Define about the Chemotherapy - Cancer?

Chemotherapy results in lot of side effects. This is because the drug effects are not specific to cancer cells alone. Even the host cells will be affected by chemotherapy. The severity of these side effects depends on factors such as the type of drug, dosage, duration of treatment, patient's nutritional status and individual susceptibility. Major areas affected by side effects are alimentary tract and bone marrow. In some instances, major effects occur on renal tubules and also in hepatic, cardiac. pulmonary and nerve cells.

Nausea and vomiting may occur acutely and in some cases it may be delayed for 24 hours or more after receiving chemotherapy. Factors influencing emeses - 'vomiting' include patient sensitivity, type of drug, dosage and frequency as well as route of administration. The nitrogen equilibrium present before chemotherapy changes to negative nitrogen balance. Protein turnover, synthesis and catabolism decrease with the drug therapy despite continuing intravenous nutrition support. A thorough study of the more commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, their mechanisms of action and potential side effects that influence nutritional status should be undertaken.