Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Liver enzymes rising during chemotherapy

Silvabell
  • 2 replies
  • 44 subscribers
  • 418 views

Hi,

I have just completed 4 rounds of fortnightly Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide chemotherapy and due to have 4 rounds of fortnightly Paclitaxel.

I asked the staff last time if I could have a copy of my blood results, out of interest. I read them when I got home and was really concerned that my liver enzymes ( ALT) have risen from 16 (pre chemo) to 48 now. (I think the upper level is usually 35 for women).

I just wondered to what level can your liver enzymes rise, before 'they discontinue the treatment? I've also been feeling nauseous, so don't know if this could relate to deteriorating liver function?

Unfortunately I'm not due to see anyone till next week and it's going round and round my head, so I hope you can help.

Many thanks

  • Hi Silvabell5,

    Thanks for getting in touch and a warm welcome to our online community. My name is Suzanne and I am one of the cancer information nurse specialists here at Macmillan.

    I see you are a member of our Breast Cancer forum and really hope you find this supportive.

    It is only natural that you have concerns about a raised ALT blood result after having chemotherapy. It may be reassuring to know that it is not unusual for chemotherapy drugs and other treatments to affect liver function but these affects are generally temporary and often return to normal after treatment has finished.

    I can also appreciate that you are worried that having a high ALT result may stop you having further treatment. Unfortunately, as we do not have access to your clinical records, I am unable to fully reassure you about this but please do reach out to your chemotherapy team to ask about this. You don’t need to wait until your meeting to do so. If you are unsure how to get through to them, you can call your consultants secretary or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) for support.

    It may help however to read this information which explains that reference ranges for liver function tests can vary according to a number of factors. This is why it is so important to ask your team if they are concerned about your result.

    If you are feeling nauseous it would be worth telling them about this too so that they can further assess you and prescribe something to help. Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy so is it not necessarily related to your liver function.

    Worry and anxiety can be an issue for many people affected by cancer so please don’t feel alone in this .Through our support line we can provide a listening ear and talk or chat through any worries you have if it would help at any point. We are here every day from 8am to 8pm.

     

    Best wishes and take care,

     

    Suzanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref/SF/LA

     

     

     

     

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007