Understanding blood parameters during chemotherapy is a crucial part of your care plan. While chemotherapy can impact various aspects of your blood and organ functions, being aware of these changes empowers you to take proactive steps towards your well-being:
Hemoglobin (Hb) and Red Blood Cells (RBC):
White Blood Cells (WBC):
Red Blood Cells (RBC):
Platelets:
Liver Function:
Albumin:
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase):
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase):
Kidney Function:
Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K):
Urea and Creatinine:
Calcium (Ca):
Glucose:
Chemotherapy might affect bone marrow function, potentially leading to decreased red blood cell production and hemoglobin levels. This awareness helps in managing anemia-related symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression might lower white blood cell counts, impacting your body's ability to fight infections as the body's ability to fight off pathogens is compromised. Being informed allows you to take preventive measures to reduce infection risks.
Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression may result in a decrease in red blood cell production, contributing to anemia.
Therapy can cause thrombocytopenia, reducing platelet counts and increasing the risk of bleeding, bruising, and prolonged clotting problem. Monitoring this parameter helps in timely intervention to maintain healthy blood clotting functions.
Chemotherapy may influence liver function, impacting markers like albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, and ALP levels. Regular monitoring helps in detecting and managing any liver-related issues effectively.
Chemotherapy may impact the liver's ability to synthesize albumin, leading to decreased levels. Low albumin levels can affect fluid balance.
Chemotherapy drugs can cause hepatotoxicity, resulting in elevated levels of ALT and AST. Monitoring these markers helps assess liver function.
Elevated ALP levels may indicate liver damage induced by certain chemotherapy agents. It can be a marker of cholestasis or liver cell damage.
Observing sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, calcium, and glucose levels is vital in monitoring kidney function and electrolyte balance during chemotherapy. This allows for proactive measures to maintain optimal kidney health and manage any potential imbalances.
Electrolyte imbalances, including changes in sodium and potassium levels, may occur with certain chemotherapy drugs, leading to symptoms such as weakness or irregular heartbeats.
Chemotherapy can affect kidney function, leading to an increase in urea and creatinine levels. Elevated levels may indicate impaired renal function.
Some chemotherapy drugs, particularly those used for bone-related cancers, may impact calcium levels. Some cancers, especially those that have spread to the bones (bone metastases), can release calcium into the bloodstream as the bones are broken down. Some cancers produce substances, such as parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), which can increase calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bones. Certain cancers may affect the kidneys' ability to regulate calcium levels, leading to an increase in calcium in the blood. Cancer patients may experience dehydration due to various factors, and this can contribute to elevated calcium levels in the blood. Hence, monitoring the calcium level in the blood test is essential to detect any abnormalities.
Chemotherapy may influence glucose metabolism. Some drugs can lead to changes in blood glucose levels, potentially affecting patients with or without pre-existing diabetes.