7 - Chemotherapy

Question 1

What is the pathogenesis of Cancer

Answer 1

Chemicals, viruses cause acquired mutations
+ inherited mutations
cause proto oncogened to oncogenes and dec expression of tumour supressor genes
Promotes co-carcinogen hormones
- uncontrolled cell proliferation
- decrease in apoptosis

Question 2

What are the TNM stages

Answer 2

T - cancer in situ
N - Lymphatic spread
M - Systemic spread

Question 3

G1 phase

Answer 3

Cell prepares for DNA synthesis

Question 4

S phase

Answer 4

Cell generates complete copy of genetic material

Question 5

G2 phase

Answer 5

Cell prepares for mitosis

Question 6

M phase

Answer 6

Replicated DNA is condensed and segregated into chromosomes

Question 7

G0 phase

Answer 7

Resting State

Question 8

Specific agent G1 phase

Answer 8

Vinblastine

Question 9

Specific agent S phase

Answer 9

Methotrexate, 6-Mercaptopurine, 5-Fluorouracil

Question 10

Specific agent G2 phase

Answer 10

Bleomycin, Etoposide, Topotecan, Daunorubicin

Question 11

Specific agent M phase

Answer 11

Vincristine, Vinblastine, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel

Question 12

Specific agents

Answer 12

Major activity in a particular phase of the cell cycle
Schedule dependent
Kills actively dividing cells

Question 13

Non specific agents

Answer 13

Significant activity in multiple phases
Dose dependent
Kills resting cells and dividing cells

Question 14

Examples of non specific agents

Answer 14

Cyclophosphamide
Chlorambucil
Cisplatin
Actinomycin-D
L-asparaginase

Question 15

Chemo resistant cancer

Answer 15

Non-small cell lung cancer
GI cancers
Pancreatic cancer
Melanoma

Question 16

Ways chemo can be given

Answer 16

Subcutaneous + IM
Topical 
Intra-arterial
Intra-cavity 
Intrathecal
IV

Question 17

Side effects of chemotherapy

Answer 17

Tiredness
Nausea
Vomiting
Hair loss
Risk of infection 
Infertility

Question 18

How long chemotherapy

Answer 18

6 months

3-4 weekly cycles

Question 19

Best cancer target

Answer 19

Cancer cells and not normal cells