Chemotherapy is a general term that is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Such drugs can be given intravenously, through a vein; orally, by mouth; subcutaneously, injected under the skin; intramuscularly, injected into a muscle; or intrathecally, injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Chemotherapy for leukemia is varied, because there are many different forms of this disease. In general, though, leukemia treatment relies on combination chemotherapy with a number of different anticancer drugs. Such drugs destroy cancer cells by preventing them from growing and dividing rapidly. Unfortunately, a number of the body's normal, noncancerous cells also divide rapidly and therefore are harmed by chemotherapy. Specifically, the hair follicles, red and white blood cells, blood-clotting platelets, and cells that line the gastrointestinal system may be damaged or destroyed, causing side effects. Such side effects depend upon the type and dose of drugs taken, as well as the length of time that they are used.
Chemotherapy for leukemia is varied, because there are many different forms of this disease. In general, though, leukemia treatment relies on combination chemotherapy with a number of different anticancer drugs. Such drugs destroy cancer cells by preventing them from growing and dividing rapidly. Unfortunately, a number of the body's normal, noncancerous cells also divide rapidly and therefore are harmed by chemotherapy. Specifically, the hair follicles, red and white blood cells, blood-clotting platelets, and cells that line the gastrointestinal system may be damaged or destroyed, causing side effects. Such side effects depend upon the type and dose of drugs taken, as well as the length of time that they are used.
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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapeutic side effects may include temporary hair loss, mouth sores, anemia (decreased numbers of red blood cells that may cause fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath), leukopenia (decreased numbers of white blood cells that may lower resistance to infection), thrombocytopenia (decreased numbers of platelets that may lead to easy bleeding or bruising), and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Tumor lysis syndrome is a specific side effect of leukemia therapy that occurs when there is a rapid breakdown of leukemia cells due to chemotherapeutic drugs. The cells split apart and release cell fragments, metabolic byproducts, and minerals into the bloodstream. These substances can damage the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Therefore, physicians often monitor acute leukemia patients for this syndrome. They may prescribe fluids, sodium bicarbonate, and allopurinol (a drug used to reduce uric acid in the blood) to rid the body of unwanted chemicals and cell remains.
Tumor lysis syndrome is a specific side effect of leukemia therapy that occurs when there is a rapid breakdown of leukemia cells due to chemotherapeutic drugs. The cells split apart and release cell fragments, metabolic byproducts, and minerals into the bloodstream. These substances can damage the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Therefore, physicians often monitor acute leukemia patients for this syndrome. They may prescribe fluids, sodium bicarbonate, and allopurinol (a drug used to reduce uric acid in the blood) to rid the body of unwanted chemicals and cell remains.
