Chemotherapy treatments are often accompanied by other treatments to provide support as the body responds to the chemotherapy and cancer cells are killed. Many different kinds of drugs can be given to prevent or help minimize specific side effects. If a chemotherapy drug is known to cause nausea and vomiting, anti-nausea drugs called antiemetics may be given. Colony stimulating factors may be given to increase the production of certain blood cells. Granulocyte colony stimulating factors (GCSF) can stimulate the body to produce white blood cells. Erythropoietin can help raise the red blood cell count. Blood transfusions are rarely needed. Steroids can be given for a number of reasons, but generally help reduce side effects. Some drugs are given to prevent potential allergic reactions to the therapy. Finally, some drugs exert protective effects, making it possible to give otherwise highly toxic drugs.
