Autoimmune Disease and Chemotherapy
Autoimmune diseases are disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and damages its own tissues and organs. They can affect many different body systems, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs. Treatment for autoimmune diseases usually includes medications that suppress the immune system, such as steroids and other immune-suppressing drugs. In some cases, chemotherapy may be necessary to treat autoimmune diseases.
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can also be used to treat other diseases, including some autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune disease, chemotherapy may be used to reduce the number of abnormal immune cells that are attacking the body's own tissues and organs.
Which Autoimmune Diseases Require Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is not commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases, but may be necessary in some cases. Examples of autoimmune diseases that may require chemotherapy include:
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. Chemotherapy may be used to help reduce the number of abnormal immune cells attacking the body's tissues and organs.
• Vasculitis: Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause damage to the body's organs. Chemotherapy may be used to reduce the number of abnormal immune cells attacking the blood vessels and causing damage.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints. Chemotherapy may be used to reduce the number of abnormal immune cells attacking the joints.
• Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. Chemotherapy may be used to reduce the number of abnormal immune cells attacking the central nervous system.
• Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive system. Chemotherapy may be used to reduce the number of abnormal immune cells attacking the digestive system.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. Long-term side effects may include infertility, organ damage, and an increased risk of infection. It is important to speak with a doctor about the potential risks and benefits of using chemotherapy to treat an autoimmune disease.
