Cancer is a deadly disease, and its treatment can be challenging, both physically and mentally.

Oncologists use a range of therapies for the treatment of various types and stages of cancer; these may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and many more. While these treatments are effective in destroying cancer cells, they can also have potential side effects, and some of them might even increase the risk of developing cancer.

In this article, we will discuss the frequently used therapies that have potential cancer risks.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs attack cells that are actively dividing, which is what cancer cells do.

Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs can’t tell the difference between cancer cells and normal, healthy cells that also divide quickly. This is what causes the most common side effects of chemotherapy, such as hair loss, mouth sores, and fatigue. But chemotherapy can also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer.

Some chemotherapy drugs, such as anthracyclines (doxorubicin), have been linked to the development of leukemia. Patients who receive these drugs may be at risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

The risk of developing these conditions increases over time and varies depending on the dosage of chemotherapy drugs received.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

However, radiation therapy can also cause some side effects, and some of them may increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.

One potential side effect of radiation therapy is the development of a second cancer. Radiation therapy can cause DNA damage in healthy cells, which may eventually lead to the formation of a new tumor.

The risk of developing a second cancer depends on several factors, including the type and dose of radiation therapy, the age of the patient, and other medical conditions.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is used for the treatment of breast and prostate cancer, among other conditions. It works by blocking the hormones that fuel the growth of cancer cells.

However, some studies have suggested that long-term hormone therapy may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

For example, women who undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or ovarian cancer.

The risk of developing these cancers depends on several factors, including the duration of HRT use and the type of hormones used.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer cells. This therapy works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

While this treatment has shown promising results, some studies have suggested that it may also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer.

For example, patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, for the treatment of melanoma or lung cancer may be at increased risk of developing thyroid cancer or Hodgkin lymphoma.

The risk of developing these cancers is relatively low, but patients should still be aware of the potential risks associated with immunotherapy.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets specific molecules that help cancer cells grow and divide. This therapy is often used for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cancer.

While targeted therapy is generally well tolerated, it can also have some potential risks.

Studies have suggested that some targeted therapy drugs may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke.

For example, imatinib, a drug used for the treatment of certain types of leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), has been associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. This therapy is often used for the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

However, BMT can also have some side effects, including an increased risk of developing other cancers.

The risk of developing a second cancer after BMT depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, the type of cancer being treated, and the type of therapy used.

Studies have suggested that patients who receive BMT may be at increased risk of developing solid tumors, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, or gastrointestinal cancer.

Surgery

Surgery is often used for the treatment of cancer, and it can be curative or palliative. While surgery is generally considered safe, it can also have some potential risks, including an increased risk of developing other types of cancer.

For example, women who undergo a hysterectomy may be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. This risk increases with age and is more common in women who have had their ovaries removed.

Likewise, men who undergo a prostatectomy may be at increased risk of developing bladder cancer or rectal cancer.

Conclusion

Cancer treatment can be challenging, and oncologists use a range of therapies to help their patients fight the disease.

While these therapies are generally effective, they can also have potential risks, including an increased risk of developing other types of cancer. Patients should be aware of these risks and discuss them with their doctors before undergoing any type of cancer treatment.