to death. For this reason, all patients should notify their physicians immediately at the first sign of liver damage.

    Minimizing Liver Damage

    • If any signs of liver damage are present, a patient should first notify a physician. It is also important to avoid any aspirin products, unless instructed by a doctor. Alcohol can increase liver damage, so it should also be avoided. Drinking fluids and maintaining a healthy diet of unprocessed foods will help to keep the body free of unnecessary toxins while the liver is recovering.

    Liver Tests

    • Doctors can confirm liver damage by conducting various tests. A Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan can take detailed images of the liver so that doctors can determine if there is any dysfunction or damage. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allows doctors to view the liver by inserting a long tube. Another method of examining the liver for damage is by taking a biopsy of the organ so that the tissue can be studied.

    Treatments

    • Depending on the extent of the liver damage and the health of the patient, doctors may be able to treat problems with medication. Some liver conditions, such as hepatotoxicity, cannot be specifically treated with a drug. However, certain symptoms may be alleviated. Swelling, for instance, can be treated with diuretics. Also, pain medication may be administered if a patient is experiencing severe discomfort. If the liver has undergone extensive damage, it may not be able to process certain drugs. In order for a patient to have the best prognosis, it is essential to catch any liver damage in its early stages.

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