Cancer: How to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy

Brustkrebs ist mit 30 % die häufigste Krebserkrankung bei Frauen in Deutschland. Statistisch erkrankt eine von acht Frauen im Laufe ihres Lebens, wobei das Risiko mit zunehmendem Alter steigt.

Die Behandlung von Brustkrebs ist hochindividuell und richtet sich nach der Ausprägung der Metastasen. Behandelnde Ärzt*innen wählen die geeigneten Therapieformen unter anderem basierend auf der Ausbreitung des Tumors, dem Befall von Nachbargewebe und dem Zeitpunkt der Diagnose. Neben operativen Eingriffen und Bestrahlung ist die Chemotherapie eine häufig eingesetzte Behandlungsmethode.

Was ist eine Chemotherapie?

Bei der Chemotherapie werden Zytostatika – zellwachstumshemmende Wirkstoffe – in der Regel intravenös verabreicht. Diese verteilen sich über den Blutkreislauf im gesamten Körper und können so auch gestreute Krebszellen erreichen.

Die Verabreichung erfolgt in mehreren Zyklen, deren Dauer und Häufigkeit individuell angepasst werden. Durch die Therapie in Zyklen können Tumorzellen in verschiedenen Wachstumsstadien bekämpft werden, was einen größeren Erfolg der Therapie bewirken soll.

The breaks between cycles also allow healthy cells to recover from the effects of the therapy.

What side effects can occur with chemotherapy?

Even though cancer cells are more susceptible to chemotherapy, cytostatics cannot selectively differentiate between cancer and healthy cells, which means they can also affect healthy body cells.

Particularly affected are rapidly dividing cells such as the mucosal cells of the gastrointestinal tract, blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, and hair root cells. Possible side effects of chemotherapy include:

– Fatigue (exhaustion and tiredness)

– Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

– Inflammation of the mucous membranes

– Hair loss

– Disorders of blood formation

– Immunodeficiency

– Polyneuropathies (nerve damage)

– Heart muscle weakness

– Restrictions on fertility

These side effects may occur during therapy as well as with a time delay. They usually subside after the end of chemotherapy, but in some cases, they may persist.

Medicinal support

To counteract certain side effects, medications can be taken before chemotherapy, particularly to prevent nausea and vomiting. This has the advantage that the treatment is not immediately associated with unpleasant symptoms.

Symptoms of other side effects can also be alleviated by administering medication. Painkillers can help with chemotherapy-related discomfort, while antidepressants can support mood swings.

In cases of a decrease in white blood cells, which can contribute to weakened immune defenses and fatigue, medications are available to stimulate bone marrow. Blood transfusions and the intake of iron can have positive effects on blood formation.

What you can do against fatigue during chemotherapy

Although it may seem counterintuitive, it can Movement can be helpful in exhaustion and fatigue. In addition to psychological support, physical activity can help alleviate the symptoms of fatigue. However, it is important not to overexert oneself – moderate exercise is usually sufficient.

Prevention of nerve damage

In some cases, chemotherapy-induced nerve damage can occur during treatment, especially in the hands and feet. These damages often manifest as unpleasant to painful sensory disturbances.

To counteract neuropathies, it may be advisable to wear compression-like gloves and stockings and to perform targeted stimulating exercises. In cold weather, warm socks and gloves should be worn to support sensation.

Chemotherapy: Cooling cap against hair loss

In addition to physical complaints, a cancer diagnosis and the associated therapy can also have significant psychological effects. In particular, many patients find hair loss distressing, as it can affect self-image and lead to a feeling of stigmatization.

In addition to concealing methods, such as the use of wigs and scarves, another possible supportive measure is cold cap therapy. In this process, the head is cooled down to a low single-digit degree range using a cap filled with cooling gel before, during, and after chemotherapy.

This is to prevent cytostatics from reaching the hair root cells by narrowing the scalp vessels, thus reducing hair loss. However, patients may perceive the cooling as unpleasant.

The effectiveness of this method is individual and depends on various factors, such as the fit of the cap, the hair structure, as well as the duration, intensity, and type of chemotherapy. The study situation is still limited and mainly focuses on breast cancer patients.

However, some studies showed success in about half of the participants (defined as hair loss of less than 50%). The decision for or against the use of a cooling cap should always be made in consultation with the treating doctor, as it is a very personal decision that may also depend on the respective chemotherapy.

The best contacts

As with other diseases, it is crucial in cancer treatment to maintain contact with the treating doctors and communicate symptoms openly. Only in this way can it be ensured that the individual therapy is optimally tailored to the respective case.

In addition, doctors can usually offer the best possible advice. Additionally, self-help groups can provide valuable support for those affected and help to reduce the feeling of any isolation.