Chemotherapy

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is an anti-cancer therapy used to destroy cancer cells. A key trait of cancer cells is that they divide rapidly, however chemotherapy aims to prevent the division of cells and thus reduce their proliferation. There are many kinds of chemotherapies with different common side effects. See below and across.

For further information regarding Chemotherapy – see Cancer Council – Chemotherapy

ChemotherapyCommon Cancers TreatedMain ToxicitiesSide effectsExercise Recommendations
Alkylating agents
e.g. Platinum-based drugs (Carboplatin, oxyplatin, cisplatin)
Cyclophosphamide
Temozolomide
Leukaemia
Lymphoma
Multiple Myeloma Sarcoma
Breast
Lung
Ovarian
Prostate
Bone marrow
Neurotoxicity
Gastro-intestinal
Peripheral Neuropathy
Immune suppression
Anaemia
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Assess and treat balance and sensory deficits
Provide alternative intensity exercise program based on phase of treatment cycle
Antimetabolites
e.g. 5- fluorouracil, Methotrexate, Gemcitabine
Leukaemia
Breast
Ovarian
Gastrointestinal
Gastro-intestinal
Bone marrow
Immune suppression
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Provide alternative intensity exercise program based on phase of treatment cycle
Anti-tumour antibiotics/ Anthracyclines
e.g. Doxorubicin, Motoxantrone, Bleomycin
BreastCardiotoxicity
Gastro-intestinal
Bone marrow
Reproductive systems
Low ejection fraction
Arrythmias
Immune suppression
Fatigue
Ensure aerobic exercise features
Plant alkyloids
e.g. Vincristine,
Etoposide, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel
Breast
Lung
Lymphoma
Neurotoxicity
Bone marrow
Reproductive systems
Peripheral neuropathy
Immune suppression
Fatigue
Assess and treat balance and sensory deficits