Is chemotherapy working if there are no side effects?

 

Q: My father had his first chemo treatment a week ago and has not shown any of the side effects we were told to look for. Does this mean the chemo is not working?

A: The presence, or absence, of side effects is not an indication of whether chemotherapy is working. Some people experience no side effects; others have significant trouble with them. Side effects may begin gradually and worsen as treatment progresses, or start out as severe and lessen with time.

Health care providers prepare patients and families by discussing possible side effects. The actual side effects that occur (if any) depend upon the type of chemotherapy drug or drugs, the amount given, and the individual’s own physical response to the medication. Many newer drugs produce fewer or less severe side effects.

--Kathy Newman, RN, BSN

Get acquainted with the possible side effects of cancer treatment and how they can be managed.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
Latest Cancer News
Most women with cancer want a role in decisions

February 9, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - About two-thirds of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer want to take part in making decisions about their treatment, according to a new survey of patients from five different countries.

Cancer trial participants may have misconceptions

February 9, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People enrolled in early stage trials for possible cancer treatments may underestimate the risks involved and overestimate the potential benefits, suggests a new study.

U.S. FDA sets draft rules for biotech drug copies

February 9, 2012 —

Select news items provided by Reuters Health