Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea

Diarrhea is an abnormal increase in stool liquidity and frequency that may be accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping. Cancer-related diarrhea can be seen in patients with carcinoid tumors, carcinoid syndrome, gastrointestinal tumors, and hormone-producing tumors. Patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and patients receiving radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis are more susceptible to diarrhea and associated symptoms. Certain chemotherapy, biotherapy, and targeted therapies and regimens are associated with greater risk of diarrhea. In patients receiving chemotherapy, the incidence of diarrhea is agent specific and can be as high as 80% (Copeland et. al., 2023). Patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and patients receiving radiation therapy to abdominal and pelvic areas are more susceptible to diarrhea. 
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