[Side effects of cancer chemotherapy and steps to deal with them]

The many anticancer agents used in cancer chemotherapy possess either cytotoxic or cytocidal activity. However, since they do not have selective toxicity, they can injure not only the cancer cells but also the normal tissue and cells of the cancer patient. The severity of the damage caused to normal cells by these agents is largely dose-related, but the administration route and schedule also have a role. Each agent has a different pattern by which it affects the organs, tissues and cells. The damage these agents cause to normal cells is called side effects. The various complications which cause suffering in the patient and a markedly lower quality of life make treatment difficult. Many side effects have been reported. Some have clear causes, and their prevention and treatment are feasible in certain cases. However, there are still problems to be resolved. The incidence, causes, evaluation, severity, treatment and prevention are reviewed from the standpoint of the various side effects caused by the anticancer agents and the complications of the patient.