Intracavitary chemotherapy (ICIS) is a treatment option for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). MPM is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. ICIS is a local treatment that involves the direct administration of chemotherapy drugs into the pleural cavity, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The goal of ICIS is to deliver high concentrations of chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor site, while minimizing the systemic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
While ICIS can be an effective treatment option for MPM patients, it is not without side effects. The following are some of the potential side effects of ICIS in MPM patients:
Pain: Patients may experience pain at the site of the injection or the catheter insertion site. This pain may be mild to severe and can be managed with pain medication.
Infection: ICIS can increase the risk of infection in the pleural cavity. Patients may develop fever, chills, and other signs of infection. If an infection occurs, antibiotics may be required.
Bleeding: ICIS can cause bleeding in the pleural cavity, which can lead to blood clots and other complications. Patients may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms if bleeding occurs.
Respiratory distress: ICIS can cause respiratory distress, which can range from mild to severe. Patients may experience shortness of breath, coughing, and other respiratory symptoms.
Nausea and vomiting: Chemotherapy drugs used in ICIS can cause nausea and vomiting. Patients can be given anti-nausea medication to manage these symptoms.
Fatigue: ICIS can cause fatigue and weakness. Patients may need to rest more than usual during treatment.
Kidney damage: Some chemotherapy drugs used in ICIS can cause damage to the kidneys. Patients may experience changes in urine output or color, and blood tests may be needed to monitor kidney function.
Liver damage: Chemotherapy drugs used in ICIS can also cause damage to the liver. Patients may experience jaundice, abdominal pain, and other symptoms of liver dysfunction.
Neurological side effects: Some chemotherapy drugs used in ICIS can cause neurological side effects, such as peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that affects the nerves in the hands and feet. Patients may experience numbness, tingling, or pain in these areas.
Cardiac side effects: Some chemotherapy drugs used in ICIS can cause cardiac side effects, such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle).
It is important to note that not all patients will experience these side effects, and the severity of side effects can vary from patient to patient. Additionally, some side effects may be temporary and resolve after treatment is completed.
In conclusion, ICIS can be an effective treatment option for MPM patients, but it is not without potential side effects. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of ICIS with their healthcare provider and report any side effects promptly to ensure optimal management and treatment.
