Side effects of colon cancer chemotherapy depend upon the drug used, number of sessions and amount. Colon cancer is the cancer of the large intestine. Chemotherapy for colon cancer is used when there is a risk of recurrence. At times, it is used after radiation of surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also combined with another treatment called immunotherapy. This combination prevents the colon cancer from spreading.

Many different drugs are used in chemotherapy for treating colon cancer like 5-Fluorouracil along with leucovorin (vitamin). Xeloda is used as neoadjuvant therapy with radiation to treat rectal cancers.

Some new drugs to treat colon cancer like Camptosar, Eloxatin, and Avastin are used with 5-FU for metastatic colorectal cancer. Erbitux is administered intravenously alone or with Camptosar. Vectibix is used in combination with 5-FU and leucovorin.

Side Effects of Fluorouracil (5-FU)

Diarrhea: This is managed with loperamide or lomotil, which are anti-diarrheal medications. These patients should drink plenty of fluids and plain water.

Mouth sores: Rinse your mouth with saline water and avoid spicy foods.

Eye problems: Some patients could have watery eyes that can be cured with prescribed eye drops.

Lowering of blood counts: You could have a low Hb or anemia or a low white cell count. This makes you feel tired or breathless. A low platelet count leads to bruising and bleeding. A low white blood cell count makes you prone to infections.

Changes to nails and skin: Nails become dark, brittle, and chipped. You can have darkened skin, particularly around the veins where chemotherapy is given. Patient’s skin becomes sensitive to sunlight causing sunburn.

Less common side effects

Nausea and vomiting: There are various medications available to treat nausea and vomiting. It is important to stick to a bland diet and drink fluids.

Hair loss: There could be thinning of your hair. Hair grows back after the treatment gets over.

Soreness or redness of the palms: This is called palmer-planter syndrome, or hand and foot syndrome wherein there is reddening and peeling of the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.

CPT-11 (Irinotecan)

Reaction during infusion: This could cause sweating, watery eyes, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea during the infusion. A medication called atropine is given to prevent these symptoms.

Diarrhea: Medication, fluid diet and fluids are essential.

Nausea and vomiting: There are medications to treat this along with a bland diet and fluids.

Lowering of blood counts: There could be low hemoglobin due to red blood cells, anemia, risk of infection due to white cells, and bruising due to low platelet count.

Hair loss: You could lose all of your hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair, which grows back after the treatment is over although it may differ in texture and color.

Less common side effects:

Mouth sores: Avoid spicy and keep yourself hydrated.

Skin rash: This drug causes an itchy rash, which is treated with medication.

The side effects of colon cancer chemotherapy depend upon those specific particular drugs and the health of that individual. These side effects diminish with time. In case of any adverse effects, it is best to consult your doctor as they can be treated with medications and certain changes in the diet.