Complications
Myelosuppression (single-agent or combination chemotherapy).
Haemorrhagic cystitis (cyclophosphamide).
Immunosuppression leading to infections (single-agent or combination chemotherapy).
Peripheral neuropathy (vincristine).
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) (vincristine).
Constipation (vincristine).
Heart failure (anthracycline-based regimens).
Therapy-related dysplasia or acute leukaemia (alkylating agents [e.g., cyclophosphamide or chlorambucil]).
Radiotherapy to the lung can cause acute phase adverse effects (e.g., pneumonitis) and long-term morbidity; consider lower dose radiotherapy.[59]
Xerostomia can occur following radiotherapy to the salivary gland.
Adverse effects associated with radiotherapy to the ocular adnexa are dose-dependent and include cataract and dry eye.[4][14] Late effects of high-dose involved site radiotherapy (ISRT) include retinopathy, optic atrophy, corneal ulceration, and glaucoma.[54]
Breast cancer can occur following radiotherapy to the thorax.
Other solid malignancies (e.g., thyroid cancer) and secondary leukaemias (e.g., acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia) are associated with radiotherapy.
Occurs as a result of erosion of a blood vessel at the base of a gastric ulcer or due to generalised oozing from inflamed gastric tissue. Endoscopic injection of the base of the ulcer or, in severe cases, gastrectomy may be performed to treat.
May occur as a result of chronic blood loss due to gastric MALT lymphoma. The following iron profile confirms the diagnosis: low serum iron concentration, high total iron binding capacity (TIBC), low transferrin saturation levels, and low serum ferritin.
May occur during the first few days following initiation of chemotherapy as the stomach or intestinal wall thins out. Over-sewing of the perforated area or conservative non-surgical treatment are usually considered.
Most likely to be due to an enlarging mass unresponsive to treatment or due to intussusception. Treatment involves surgical resection and anastomosis.
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