hematologic toxicity

Hematologic toxicity refers to negative effects on the blood and bone marrow caused by certain treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation. It can lead to reductions in blood cells: red blood cells (causing anemia and fatigue), white blood cells (increasing infection risk), and platelets (raising bleeding risk). These side effects occur because these treatments sometimes damage the cells responsible for producing blood components. Managing hematologic toxicity is important to maintain overall health and to continue effective cancer or illness treatment safely.