side effects of chemotherapy W5

Question 1

Common chemo side effects

Answer 1

Nausea/V

Mucositis

Hypersensitivity

Hair loss

Rash

Fatigue

Diarrhoea

Myelosupresison

Constipation

Question 2

Common GI side effects

Answer 2

Change in taste of foods

Throat and mouth sores (mucositis)

N+V

Constipation/diarrhoea

Change in eating habits

Question 3

Complications of Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

Answer 3

 Dehydration
 Nutritional deficiency - loose weight
 Electrolyte disturbances
 Aspiration pneumonia - vomit into lungs
 Oesophageal tears
 Chemotherapy dose delays, reductions, discontinuations of treatment
 Quality of life

Question 4

Types of CINV

Answer 4

Acute - in 24hr

Delayed - >24hr post chemo

Breakthrough - CINV despite prophylaxis

Anticipatory - prior to chemo admin

Refractory - CINV despite appropriate measures

Question 5

Mucositis + prevention + treatment

Answer 5

Sore/ulcerated throat or mouth

Regular brushing, avoid floss, salt rinse avoid spicy foods

Pain - local anaesthetic mouth washed, paracetamol, ice

Infections - fungal = fluconazole or nystatin, viral = aciclovir

Question 6

Long term side effects

Answer 6

 Cardiac
 Thromboembolic
 Secondary Cancers
 Infertility
 Respiratory

Question 7

Chemo toxicities

Answer 7

Methotrexate - stomatitis

Bleomycin - pulmonary fibrosis

Doxorubicin - cardiac toxicity