ABSTRACT
The mechanisms by which antineoplastic agents cause gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity are multifactorial. A large number of highly effective antibiotics are available for use and it is difficult to recommend specific treatments for initial therapy. Therapy of anthracycline-induced cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy is limited to conventional therapies for other types of cardiomyopathies and heart failure. Management of chemotherapy-induced GI toxicity includes restriction of oral intake, parenteral fluid support, and antiemetics. Vomiting during chemotherapy administration is uncommon with the exception of cisplatin, dacarbazine, streptozotocin, and occasionally doxorubicin, actinomcyin, and cyclophosphamide. Diarrhea usually occurs several days after chemotherapy and is related to damage to rapidly dividing mucosal epithelial cells. Diarrhea usually occurs several days after chemotherapy and is related to damage to rapidly dividing mucosal epithelial cells. Most drugs can cause diarrhea; common examples are doxorubicin, vincristine, cisplatin, and methotrexate.
