Chemotherapy and Its Impact on Function

Course overview

Chemotherapy is prevalent in cancer care and involves the systemic delivery of toxic agents to reduce the viability of cancer cells in the body. The effects of chemotherapy are therefore broadly systemic, inciting negative impact across multiple body systems during cancer treatment, but can also lead to long-term, late effects that contribute to chronic functional limitations and disability. Due to the late effects of treatment, the functional impact is sometimes delayed for years following treatment and warrants consideration by rehabilitation providers planning care for individuals with even a long-term history of cancer treatment. This course will review commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, their short- and long-term side effects. It will also provide specific insight on the adverse effects across body systems, including: neurotoxcity, cardiotoxicity, cognitive changes, and cancer-related fatigue. Strategies for screening and assessment, as well as rehabilitation interventions, will be reviewed.