What is a significant side effect of fludarabine?

Fludarabine is an antimetabolite used primarily in the treatment of certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. One of its significant side effects is visual changes, which can arise due to its impact on the central nervous system. Patients may experience blurred vision, visual field deficits, or retinal toxicity as a result of fludarabine's effects.

The mechanism by which fludarabine causes visual changes can be linked to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and affect neural tissues. This highlights the importance of monitoring for neurological side effects in patients undergoing treatment with fludarabine, especially since these changes can occur without prior warning.

While other options like hemorrhagic cystitis, stomatitis, and gonadal dysfunction are associated with certain chemotherapeutic agents, they are not primary side effects seen with fludarabine. Hemorrhagic cystitis is commonly related to agents such as cyclophosphamide, stomatitis is often linked to drugs that cause direct mucosal toxicity, and gonadal dysfunction may be a concern with various chemotherapy regimens, but is not specifically noted as a major side effect of fludarabine. Thus, visual changes stand out as a notable and significant side effect specific to this agent, confirming the