Chemotherapy Side Effects in Women vs Men

According to the results of a study presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2018 Congress, female patients experience an extensive range of chemotherapy side effects compared with their male counterparts.

Oncology researchers have known that gender plays a role in the incidence and prognosis of a number of cancer types. Men are more likely to get cancer than women, however women are at higher risk for specific types of cancer. And while there still is much to acknowledge about how cancer and its treatments affect men and women.

A study of four controlled clinical trials of first-line chemotherapy in esophageal and gastric cancer patients concluded that men and women may experience the equal rates of toxicity from chemotherapy, but they experience “significant differences” when it comes to side effects.

Women are more likely to experience severe nausea and vomiting (89.3% vs. 78.3% of men) at greater severity levels (grade 3 or higher for 16.7% of women vs. 9.5% of men). Women were also more vulnerable than men to diarrhea (53.8% vs. 46.9%). Mouth ulceration women are susceptible to men at 49.5% vs. 40.7%, and it is the same with the hair loss with 81.4% vs. 74.3%. A higher percentage of male patients, i.e., 49.3%, experiences peripheral neuropathy, resulting in loss of sensation compared with female patients (42.6%). 

While there is not enough data to support alternative chemotherapy dosing strategies for men and women, it is very beneficial for clinicians to be aware of such findings to refine their treatment in different ways. As we know that women are more prone to side effects, they may help create more customized education materials that empower the patient to account for problems early, introduce her to the doctor timely, and start the supportive measures immediately. 

Galaxysuperspeciality is one of the oldest anti-cancer drug formulations companies in India. We are the suppliers of prominent oncology drugs worldwide. With the presence in major countries such as the USA, Canada, Peru, Romania, Australia, etc. Galaxysuperspeciality bents on to expand our reach pioneering our pharmaceutical faculties.

We at Galaxysuperspeciality also envisions spearheading the process to expand geographical presence. However, our presence in several countries worldwide is akin to our reach and acceptability at several levels in the market.