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Managing the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Because many cancer treatments affect both normal cells and cancer cells, side effects can occur. Here are some of the common side effects of various cancer treatments and strategies to help manage them.
Biologic
Biologic therapy utilizes substances naturally produced by the body, such as interferon, interleukin 2, and several types of colony-stimulating factors, which enhance the body's own defenses.
Side effects from the various biological therapies differ, but often include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue. Colony-stimulating factors may also cause bone pain. These side effects may become less severe with continued therapy and can often be lessened by other medications given along with the therapy.
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