Side effects of cancer drugs
Some cancer drugs, treatments or medical conditions can affect the way your nerves work. The medical name for these changes is peripheral neuropathy (pronounced peh-rih-feh-rul noor-ah-puh-thee). Neuro means nerves, and pathy means abnormal.
The changes can cause different symptoms depending on the nerves that are affected.
Cancer drugs most commonly affect the nerves of your hands and feet. This might mean you have a change in feeling, and you might find it difficult to control fine movements, such as doing up buttons.
These changes can be difficult to cope with and affect your quality of life. Some treatments can help and you can do things to help you cope.
Last reviewed: 14 Jun 2023
Next review due: 14 Jun 2026
Cancer drugs have side effects and these can vary from person to person. But there are things that you can do to help you cope.
Biological therapy is a type of drug treatment, it is sometimes called targeted treatment. There are a number of different types. They are a treatment for some, but not all, types of cancer.
Chemotherapy can cause different side effects. How you feel will depend on the drug you are having and your cancer.
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