Does Chemotherapy Have A Long Term Side Effect On Immune System?

Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 3 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Does chemo have a long term side effect on your immuun system

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cancer itself is an immunocompromised state.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.

I understand your concern.
Cancer itself is an immune compromised state. Chemotherapy further reduces the body's immunity. Actually Chemo effects the cells of our body , which also included white blood cells which are immune defense system of our body. This in result leads to further immunosuppression in a already immunocompromised person.

I hope this information helps you.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Does it have a long term affect , I am 2 years past my last chemo treatment?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes can affect.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Long term effects depend on what chemo was given to you.
Yes, it can affect the immune system in long term but mostly the immune system is affected by basic cause that is the cancer.

If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (16 hours later)

Chemo meds FEC

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Immunity is low due to Disease activity.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
This chemo what you received will also affect your immunity but not that much that will make you totally immune compromised. Mainly the basic Disease is responsible.
I would also like to know that what exact problem you are having.
What is making you think that you are immunodeficient.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (32 hours later)

Have constantly litle health problems, sever infections, rashes, leg cramps, pain in my legs,nails that chip,things that never bothered me before, knee pain something new constantly, since the cancer I feel like I have aged 20 years.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Brief Answer:
Get Investigated

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend
Recurrent infections are because of low immunity caused by your primary disease.

See, such symptoms can be due to generalized weakness as a result of Anemia or Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. People living with cancer and chemotherapy frequently have anemia and low platelet counts that can cause weakness and rashes.
So, get it tested.

Knee pain can be related to Osteo-arthritis that is a problem of aging
I would advise you to see an Orthopedician for that. Get X-ray Knee done. Start quadriceps strengthening exercises that you can learn from YouTube.

Avoid squatting position, climbing stairs, lifting heavy objects.
I simply mean to avoid to activities which put strain on your knees.

I hope my answer helps you.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju