Unintended Hepatic Adverse Events Associated with Cancer Chemotherapy

Abstract

Chemotherapy is meant to be toxic, but it is particularly aimed at the tumor cells. Collateral damage may occur to normal cells and tissues, especially if they are fairly rapidly regenerating, as is the case for bone marrow cells, intestinal epithelial cells, and liver cells after hepatic injury. The liver has a great capacity to resist injury, overcome it, and to regenerate, even after quite massive injury (resection of 50%—65%, for example). This capacity may make it susceptible to chemotherapeutic toxicity, and a struggle between injury and adaptation, leading to recovery and tolerance or to failure and death. If the chemotherapy is aimed just at delaying progression of the cancer for a few weeks or months, it may not be worth the risk of irreversible liver injury developing in that time. Close clinical observation and sound clinical judgment are required.