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What are the chemotherapy reactions for lymphatic tumors?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, during chemotherapy for lymphoma patients, the drugs may affect both normal and tumor cells, leading to various reactions, including gastrointestinal reactions, hematologic system reactions, skin and mucosal reactions, neurotoxic reactions, and fatigue. Throughout chemotherapy, healthcare providers closely monitor the patient's responses and promptly adjust drug dosages or administer symptomatic treatments as needed.

Under normal circumstances, during chemotherapy for lymphoma patients, various reactions may occur due to the drugs affecting both normal and tumor cells. These reactions mainly include gastrointestinal reactions, hematologic system reactions, skin and mucosal reactions, neurotoxic reactions, and fatigue. The details are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal reactions: One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, these typically appear within hours to days after starting treatment. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting; some patients may also experience loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. In severe cases, frequent vomiting and inability to eat can impair nutritional intake.

2. Hematologic system reactions: Chemotherapy drugs can suppress bone marrow function, leading to reduced blood cell counts. A common finding is decreased white blood cells, which increases the risk of infection—patients may develop fever or sore throat. Low platelet counts can cause skin bruising or bleeding gums. Reduced red blood cells lead to fatigue and pallor.

3. Skin and mucosal reactions: Skin breakdown may occur. Oral mucosa may develop ulcers and pain, affecting swallowing. Damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa may also result in mucosal inflammation and bleeding.

4. Neurotoxic reactions: Certain chemotherapy agents may damage peripheral nerves, causing numbness and tingling in the extremities, usually beginning in the fingers and toes and potentially spreading upward. Some patients may also experience diminished sensation or weakness in hands and feet, affecting walking and fine motor skills.

5. Fatigue: Nearly all chemotherapy patients experience fatigue, characterized by generalized weakness, lethargy, and reduced exercise tolerance. This fatigue often persists despite rest and is associated with the physical toll of chemotherapy, poor sleep quality, and inadequate nutrition.

During chemotherapy, healthcare providers closely monitor patient responses and adjust drug dosages or administer symptomatic treatments as needed. Patients should proactively report any discomfort, maintain regular作息 (daily routines), adopt a positive mindset, and receive proper nutritional support, all of which help reduce chemotherapy-related side effects and ensure smooth treatment progression.

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