Side effects of MPN treatment

Chemotherapy kills cells that multiply quickly, such as cells affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms. It also causes damage to fast-growing normal cells, including hair cells and cells that make up the tissues in your mouth, gut and bone marrow. The side effects of chemotherapy occur as a result of this damage. Chemotherapy taken in capsule form is tolerated well by most people and side effects tend to be few and mild. As these drugs work by suppressing blood formation, periodic blood tests should be performed when taking these drugs to monitor the blood count and to guard against severe reductions in the white cell or platelet counts. There is a very small risk of developing leukaemia later on, in people who receive chemotherapy for prolonged periods of time. The risk versus benefit must be weighed against the potentially serious complications of uncontrolled disease (thrombosis). Discuss with your doctor if this is a concern to you.

Chemotherapy affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce adequate numbers of blood cells. As a result, your blood count (the number of white cells, platelets and red cells circulating in your blood) will generally fall within a week of treatment. The length of time it takes for your bone marrow and blood counts to recover mainly depends on the type of chemotherapy given.

When your platelet count is very low (thrombocytopenic) you can bruise and bleed more easily. During this time it is helpful to avoid sharp objects in your mouth such as chop bones or potato chips as these can cut your gums. Using a soft toothbrush also helps to protect your gums. In many cases a transfusion of platelets is given to reduce the risk of bleeding until the platelet count recovers.

If your red blood cell count and haemoglobin levels drop you will probably become anaemic. When you are anaemic you feel more tired and lethargic than usual. If your haemoglobin level is very low, your doctor may prescribe a blood transfusion.

Nausea and vomiting are often associated with chemotherapy and some forms of radiotherapy. However these days thanks to significant improvements in anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs, nausea and vomiting are generally very well controlled. You will be given anti-sickness drugs before and for a few days after your chemotherapy treatment. Be sure to tell the nurses and doctors if the anti-emetics are not working for you and you still feel sick. Some people find that eating smaller meals more frequently during the day, rather than a few large meals, helps to reduce nausea and vomiting. Many find that eating cool or cold food is more palatable, for example jelly or custard. Drinking ginger ale or soda water and eating dry toast may also help if you are feeling sick.

The point at which your white blood cell count is at its lowest is called the nadir. This is usually expected 10-14 days after having your chemotherapy. During this time you will be at a higher risk of developing an infection. At this stage you will also be neutropenic, which means that your neutrophil count is low.

Neutrophils are important white blood cells that help us to fight infection. While your white blood cell count is low you should take sensible precautions to help prevent infection. These include avoiding crowds, avoiding close contact with people who have contagious infections (e.g. colds, flu, chicken pox) and only eating food that has been properly prepared and cooked.

If you do develop an infection you may experience a fever, which may or may not be accompanied by an episode of shivering where you shake uncontrollably. Infections while you are neutropenic can be quite serious and need to be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible. Sometimes your doctor may decide to use a drug to help the recovery of your neutrophil count. This drug works by stimulating the bone marrow to increase the production of neutrophils and is usually given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous).

Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause changes to your sense of taste and smell. This is usually temporary but in some cases it lasts up to several months.

Mucositis, or inflammation of the lining of the mouth, throat or gut is a common and uncomfortable side effect of chemotherapy and some forms of radiotherapy. It usually starts about a week after the treatment has finished and goes away once your blood count recovers, usually a couple of weeks later. During this time your mouth and throat could get quite sore. Soluble pain medication and other topical drugs (ones which can be applied to the sore area) can help. If the pain becomes more severe, stronger pain killers might be needed. It is important to keep your mouth as clean as possible while you are having treatment to help prevent infection. Avoid commercial mouthwashes as these are often too strong or they may contain alcohol, which will hurt your mouth.

Chemotherapy can cause some damage to the lining of your bowel wall. This can lead to cramping, wind, abdominal swelling and diarrhoea. Be sure to tell the nurses and doctors if you experience any of these symptoms. If you develop diarrhoea, a specimen will be required from you to ensure that the diarrhoea is not the result of an infection. After this you will be given some medication to help stop the diarrhoea and/or the discomfort you may be feeling. It is also important to tell the nurse or doctor if you are constipated or if you are feeling any discomfort or tenderness around your anus when you are trying to move your bowels. You may need a gentle laxative to help soften your bowel motion.

Hair loss is unfortunately a very common side effect of chemotherapy and some forms of radiotherapy. It is, however, usually only temporary. The hair starts to fall out within a couple of weeks of treatment and tends to grow back three to six months later. Avoiding the use of heat or chemicals and only using a soft hairbrush and a mild baby shampoo can help reduce the itchiness and scalp tenderness which can occur while you are losing your hair. You need to avoid direct sunlight on your exposed head (wear a hat) because chemotherapy (and radiotherapy) makes your skin even more vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun (sunburn and skin cancers). Remember that without your hair your head can get quite cold so a beanie might be useful. Hair can also be lost from your eyebrows, eyelashes, arms and legs.

Most people experience some degree of tiredness in the days and weeks following chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Having plenty of rest and a little light exercise each day may help to make you feel better during this time. It is important to listen to your body and rest when you are tired.

Some types of chemotherapy and radiotherapy may cause a temporary or permanent reduction in your fertility. It is very important that you discuss any questions or concerns you might have regarding your future fertility with your doctor, if possible before you commence treatment. In women, some types of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause varying degrees of damage to the normal functioning of the ovaries.

In men, sperm production can be impaired for a while but the production of new sperm may become normal again in the future. There are some options for preserving your fertility, if necessary, while you are having treatment.

Some cancer treatments can affect the normal functioning of the ovaries. This can sometimes lead to infertility and an earlier than expected onset of menopause, even at a young age. The onset of menopause in these circumstances can be sudden and, understandably, very distressing. Hormone changes can lead to many of the classic symptoms of menopause. Some women experience decreased sexual drive, anxiety and even depressive symptoms during this time. It is important that you discuss any changes to your periods with your doctor or nurse.

Hair loss, skin changes and fatigue can all interfere with how you feel about yourself as a man or a woman and as a ‘sexual being’. During treatment you may experience a decrease in libido and it may take some time for things to return to ‘normal’. It is perfectly reasonable and safe to have sex while you are on treatment or shortly afterwards, but there are some precautions you need to take. It is usually recommended that you or your partner do not become pregnant as some of the treatments given might harm the developing baby. As such, you need to ensure that you or your partner uses a suitable form of contraception. Partners are sometimes afraid that sex might in some way harm the patient. This is not likely as long as the partner is free from any infections and the sex is relatively gentle. Finally, if you are experiencing vaginal dryness, a lubricant can be helpful.