BC Cancer Pharmacy – Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects

Describe the following chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal (GI) complications:

• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• oral complications: mucositis, neurotoxicity, taste changes, dry mouth, bleeding, osteonecrosis of the jaw

Discuss the etiology, pathophysiology, and grading for chemotherapy-induced GI complications.

Review the assessment of patients for risk factors and symptoms of GI complications.

Summarize the risk of GI complications for individual and combination chemotherapy regimens.

Summarize management strategies for chemotherapy-induced GI complications.