How can chemotherapy cause hepatotoxicity?
Chemotherapy uses toxic chemicals or drugs to destroy cancer cells. One of the functions of the liver is to produce a substance called bile that aids in the removal of these toxic drugs through body waste. The liver filters the chemotherapy substances out of the bloodstream and removes them through the bile. Liver damage can hinder the production of bile and lead to the body’s inability to flush out the chemicals through waste. The result is an excess of chemotherapy drugs that overload the liver and cause hepatotoxicity.
Chemotherapy uses toxic chemicals or drugs to destroy cancer cells. One of the functions of the liver is to produce a substance called bile that aids in the removal of these toxic drugs through body waste. The liver filters the chemotherapy substances out of the bloodstream and removes them through the bile. Liver damage can hinder the production of bile and lead to the body’s inability to flush out the chemicals through waste. The result is an excess of chemotherapy drugs that overload the liver and cause hepatotoxicity. What are symptoms of hepatotoxicity? Liver dysfunction from chemotherapy drugs can lead to several symptoms. Patients may experience side effects that indicate hepatotoxicity during chemotherapy treatments. The following are hepatotoxicity-related symptoms: • A jaundice appearance (yellowish tone to the skin or whites of eyes) • Severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting • Weakness, severe fatigue • New skin rashes, itching • Continuous bleeding • Swelling of the feet
