ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly addresses some of the treatment-related adverse effects. All cancer treatments, targeted and non-targeted, can be associated with side effects, which can impact on morbidity and mortality. Each class of cancer therapy is associated with unique side effects and optimal management often requires to be personalized. Immune-related adverse effects can involve single or multiple organ systems, and include anaphylaxis, cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, neutropenia and immunosuppression. In general, these side effects tend to be mild and self-limiting. Treatment with corticosteroids, infliximab, vasopressors and fluids often suffices. Alopecia, in particular scalp hair loss, is distressing, both physically and psychologically, and a common side effect of many of the cytotoxic drugs, but not kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies, which are used to treat patients with haematological malignancies. The kidneys are the most pertinent organs for eliminating drugs and their metabolites and can therefore be vulnerable to side effects from diverse cancer drugs.
