![]() High-dose chemotherapy can directly damage the cells of the lungs. Development of strategies to prevent or treat VOD is an active area of clinical investigation. Patients typically experience symptoms of abdominal fullness or swelling, liver tenderness and weight gain from fluid retention. Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver typically occurs in the first two weeks after high-dose chemotherapy treatment. ![]() This complication is increased in patients who have substantial amounts of previous chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, a history of liver damage or hepatitis. High-dose chemotherapy can result in damage to the liver, which can be serious and even fatal. Veno-Occlusive Disease of the Liver (VOD) Prophylactic antibiotics can also decrease the incidence of herpes zoster infection, which commonly occurs after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant. Prophylactic antibiotic administration can prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and some bacterial and fungal infections. After initial recovery from autologous stem cell transplant, patients are often required to take antibiotics for weeks to months to prevent infections from occurring. The immune system takes even longer to recover than white blood cell production, with a resulting susceptibility to some bacterial, fungal and viral infections for weeks to months. The growth factor Neupogen® (filgrastim) also increases the rate of white blood cell recovery and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use during autologous stem cell transplant. Stem cells collected from peripheral blood tend to engraft faster than bone marrow and may reduce the risk of infection by shortening the period of neutropenia. Bacterial infections are the most common during this initial period of neutropenia. Infectionsĭuring the two to three weeks it takes the new bone marrow to grow and produce white blood cells, patients are susceptible to infection and require the administration of antibiotics to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. The duration of bone marrow suppression can be shortened by infusing an optimal number of stem cells and administering growth factors that hasten the recovery of blood cell production. Patients usually need blood and platelet transfusions to treat anemia and thrombocytopenia until the new graft beings producing blood cells. Patients experience side effects caused by low numbers of white blood cells (neutropenia), red blood cells (anemia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia). ![]() High-dose chemotherapy directly destroys the bone marrow’s ability to produce white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. While high doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy can potentially affect any of the body’s normal cells or organs, the more common side effects are well described and include the following: Bone Marrow Suppression The safety of autologous transplant has improved a great deal thanks to advancements in supportive care to manage the many potential side effects. The nature and severity of the side effects from high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation are directly related to the type of high-dose chemotherapy treatment regimen used and are further influenced by the condition and age of the patient. Frequently Asked Questions About SurgeryĬomplications or Side Effects of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.Prevention and Management of Radiation Side Effects.What To Expect During Radiation Treatment.Techniques for Delivering Radiation Therapy.Understanding and Monitoring Your Blood Counts. ![]()
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