Summary of Key Points Incidence of Chemotherapy- and Radiation Therapy–Induced Neurotoxicity The actual incidence of treatment-related neurotoxicity is unknown, but the frequency is increasing. Improvements in supportive care, but not neuroprotective regimens, have allowed dose escalation for many drugs, and…
Summary of Key Points The paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes include an extensive group of immune-mediated disorders that can affect any part of the central or peripheral nervous system. Patients with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes may have serum and cerebrospinal fluid antibodies that…
Summary of Key Points Reproductive complications resulting from cancer or its treatment are expected to increase as the number of cancer survivors increases. The risks of infertility related to cancer therapy and the available fertility preservation options should be discussed…
Summary of Key Points Cardiotoxicity in the context of anticancer therapy requires a deep appreciation for the differences and potential interactions between patient risk factors for cardiac disease and the cardiovascular risk profile for an anticancer drug. Understanding the structural,…
Summary of Key Points Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia Cytotoxic chemotherapy agents target hair follicles that are in the proliferative growing (anagen) phase, causing an “androgen effluvium.” Less common mechanisms include telogen effluvium. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is common. The incidence differs based on…
Summary of Key Points Incidence Mucositis is a major dose-limiting toxic effect of chemotherapy for solid tumors developing in 5% to 40% of patients. Mucositis develops in 70% to 100% of patients receiving high doses of chemotherapy with bone marrow…
Summary of Key Points Incidence Nausea and vomiting are the most common of all chemotherapy-associated toxicities. Their occurrence is more frequent and severe with repetitive doses of chemotherapy. They can have a significant impact on quality of life and can…
Summary of Key Points Loss of appetite and weight are common in patients with advanced, incurable cancer and are associated with a poor prognosis. Although advanced, incurable cancer patients who have the cachexia syndrome may appear malnourished, nutritional support with…
Summary of Key Points Incidence Cancer pain affects more than 30% of patients undergoing active cancer therapy. Moderate to severe pain occurs in more than 70% of patients during the later phases of their illness. Cancer pain is debilitating and…
Summary of Key Points Tumor lysis syndrome can occur in any patient with newly diagnosed or relapsed cancer, so all patients should undergo risk stratification and management according to their risk for clinical tumor lysis syndrome. Laboratory tumor lysis syndrome…