Immunological Toxicity of Cancer Chemotherapy

Abstract

The effective use of modern anti-cancer agents is always associated with some toxicity. Various forms of toxicity such as that directed toward the kidney, liver and bone marrow can often be easily measured and quantitated. The physician through experience is able to avoid irreversible toxicity by careful monitoring of several laboratory parameters. Toxicity to the immune system on the other hand is not easily measured although the consequences of profound immunosuppression in terms of increased susceptibility to viral, protozoal and fungal infections are well known.

Supported by U.S. Public Health Service Grant No. CA-06973.