Antineoplastic Agents Side Effects

Antineoplastic agents are basically drugs used in cancer treatment. They are specially designed chemotherapy agents that can attack the rapidly proliferating cancerous cells of the body. For cancer patients, these medications can be very useful in controlling the growth of cancerous cells. However, like other drugs used for treatment of cancer, antineoplastic agents can also have some side effects.

Antineoplastic agents are the drugs used in cancer treatment to inhibit the growth and development of neoplasm, which are the areas of abnormal proliferation of tissues or cells. Neoplasm or the abnormal mass of tissues can be benign and non cancerous or malignant. They are specifically used as chemotherapy agents to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. They are either used alone or along with other antineoplastic drugs and radiation therapy. These chemotherapy agents were first used in 1940. Presently, there are about 50 antineoplastic agents, that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Drugs like, methotrexate, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide are some of the common drugs which are also used for cancer treatment.

Antineoplastic Agent Dangers

The side effects stem from the fact that, it can attack the healthy cells, while destroying the abnormal cancerous cells. To be more specific, many of these agents cannot properly distinguish between cancerous or malignant cells and benign and healthy cells. Any cell or tissue dividing constantly can get affected by antineoplastic agents, as they are cytotoxic in nature. However, it has been observed that the cells of the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract and hair follicles are more commonly affected by this class of drugs. As a result, people receiving these drugs are more likely to experience gastrointestinal problems. Its most common side effects are, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, which can occur immediately or a few days after their administration.

As bone marrow cells are also get affected by antineoplastic agents, it can eventually lead to low blood count. Myelosuppression can result, due to low production of blood cells by the bone marrow. This can eventually lead to many other complications like, leukopenia (low white blood cells count), anemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). As number of white blood cells decrease in the blood, or leukopenia occurs, the risk for infection increases. On the other hand, an abnormally low number of platelets can affect the process of blood clotting or blood coagulation. This in turn, can increase the risk for bleeding or hemorrhage.

Apart from these, suppression of the immune system is one of its major side effects. Another common side effect is hair loss, as the cells of the hair follicles are also commonly affected by these drugs. Sometimes, allergic reaction can also follow antineoplastic therapy. Occasionally, allergic reactions can lead to the life-threatening condition, anaphylaxis as well. Other side effects include, fatigue, headaches and water retention, while prolonged use of these drugs can damage some vital organs like, heart, kidney, liver and the lungs.

Apart from the cancer patients receiving antineoplastic agents, nurse, hospital technician, as well as pharmacist who handle these drugs can also experience these side effects, due to long term exposure. These agents are considered as cytotoxin, mutagen and carcinogens and hence, proper handling of these drugs are of utmost importance to reduce occupational exposure. Therefore, it is very essential to wear gloves, and take every possible precaution, while storing and handling these drugs to minimize the risk of exposure, and health complications.