The Side Effects of Different Cancer Treatments

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25 Jul 2023

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🌟 Welcome, dear readers, to the third and highly anticipated installment of our comprehensive series on cancer. In this edition, we will delve into a crucial aspect of cancer treatment that is often overlooked but immensely important: the side effects of different cancer treatments.

📌In this article, we will shed light on the potential side effects associated with each type of treatment. We will explore how surgery can bring relief and hope, yet leave patients facing the challenge of recovery. We will discuss the impact of radiation therapy and how it may affect the body, as well as the profound and varied effects of chemotherapy on patients' physical and emotional well-being.

Cancer and Surgery

🔪Surgery is a type of cancer treatment that aims to remove the cancer or as much of it as possible from the body. Surgery can bring relief and hope to patients who have cancer that can be cured or controlled by surgery, or who have symptoms that can be relieved by surgery. For example, surgery can remove a tumor that is causing pain, bleeding, or obstruction, or that is threatening to spread to other organs. Surgery can also improve the quality of life and survival of patients who have cancer that is confined to one area or that has not responded to other treatments.

❇️However, surgery also comes with challenges and risks that patients need to be aware of and prepared for. Surgery can cause physical and emotional stress, pain, infection, bleeding, scarring, and damage to nearby organs or tissues. Surgery can also affect the function and appearance of the body part where the cancer was removed, which may require reconstruction or rehabilitation. For example, surgery for breast cancer may affect the shape and size of the breast, which may affect the patient’s self-image and sexuality. Surgery for colon cancer may require a colostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen where waste leaves the body, which may affect the patient’s diet and lifestyle.

✨Recovery from surgery depends on many factors, such as the type and extent of surgery, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s support system. Recovery may take days, weeks, or months, depending on the individual situation. During recovery, patients need to follow their doctor’s instructions on how to care for their wounds, prevent infection, manage pain, and resume normal activities. Patients may also need additional treatments after surgery, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to kill any remaining cancer cells or prevent recurrence. Patients may also benefit from supportive care services, such as counseling, nutrition advice, physical therapy, or complementary therapies, to help them cope with the physical and emotional effects of surgery.

❇️Surgery is a common and effective treatment for many types of cancer, but it is not without challenges and risks. Patients should weigh the pros and cons of surgery with their doctor and make an informed decision based on their goals and preferences. Patients should also seek support from their family, friends, health care team, and other sources to help them through the recovery process.

Photo by artush

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

☢️Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or damage their DNA. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally (from a machine outside the body) or internally (from a radioactive source inside the body). Radiation therapy can be used to cure or shrink cancer or to prevent or relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, etc.

☢️Radiation therapy can cause side effects because it not only affects the cancer cells but also the nearby healthy cells. The side effects may vary from person to person and depend on the part of the body that is treated, the dose and schedule of radiation, and the overall health of the patient. The side effects may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

📌There are two kinds of radiation side effects: early and late.

🕔Early side effects

Early side effects typically happen within weeks of starting radiation treatment. Many of these side effects improve once radiation treatment finishes.

📌Early side effects may include:

Fatigue: This is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion that does not go away with rest. Fatigue may be caused by the radiation itself, the stress of treatment, or other factors such as anemia, infection, or poor nutrition. Fatigue may affect your mood, concentration, and ability to do daily activities. You can cope with fatigue by getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, exercising moderately, and asking for help when needed.
Nausea and vomiting: These are common side effects of radiation therapy to the abdomen, pelvis, or brain. They may occur right after treatment or hours later. Nausea and vomiting may be caused by the radiation itself, the stress of treatment, or other factors such as medication, infection, or motion sickness. You can cope with nausea and vomiting by taking anti-nausea medicines before or after radiation therapy, eating small, frequent meals, avoiding spicy, fatty, or strong-smelling foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and using relaxation techniques.
Skin changes: These are common side effects of external beam radiation therapy. They may include redness, dryness, itching, peeling, blistering, or darkening of the skin at the treatment site. Skin changes may occur during or after treatment and may last for weeks or months. They may be more severe if you have fair skin, sunburn easily, smoke, or receive chemotherapy along with radiation therapy. You can cope with skin changes by keeping your skin clean and moisturized, avoiding harsh soaps and perfumes, wearing loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers, protecting your skin from sun exposure, and following your doctor’s instructions on wound care.
Hair loss: This is a common side effect of radiation therapy to the head and neck area. It may include loss of hair on your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or other body parts. Hair loss may occur during or after treatment and may be temporary or permanent. It may be more severe if you receive high doses of radiation or chemotherapy along with radiation therapy. You can cope with hair loss by wearing a wig, hat, scarf, or other head coverings to protect your scalp and cope with hair loss. You can also talk to your doctor about using a cooling cap during radiation therapy to reduce hair loss.

🕔Late side effects

Late side effects may not appear until months or years after radiation therapy is over. They are usually permanent and may worsen over time.

📌Late side effects may include:

Organ damage: Radiation therapy can damage the organs and tissues near the treatment site. This can cause problems such as heart disease (if the chest is treated), lung problems (if the chest is treated), bowel problems (if the abdomen or pelvis is treated), bladder problems (if the pelvis is treated), infertility (if the pelvis is treated), thyroid problems (if the neck is treated), etc. Organ damage may require medication or surgery to treat. You can reduce your risk of organ damage by following your doctor’s recommendations on lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating well, exercising regularly, and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Secondary cancers: Radiation therapy can increase your risk of developing another type of cancer in the future. This is because radiation can damage the DNA of healthy cells and cause them to become cancerous. Secondary cancers may occur in any part of the body that received radiation therapy or was exposed to scattered radiation from nearby areas. Secondary cancers may take years or decades to develop and may require different treatments than your original cancer. You can reduce your risk of secondary cancers by avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, protecting your skin from sun exposure, and getting regular cancer screenings.

Lymphedema: This is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the arms or legs due to a buildup of fluid. Lymphedema may occur if radiation therapy damages the lymph nodes or vessels that drain fluid from the affected area. Lymphedema may affect your mobility, appearance, and quality of life. Lymphedema may require treatment with compression garments, massage, exercises, or surgery. You can reduce your risk of lymphedema by keeping your skin clean and moisturized, avoiding injuries and infections, elevating your limbs, and exercising regularly.

✨These are some of the most common side effects of radiation therapy, but there are others that may occur depending on the type and dose of radiation you receive. The side effects may be different for everyone and may change over time. Some side effects may be mild and manageable, while others may be severe and require medical attention.

📌It is important to talk to your doctor about what to expect from your radiation therapy treatment and how to manage any side effects that you experience. You should report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible, as they may indicate a serious complication that needs urgent treatment. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan or prescribe medicines to help you cope with the side effects. Remember that radiation therapy is given to help you fight cancer and improve your chances of survival. The side effects are not a sign of failure or weakness, but a sign that the radiation is working against the cancer cells.

📚Sources:

1: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy/side-effects
2: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiation-therapy/about/pac-20385162

The success rate of Radiation Therapy

✨The success rate of radiation therapy depends on many factors, such as the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, the type of radiation therapy, and the goal of the treatment. Radiation therapy can be used to cure cancer, shrink tumors, prevent recurrence, or relieve symptoms.

According to one source, radiation therapy had a 58 percent two-year survival rate for older lung cancer patients compared with 84 percent for surgery. Another source states that the overall five-year survival rate for all stages of non-small cell lung cancer is 25 percent, and for small cell lung cancer it is 7 percent. However, these statistics may not reflect the latest advances in treatment or the individual factors that affect prognosis.

Radiation therapy can also cause side effects, such as hair loss, skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, mouth sores, and sexual dysfunction. These side effects may vary depending on the part of the body being treated and the dose of radiation. Most side effects will go away after treatment, but some may be permanent or long-lasting.

☢️Radiation therapy is a common and effective treatment for many types of cancer, but it is not without risks and limitations. You should discuss with your doctor the benefits and drawbacks of radiation therapy for your specific condition and treatment goals.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

🧪Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. However, chemotherapy can also affect normal cells that are fast-growing, such as those in the blood, hair, mouth, digestive tract, and reproductive system. This can cause various side effects, some of which are:

Infection and a weakened immune system: Chemotherapy can lower the number of white blood cells that fight infections, making you more prone to getting sick. You may need to take antibiotics or other medicines to prevent or treat infections. You should also avoid contact with people who are ill, wash your hands frequently, and report any signs of infection to your doctor.
Bruising and bleeding more easily: Chemotherapy can reduce the number of platelets that help your blood clot, making you more likely to bruise or bleed from minor injuries. You may need to take medicines or have blood transfusions to increase your platelet count. You should also avoid activities that can cause cuts or injuries, use a soft toothbrush and an electric shaver, and notify your doctor if you have any bleeding or unexplained bruising.
Hair loss: Chemotherapy can damage the hair follicles, causing your hair to fall out or become thin. This can affect your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body parts. Your hair will usually grow back after you finish treatment, but it may look different in color or texture. You can use a wig, hat, scarf, or other head coverings to protect your scalp and cope with hair loss. You can also talk to your doctor about using a cooling cap during chemotherapy to reduce hair loss.
Nausea and vomiting: Chemotherapy can irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines, causing you to feel sick or throw up. This can happen right after treatment or days later. You may need to take anti-nausea medicines before or after chemotherapy to prevent or relieve this side effect. You can also try eating small, frequent meals; avoiding spicy, fatty, or strong-smelling foods; drinking plenty of fluids; and using relaxation techniques.
Neuropathy: Chemotherapy can damage the nerves that control sensation and movement in your hands and feet, causing tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness. This is called peripheral neuropathy and it can affect your balance, coordination, and ability to do daily activities. You may need to take medicines or have physical therapy to ease the nerve pain and improve your function. You should also avoid extreme temperatures, wear comfortable shoes and gloves, and be careful when handling sharp objects.

🥸These are some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, but there are others that may occur depending on the type and dose of drugs you receive.

📚Sources:

1: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-side-effects.html
2: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323485

The success rate of Chemotherapy

🧪The success rate of chemotherapy is not easy to measure, as it depends on many factors, such as the type and stage of cancer, the overall health and age of the patient, and the combination of treatments used. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. However, chemotherapy can also affect normal cells, causing side effects and complications. Therefore, doctors try to balance the benefits and risks of chemotherapy for each patient.

✴️One way to estimate the success rate of chemotherapy is to look at the survival rates of people who receive chemotherapy for different types of cancer. Survival rates are statistics that show how many people live for a certain period of time after being diagnosed with cancer. For example, a five-year survival rate is the percentage of people who are alive five years after diagnosis. However, survival rates do not tell the whole story, as they do not indicate whether people are cured, still undergoing treatment, or have no signs of cancer.
According to a 2019 report by the American Cancer Society, here are some examples of five-year relative survival rates for people who receive chemotherapy for some common types of cancer:

Breast cancer: 90% for all stages combined, 99% for localized stage, 86% for regional stage, 28% for distant stage
Colorectal cancer: 65% for all stages combined, 90% for localized stage, 72% for regional stage, 14% for distant stage
Lung cancer: 21% for all stages combined, 57% for localized stage, 31% for regional stage, 6% for distant stage
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: 74% for all stages combined, 83% for localized stage, 78% for regional stage, 64% for distant stage
Testicular cancer: 95% for all stages combined, 99% for localized stage, 96% for regional stage, 74% for distant stage

📑These numbers are based on data from people who were diagnosed and treated at least five years ago. They may not reflect the most recent advances in treatment. Also, they are averages that do not take into account individual factors that may affect prognosis. Therefore, they should not be used to predict the outcome of any specific person.

Side Effects of Immunotherapy

🔄️Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses substances that stimulate or enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Immunotherapy can be given in different ways, such as vaccines, antibodies, cytokines, checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cells, etc. Immunotherapy can be very effective for some types of cancer, but it can also cause side effects.
📌Some of the most common side effects of immunotherapy are:

Skin reactions: Immunotherapy can cause skin problems, such as rash, itching, dryness, blisters, or changes in color or texture. These can occur at the site of injection or infusion, or anywhere on the body. Skin reactions are usually mild and can be treated with creams, antihistamines, or steroids. However, some skin reactions can be severe and require stopping or changing the immunotherapy.
Flu-like symptoms: Immunotherapy can cause symptoms similar to those of the flu, such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These can occur right after the treatment or days later. Flu-like symptoms are usually mild and can be managed with fluids, rest, painkillers, or anti-nausea medicines. However, some flu-like symptoms can be serious and indicate an infection or inflammation that needs medical attention.
Autoimmune reactions: Immunotherapy can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues in the body, causing inflammation and damage. This is called an immune-related adverse event (irAE) and can affect any organ or system in the body. Some of the most common irAEs involve the skin (dermatitis), the lungs (pneumonitis), the liver (hepatitis), the intestines (colitis), the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), and the pituitary gland (hypophysitis). Other irAEs can involve the eyes (uveitis), the kidneys (nephritis), the nerves (neuropathy), the heart (myocarditis), the pancreas (pancreatitis), or the blood cells (cytopenias). irAEs can range from mild to life-threatening and require close monitoring and treatment with steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. Sometimes, immunotherapy has to be stopped or changed because of irAEs.

🥸These are some of the most common side effects of immunotherapy, but there are others that may occur depending on the type and dose of immunotherapy you receive. The side effects may vary from person to person and may change over time. Some side effects may appear soon after starting immunotherapy, while others may develop weeks or months later. Some side effects may go away on their own, while others may persist or worsen.

😒It is important to talk to your doctor about what to expect from your immunotherapy treatment and how to manage any side effects that you experience. You should report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible, as they may indicate a serious complication that needs urgent treatment. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan or prescribe medicines to help you cope with the side effects. Remember that immunotherapy is given to help you fight cancer and improve your chances of survival. The side effects are not a sign of failure or weakness, but a sign that your immune system is working against the cancer cells.

📚Sources:

1: https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/immunotherapy-and-vaccines/side-effects-immunotherapy
2: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/side-effects
3: https://www.cancerresearch.org/immunotherapy-side-effects

The success rates of Immunotherapy

❇️The success rate of immunotherapy is not easy to measure, as it depends on many factors, such as the type and stage of cancer, the overall health and age of the patient, and the combination of treatments used. Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses substances that stimulate or enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

Immunotherapy can be given in different ways, such as vaccines, antibodies, cytokines, checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cells, etc. Immunotherapy can be very effective for some types of cancer, but it can also cause side effects.

✨One way to estimate the success rate of immunotherapy is to look at the survival rates of people who receive immunotherapy for different types of cancer. Survival rates are statistics that show how many people live for a certain period of time after being diagnosed with cancer. For example, a five-year survival rate is the percentage of people who are alive five years after diagnosis. However, survival rates do not tell the whole story, as they do not indicate whether people are cured, still undergoing treatment, or have no signs of cancer.

According to some studies, here are some examples of five-year survival rates for people who receive immunotherapy for some common types of cancer:

Lung cancer: A 2019 study found that the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab led to durable antitumor activity and higher than estimated five-year overall survival rates for people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study reported that 15.5% of all patients and 25% of patients whose tumor cells had a specific protein (PD-L1) were alive at five years.
Melanoma: A 2016 study found that the immunotherapy drug ipilimumab improved the five-year survival rate for people with advanced melanoma. The study reported that 18.2% of patients who received ipilimumab alone and 26% of patients who received ipilimumab plus another drug (dacarbazine) were alive at five years.
Kidney cancer: A 2018 study found that the immunotherapy drug nivolumab improved the five-year survival rate for people with advanced kidney cancer. The study reported that 26% of patients who received nivolumab alone and 28% of patients who received nivolumab plus another drug (ipilimumab) were alive at five years.

🥸These numbers are based on data from clinical trials that involved a limited number of patients with specific characteristics. They may not reflect the real-world outcomes of people who receive immunotherapy for their cancer. Also, they are averages that do not take into account individual factors that may affect prognosis. Therefore, they should not be used to predict the outcome of any specific person.

😒If you want to know more about the success rate of immunotherapy for your type and stage of cancer, you should talk to your doctor.

📚Sources:

1: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-06-immunotherapy-five-year-survival-people-advanced.html
2: https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-cancer/immunotherapy-success-rates-for-melanoma
3: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/immunotherapy-for-kidney-cancer

Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

🎯Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets specific molecules or genes that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Targeted therapy can be more effective and less toxic than conventional chemotherapy, but it can also cause side effects.

Some of the common side effects of targeted therapy may include:

Skin problems, such as sensitivity to sunlight, rash, dryness, itching, or blisters
Allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
Nausea and vomiting, or other digestive discomforts
Fatigue, or feeling tired or weak
Hair loss, or thinning of hair
Anemia and low blood counts, which can increase the risk of infection or bleeding
Birth defects, which can affect the unborn baby if the mother or father is taking targeted therapy
Heart damage, which can affect the heart muscle or valves

🌟Some of these side effects may be mild and manageable, while others may be serious and require medical attention. The type and severity of side effects depend on the kind of targeted therapy, the dose, the duration, and the individual response. Not everyone will experience the same side effects or to the same degree.

Your doctor will monitor you closely for any side effects during and after your treatment. You should report any changes or symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to prevent or treat some side effects or adjust your dose or schedule of targeted therapy.

The success rates of Targeted Therapy

❇️The success rates of targeted therapy depend on many factors, such as the type of cancer, the type of targeted drug, the presence of specific biomarkers or genetic mutations, and the combination with other treatments. Targeted therapy can be more effective than conventional chemotherapy for some cancers, but not for others.

🌟According to one source, the cumulative success rate of clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer was 62% for biomarker-targeted therapy, which was nearly six times higher than the rate for trials without a biomarker-targeted indication (11%). Another source states that targeted therapy can be up to 80% effective, but traditional courses of chemotherapy only offer an approximately 30% chance of success.

✨However, these success rates may not apply to all cancers or all patients. Some cancers may not have any known targets for targeted therapy or may develop resistance to targeted drugs over time. Some patients may not respond well to targeted therapy or may have side effects that limit their treatment options. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your specific condition and goals.

Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to block or lower the amount of hormones in the body to stop or slow down the growth of cancer. Hormone therapy is mainly used to treat breast and prostate cancers, but it can also be used for other cancers that are hormone-sensitive.

Hormone therapy can cause side effects because it affects the balance of hormones in the body. Some side effects are common to all hormone therapies, while others may vary depending on the type of hormone therapy, the dose, and the individual response.

Some of the common side effects of hormone therapy may include:

Tiredness, or feeling fatigued or weak
Hot flashes and night sweats, or sudden feelings of warmth and sweating
Mood swings, or changes in your emotions or behavior
Weight gain, or changes in your appetite or metabolism
Sexual health concerns, such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, or fertility problems
Bone loss, or osteoporosis, can increase the risk of fractures
Heart problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease

🌟Some of these side effects may be mild and temporary, while others may be more severe and long-lasting. The side effects of hormone therapy can affect your quality of life and well-being. You should talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of your specific hormone therapy and how they can be prevented or managed. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help with some side effects or adjust your dose or schedule of hormone therapy.

The success rates of Hormone Therapy

❇️The success rates of hormone therapy depend on the type and stage of cancer, the type and duration of hormone therapy, and the individual response to treatment. Hormone therapy can be effective in treating cancers that use hormones to grow, such as breast and prostate cancers, but it may not work for everyone or for every type of cancer.

According to one source, hormone therapy can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by about 50% in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Another source states that hormonal therapy can prevent prostate cancer death when it is given for 18 months rather than six months for men with aggressive prostate cancer.

However, these success rates may not apply to all cases or all patients. Some cancers may not have any hormone receptors or may develop resistance to hormone therapy over time. Some patients may not respond well to hormone therapy or may have side effects that limit their treatment options. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your specific condition and goals.

📢

In the upcoming fourth part, we will explore the critical topic of survivorship and life after cancer treatment. This part will focus on the challenges and triumphs that cancer survivors face, the importance of support systems, and the strategies to embrace life beyond cancer.

We understand that cancer is not just about the treatment journey; it's also about life after treatment, resilience, and hope. Together, we will delve into the inspiring stories of survivors, the long-term effects of treatment, and the resources available to support survivors and their loved ones.

So, stay tuned for the grand finale of our series, where we will wrap up our exploration of cancer with a celebration of courage, strength, and the indomitable human spirit. We can't wait to share this meaningful journey with you!
Thank you for your continued support, and see you in the next part!

`📌Feel free to share your personal experiences or thoughts on this important topic. Your input can help raise awareness and foster meaningful discussion about cancer and its impact on individuals and communities.`

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