What are the symptoms of chemotherapy for breast cancer?
Sep 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Dapeng
Introduction
Chemotherapy is one of the core components in the systemic treatment of breast cancer, and may cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal reactions, hair follicle damage, bone marrow suppression, oral mucositis, and peripheral neurotoxicity. Drink at least 2,000 milliliters of water daily to accelerate drug excretion; consume high-protein, high-vitamin foods such as steamed fish, egg whites, and dark green vegetables. Seek medical attention immediately if fever, diarrhea, or significant fatigue occurs.
Chemotherapy is generally one of the core components in the systemic treatment of breast cancer, and may lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal reactions, hair follicle damage, bone marrow suppression, oral mucositis, and peripheral neurotoxicity. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal reactions: Chemotherapeutic agents can directly irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa or activate central chemoreceptors, causing nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite. Preventive measures include administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists (e.g., ondansetron, palonosetron) orally or intravenously before chemotherapy as prescribed. Patients should eat small, frequent meals with a low-fat, low-fiber diet, avoiding overly sweet or strongly odorous foods.
2. Hair follicle damage: Taxanes and anthracyclines are most likely to affect hair follicle stem cells, typically leading to hair loss during the second or third treatment cycle. Although hair loss is usually temporary, it is recommended to cut hair short in advance, use neutral pH shampoos, and wear an ice cap during infusion to constrict scalp blood vessels and reduce drug delivery to the area.
3. Bone marrow suppression: This manifests as concurrent or sequential decreases in neutrophils, platelets, and hemoglobin, increasing the risk of infection, bleeding, and anemia. Complete blood counts should be monitored weekly during chemotherapy intervals. If the neutrophil count drops below 1.0×10⁹/L, subcutaneous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) injections may be administered, and patients should avoid crowded, enclosed public spaces.
4. Oral mucositis: Damage to the basal epithelial layer can result in pain, erosion, or even pseudomembrane formation. Patients should rinse their mouth at least six times daily with normal saline or Kangfuxin solution, switch to a lukewarm liquid diet, and avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and hard-textured foods. For severe pain, topical application of lidocaine gel can provide temporary relief.
5. Peripheral neurotoxicity: Taxane drugs cause abnormal microtubule aggregation, resulting in symmetrical numbness and tingling in the distal extremities. Mild cases may gradually resolve within three months after stopping the drug; persistent or worsening symptoms may require dose reduction or regimen change. Oral supplementation with vitamins B12 and B6 can support nerve repair. Patients should take precautions against burns, frostbite, and falls in daily life.
Patients should drink at least 2,000 mL of water daily to promote drug excretion; consume high-protein, high-vitamin foods such as steamed fish, egg whites, and dark green vegetables; and seek immediate medical attention if fever, diarrhea, or significant fatigue occurs.
