Chemotherapy
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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
Chemotherapy | Common Cancers Treated | Main Toxicities | Side effects | Exercise 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 | Breast | Cardiotoxicity 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 |