Conditions other than cancer:
Bone marrow diseases: Diseases that affect the bone marrow and blood cells may be treated with a bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant. Chemotherapy is often used to prepare for a bone marrow transplant.
Immune system disorders: Lower doses of chemotherapy drugs can help control an overactive immune system in certain diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Risks Factors:
Side effects of chemotherapy drugs can be significant. Each drug has different side effects, and not every drug causes every side effect. Ask your doctor about the side effects of the particular drugs you'll receive.
Side effects that occur during chemotherapy treatment:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Mouth sores
• Pain
• Constipation
• Easy bruising
• Bleeding
Long-lasting and late-developing side effects:
Chemotherapy drugs can also cause side effects that don't become evident until months or years after treatment. Late side effects vary depending on the chemotherapy drug but can include:
• Damage to lung tissue
• Heart problems
• Infertility
• Kidney problems
• Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
• Risk of a second cancer
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic
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