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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Oral Chemo Have Any Adverse Side Effects?

My Father has been suggested to use this Prolia due to his treatment for cancer. He takes oral Chemo because His PSA s have been high for over a year. Through testing He has a spot on his rib and liver. He has been on Chemo since the beginning of December (2014). Currently he has had a sore throat for 4 weeks and and ear ache. (Tested for strep...tested not taking Chemo for 3 days...with no relief) He sees a specialist on the 27th of February. That said, He is debating taking this drug after consulting His dentist and the concern of side effects is daunting. Dad is 85 years young. Any input will be grateful.
Mon, 9 Mar 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi
Welcome to HCM
I appreciate your concern towards your father's illness.
Yes, Oral cancer chemotherapeutic drugs can cause a number of side effects. Most important being due to bone marrow toxicity resulting in decreased formation of white cells responsible for the first line of defense against the invading micro organisms.

As a result of fall in white cells count, a patient may get infections in the form of sore throat, chest infections, etc.

whenever the patient on chemotherapeutic agents develop such infections, these have to be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
Other side effects include decrease in platelet counts responsible for bleeding, decrease in red cells responsible for low hemoglobin and anemia.

Vomiting, mucosal ulcers, hair loss, are other common side effects associated with the use of oral chemotherapeutic agents.

Hope your doubts have been clarified.
Do reply with thanks
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Does Oral Chemo Have Any Adverse Side Effects?

Hi Welcome to HCM I appreciate your concern towards your father s illness. Yes, Oral cancer chemotherapeutic drugs can cause a number of side effects. Most important being due to bone marrow toxicity resulting in decreased formation of white cells responsible for the first line of defense against the invading micro organisms. As a result of fall in white cells count, a patient may get infections in the form of sore throat, chest infections, etc. whenever the patient on chemotherapeutic agents develop such infections, these have to be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Other side effects include decrease in platelet counts responsible for bleeding, decrease in red cells responsible for low hemoglobin and anemia. Vomiting, mucosal ulcers, hair loss, are other common side effects associated with the use of oral chemotherapeutic agents. Hope your doubts have been clarified. Do reply with thanks