Document Type

Plan B - Open Access

Award Date

2024

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology and Microbiology

First Advisor

Greg Heiberger

Abstract

Treatment associated with cancer comes with serious adverse effects which affect patients’ physiological functioning, worsen financial toxicity, reduce quality of life, and increased risk of treatment discontinuation. There is dearth of evidence on prevalence and pattern of side effects among African patients receiving cancer-directed therapies. Primary research studies reporting side effects of non-surgical interventions among patients in African countries were selected for review. The most prevalent side effects included nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite (chemotherapy); radiation dermatitis and mucositis (radiation therapy); anaemia, neutropenia/febrile neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia (chemoradiation), and cardiotoxicity (immunotherapy). Oncologists need to pre-empt and provide necessary prophylactic and treatment support to reduce side effects incidence and severity, alongside exploring approaches that facilitate access to timely support and advice when they occur.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

© 2024 Gabriel T. Fagbenro

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