(10.2) Chemotherapy Flashcards
1
Q
How do antimetabolites work? Name two examples how each work.
A
- Methotrexate: inhibits Dihydrofolate Reductase -> -Purine formation
- 5-Flurouracil: inhibits Thymidylate Synthase -> -Pyramidase
- both therefore reduce DNA synthesis (act on Phase S)
2
Q
How do Spindle poisons work? Name two examples and how each works.
A
- Vinkalkyloids: inhibits polymerisation
- Taxanes: excessive polymerisation
- both act at Metaphase, affecting microtubule formation -> arresting cells at metaphase
3
Q
List 3 ways how chemotherapy become resistant.
A
- Reduced entry/Increased exits of agents
- Inactivation of agents within cells
- Enhanced DNA repair, recovering from alkylation
4
Q
List common ADRs of chemotherapy.
A
- Alopecia
- Mucotitis: sore mouth/throat, GI bleeds, diarrhoea
- Toxicity (cardiac, skin)
- Lung fibrosis (by Bleomycin)
- Thrombophlebitis
- Renal failure (accumulated Urate crystals from tumour lysis)
- Myelosupression -> infection, Sepsis
5
Q
Suggest ways how chemotherapy is monitored.
A
- Radiological imaging
- Tumour biomarker blood test
- Bone marrow test
- Organ function tests (eg. Creatinine, AST, ALT)
6
Q
How do Glycopeptides work? Name an example.
A
- React with Fe2+ -> create free radicals -> break polydiester bonds -> DNA scission
- Bleomycin
7
Q
How does Alkylating agents work? Name an example of the type of drug.
A
- Creates covalent bonds between DNA strands
- Platinum compound (Cisplastin)
8
Q
Explain how chemotherapy can cause renal failure.
A
Tumour lysis -> urate crystal accumulation
