Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects: Chapter 3 - Side Effects of Chemotherapy

D. Other Side Effects

The above side effects are directly related to the rapid growth of cells. There are other significant side effects that are not directly related to the fast growing of normal cells. These side effects include liver damage, kidney damage, pain, rash, constipation, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, ototoxicity, electrolyte abnormality, cardiotoxicity, and depression of the immune system. Among them, liver and kidney damages are most critical and are often the sources of other side effects. Some of these side effects are described below.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2020

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.

Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects: Chapter 3 - Side Effects of Chemotherapy

C. Intestine (also see mucositis)

Chemotherapy often causes diarrhea. Crypt epithelial cells on the lining of the small intestine reproduce almost as fast as the bone marrow cells. Therefore, crypt cells are often easily damaged by chemotherapy.

Epithelial cells derived from crypt cells actively secrete electrolytes and play an important role in the re-absorption of water secretion in the intestines. During a normal digestive process, suitable amount of water are secreted into the lumen of the small intestine as part of the digestion process; most of the water is reabsorbed afterwards. Damage of crypt cells by chemotherapy disturbs the normal water-absorption process in the intestine, thus causing diarrhea.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2020

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.