There are many common treatment-related problems with KS—especially depression of the bone marrow (causing anemia , low white blood cell counts that make infections more likely and low platelet counts with the possibility of bleeding), hair loss and nerve damage from the medicines.
• Frequent checks of the blood counts help reduce the risk of serious bone marrow effects.
• Nerve damage will be regularly checked, with changes in medicine as needed to minimize this problem.
• Tourniquets or ice caps around the scalp can reduce blood flow to the scalp during treatment, which may
reduce the amount of hair loss.
• Patients often need emotional and psychological support. Physical appearance is an important part of self-
image, and cosmetics may be needed to cover lesions ( see The Look Good...Feel Better Cosmetic Program ).
• Pain is not common, but if it does occur pain relievers may be needed.
• Both common and uncommon infections will often be seen. After appropriate cultures are taken, antibiotics
may be needed.
• Nutrition is a common problem. In patients with poor appetites, appetite stimulants such as Megace or
Provera may be useful. A derivative of marijuana (Marinol) may also now be prescribed as an appetite
stimulant. Some patients will lose weight even with what appears to be good intake of food, and these patients
may benefit from nutritional counseling. A clinic to measure metabolic parameters and counsel patients has met
