The medical field has ushered in a new dawn, and the birth of targeted drugs has undoubtedly brought new hope for cancer patients. However, just as there are two sides to the coin, targeted drugs can also come with some side effects while they are therapeutic. It is critical for patients receiving targeted drug therapy to recognize and properly cope with its side effects during the treatment process.
Targeted drugs, as the name suggests, are effective in accurately targeting cancer cells and implementing targeted elimination like precision missiles, which is actually a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. With their unique mechanism, they can effectively inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells and achieve the goal of treatment. However, the mechanism of action of targeted drugs is quite complex, and it may inevitably affect normal cells during treatment, which may cause side effects. Although these side effects are often reversible, they can cause a lot of distress to patients and even interfere with the effectiveness of treatment.
1. The abnormal reaction of the skin is quite significant.
Frequent skin reactions occur during targeted drug treatment, which is a common adverse effect. Patients may present with a variety of symptoms, including rash, itching, dry skin, and peeling. Although these symptoms are not fatal, they can cause significant disruption to the patient's quality of life.
The occurrence of skin reactions is related to the regulation of the immune system by targeted drugs. The immune system is suppressed, the skin barrier function is weakened, and the sensitivity to external stimuli is increasing, which can easily induce a variety of skin reactions.
Keep your skin clean and moisturized, avoid harsh cosmetics and toiletries, and consult your doctor if symptoms are severe, use allergy medications or topical ointments.
2. Discomfort of the digestive system
Targeted drugs may also induce digestive discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. These symptoms are distressing and interfere with nutrient absorption, which in turn leads to weight loss.
The occurrence of digestive discomfort is associated with the irritation of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract by targeted drugs. Drugs can disrupt the integrity of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to impaired function.
The diet should be light and easy to digest, avoid greasy, spicy, raw and cold food, take probiotics, gastric mucosal protectors and other auxiliary drugs in moderation, and seek medical attention in time when the symptoms are severe.
3. Weight loss
During targeted drug treatment, patients often feel fatigue and fatigue, which may even affect daily life and work.
The occurrence of fatigue and fatigue is related to the effect of targeted drugs on energy metabolism. Drugs may interfere with the production and utilization of energy in the cells, causing the patient's physical strength to gradually decline.
Ensure adequate sleep and rest, arrange daily activities properly to prevent overwork, and participate in light exercise moderation to help physical recovery.
4. High blood pressure
Some targeted drugs may increase blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
The occurrence of hypertension is related to the regulation of vascular function by targeted drugs. Drugs may change the tension and elasticity of blood vessel walls, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Monitor blood pressure regularly, seek medical attention in time to adjust the treatment plan if there is any abnormality, maintain good lifestyle habits, such as low-salt diet, quit smoking and limit alcohol, etc., and take antihypertensive drugs to control blood pressure if necessary.
5. Abnormal heart function.
Targeted drugs may also affect heart function, leading to arrhythmias, cardiac insufficiency and other problems.
Scientifically, the occurrence of abnormal cardiac function is related to the direct effect of targeted drugs on cardiomyocytes or the indirect effects on the cardiovascular system.
Patients should have regular ECG and cardiac ultrasound examinations when receiving targeted drug therapy to detect and manage abnormal heart function in a timely manner, and maintaining a good lifestyle and mindset can also help maintain heart health.
6. Damage to liver and kidney function.
Targeted drugs may cause certain damage to these two important organs during the metabolism of the liver and kidneys.
The occurrence of liver and kidney function impairment is related to the metabolic pathways and toxic effects of targeted drugs. The metabolism of drugs in the liver and kidneys can produce toxic substances that can cause damage to organs.
When receiving targeted drug therapy, patients should have regular liver and kidney function tests to detect and manage potential damage in a timely manner, and it is also important to avoid other drugs or substances that may cause liver and kidney damage.
7. Mood changes
Targeted drugs may also affect the emotional state of patients, leading to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
The occurrence of mood changes is related to the effects of targeted drugs on neurotransmitters. Medications can interfere with the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, causing mood swings.
Patients should maintain a positive and optimistic attitude in the face of mood changes, take the initiative to communicate with family and friends, seek help from a professional psychological counselor if necessary, and some mild relaxation exercises can also help relieve tension.
Although targeted drugs bring hope to cancer patients, the side effects cannot be ignored. By understanding and scientifically coping with these side effects, we can help patients better navigate treatment and improve their quality of life. At the same time, we also look forward to the advent of more targeted drugs with fewer side effects and good efficacy in the future, bringing greater benefits to cancer patients.
In the field of medicine, authoritative views often provide strong support for our understanding. For example, regarding the management of side effects of targeted drugs, experts at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States point out that individualized treatment plans and close monitoring of side effects are the key to reducing side effects. Therefore, patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment recommendations and undergo regular examinations and evaluations when receiving targeted drug treatment, so as to adjust the treatment plan in time and reduce the risk of side effects.
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