What adverse effect can etoposide lead to?

Etoposide is a chemotherapy agent that is primarily used in treating certain types of cancers, including testicular cancer and small cell lung cancer. One of the significant concerns when using etoposide is the risk of secondary malignancies. This occurs due to the drug's mechanism of action, which involves damaging the DNA of rapidly dividing cells. While etoposide effectively targets cancer cells, it can also affect normal cells, leading to potential long-term complications, such as the development of new cancers after treatment.

This risk is particularly notable with agents that are alkylating or have antineoplastic properties, as they can cause genetic mutations that may lead to other types of cancers years later. The other potential effects like anemia, cough, and immunosuppression, while they might occur during treatment with etoposide, are not as specifically recognized or prominent concerns related to the long-term use of the drug. The distinct association of etoposide with secondary malignancies underscores the importance of monitoring patients both during and after treatment for any signs of new cancer development.