An overview of chemotherapy toxicities.

Understanding the toxicities associated with cancer chemotherapeutic agents is essential to pharmacists involved in the clinical management of oncology patients. Anticipation of various treatment-related toxicities may provide the opportunity for pharmacists to develop intervention strategies that could minimize or eliminate an expected side effect of chemotherapy such as myelosuppression, nausea, or emesis. Effective management of chemotherapy toxicities may lead to decreased lengths of stay in the hospital or administration of chemotherapy in the outpatient setting. This article addresses the onset of chemotherapy toxicities, the major organ system toxicities, and the management of many of these chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Chemotherapy dose modifications are discussed as well as maximum lifetime doses and the use of prophylactic medications to prevent various side effects.