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Chemotherapy — risks and complications
5 documented risks. Severity reflects clinical significance, not probability.
Febrile neutropenia (life-threatening infection during low blood counts)
severe20.00% (10.00–30.00%)Prevention: G-CSF prophylaxis in high-risk regimens; patient education on temperature monitoring; immediate access to emergency care.
Sources: asco-chemo-safety-standards, esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines
Infusion reaction or anaphylaxis
severe5.00% (2.00–10.00%)Prevention: Pre-medication for high-risk drugs; trained team with emergency access.
Sources: asco-chemo-safety-standards
Cardiotoxicity (anthracycline-related)
severe5.00% (2.00–15.00%)Prevention: Cumulative dose limits; baseline and serial echocardiography; cardioprotective agents.
Sources: esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines
Nausea and vomiting
minor50.00% (30.00–80.00%)Prevention: Combination antiemetic regimen tailored to emetogenic risk.
Sources: esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines
Long-term effects (secondary malignancy, infertility, organ dysfunction)
severe5.00% (1.00–10.00%)Prevention: Use of regimen-specific lowest-effective dose; fertility preservation referral.
Sources: esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines