The side effects of chemotherapy for melanoma depend mainly on the specific drugs and the dose. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly, such as:
Blood cells: These cells fight infection, help the blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When drugs affect blood cells, patients are more likely to get infections, bruise or bleed easily, and feel very weak and tired.
Cells in hair roots: Chemotherapy can lead to hair loss. Although the hair grows back, the new hair may be somewhat different in color and texture.
Cells that line the digestive tract: Chemotherapy can cause poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth and lip sores. Many of these side effects can be controlled with drugs.
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