Chemotherapy Brain Tumor Side Effects

Though chemo brain is a widely used term the causes of concentration and memory problems aren t well understood.

Chemotherapy brain tumor side effects.

Changes in libido and sexual function. No matter the cause chemo brain can be a frustrating and debilitating side effect of cancer and its treatment. A study published in breast cancer research found that chemotherapy causes long term immune system damage reducing levels of key immune cells in breast cancer patients for at least nine months after treatment leaving them vulnerable to potentially life threatening viral and bacterial infections. These depend on the type and dose of drugs and how long treatment lasts.

Chemotherapy can help you fight cancer but side effects are almost certain. Your doctor or nurse will explain what to expect. Side effects of chemotherapy vary from one person to another. It s common for you to have a cloudy mind called chemo brain during and after treatment.

Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. Your nurses doctor and pharmacist will look after you during treatment and afterwards. It s likely that there are multiple causes. Some people only have mild side effects but others might have severe side effects.

Side effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drug interactions and side effects. Learn more about these and other problems in managing cancer related side effects. Chemo drugs can cause side effects.

The long term side effects of chemo. We have more information about the side effects of chemotherapy. Unlike iv or oral chemo that reaches all areas of the body this type of therapy concentrates the drug at the tumor site producing few side effects in other parts of the body. Chemo brain which can affect concentration and focus.

These can often be managed or controlled with drugs and usually gradually improve after treatment has finished. It is difficult to predict how you will feel and what side effects you will have. The word cognitive refers to the way your brain works to help you communicate think learn solve problems and remember. Doctors and researchers may call chemo brain many things such as cancer treatment related cognitive impairment cancer related cognitive change or post chemotherapy cognitive impairment.

These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss stroke like symptoms and poor brain function. Chemotherapy can cause side effects.