2820 Pharmacology Exam Three Flashcards
Cancer drugs can be split into what two categories?
Cytotoxic and noncytotoxic
Mechanism of action for alkylating agents
Forming bonds/links with DNA, preventing normal cellular division, leading to cell death
What type of cells are very sensitive to the actions of alkylating agents?
Blood cells (bone marrow suppression is limiting factor)
What symptoms do alkylating agents cause due to damage to GI epithelial cells?
N/V/D
What is a common drug classification for alkylating agents?
Nitrogen mustards
What effect do nitrogen mustards have on cells?
They kill rapidly growing cells by alkylating DNA and RNA
Mechanism of action for antimetabolites
Structurally similar to cell proteins/nucleic acids, but when cells try to make DNA or RNA with them, cells die or growth is very hindered
What is the main dose-limiting effect of antimetabolites?
Bone marrow toxicity
How do antitumor antibiotics work?
They bind to DNA and affect its function
What are the potential damages if antitumor antibiotics infiltrate the IV?
Damage to skin, subcutaneous tissue, and nerves
What is the major dose limiting adverse effect of antitumor antibiotics?
Cardiac toxicity
Mechanism of action for antimitotic cancer drugs
Prevention of cell division
What nerves may be damaged by antimitotic cancer drugs?
Autonomic nerves
Can also cause peripheral neuropathy
When are gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists used?
In palliative therapy of advanced prostate cancer when patient doesnt want surgical castration
Mechanism of action for androgen receptor blockers?
Blocking testosterone at the receptor site
When are androgen receptor blockers used?
Prostate cancer treatment (often in conjunction with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists)
Mechanism of action for estrogen receptor blockers
Stops growth of breast cancer cells in estrogen receptor positive cancers
Mechanism of action for aromatase inhibitors
Stops breast cancer cell growth by blocking estrogen production
Monoclonal antibody mechanism of action
Targets breast cancer cells, prevents cell growth, and causes cell death in HER-2 positive tumors (human epidermal growth factor)
Tamoxifen: class
Estrogen receptor blocker
Interferon alfa 2b: class
Biologic response modifier
What is the serious side effect that interferon alfa 2b can cause?
Depression/suicidal ideation
Mechanism of action: monoclonal antibodies
Binds to target cells, triggering cell death or marking it for destruction by other immune cells
Therapeutic uses of estrogens
Contraception
Acne
Control of postmenopausal manifestations
Control of dysfunctional uterine bleeding