Angela's Chemotherapy Flashcards
Calvert Dosing
mg = AUC x (GFR +25)
Cockgroft-Gault Equation for CrCl
[(140-age)(Wt)]/[(SCr x72)] x0.85
x 0.85 for women
Wt in kg
SCr in mg/dL
What affects the rate of absorption of chemo from IP to IV?
size of molecule (molecular weight).
Also: charge, chemical structure
What drugs are alkylating agents? (3 drugs)
- Cyclophosphamide
- Ifosfamide
- Melphalan
Are alkylating agents cell cycle specific?
NO
Antimetabolites (5 drugs)
- Methotrexate
- 5-FU
- Capectabine
- Gemcitabine
- Pemetrexed
Alkylating agent (3 drugs + bonus!)
- Cyclophosphamide
- Ifosfamide
- Alkeran (Melphalan)
- Dacarbazine
Bonus: temozolomide, altretamine
What is amifostine?
Chemoprotective agent - prodrug that is dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase into a free thiol. The free thiol binds and detoxifies reactive metabolites of cisplatin and can act as a scavenger of free radicals
Anti-tumor antibiotics (5 drugs)
- Adriamycin (Doxorubicin)
- Bleomycin
- Mitomycin C
- Actinomycin D
- pEgylated Doxorubicin
also: Epirubicin
Think ABCDE
Toposomerase 1 inhibitors (2 drugs)
- Topotecan
- Irinotecan
Topo 2 inhibitor (1 drug)
Etoposide
Vinca Alkyloids (3 drugs)
- Vincristine
- Vinblastine
- Vinorelbine
Methotrexate
1. Most common adverse effect?
2. Clearance?
3. What affects MTX levels? (How does ascites affect MTX)
4. What manipulation of urine can decrease its nephrotoxicity?
Methotrexate
1. Most common adverse effect? Stomatitis / mucositis & myelosuppression (vs high dose = NV)
2. Clearance? Renal
3. What affects MTX levels? Highly protein bound, requires evacuation of ascites & effusions
-prot-bound drugs increase free drug form: salicylate, sulfa, phenytoin
4. What manipulation of urine can decrease its nephrotoxicity? Alkalinization (thiazide, sodium bicarb)
5-FU
- Metabolism?
- Is it a prodrug?
- Where is it activated and cleared?
- Is it dose reduced in renal failure?
- Does it cause PPE?
5-FU
- Metabolism? Hepatic
- Is it a prodrug? YES – F-UMP is active metabolite
- Where is it activated and cleared? LIVER
- Dose reduced in renal failure? No
- Causes PPE? Yes, rare. More with prolonged infusions
Capecitabine
1. Capecitabine is a prodrug of what other antimetabolite?
2. Causes PPE?
Capecitabine
1. Capecitabine is a prodrug of what other antimetabolite? 5-FU
2. Causes PPE? Yes-only SE more freq in Capecitabine than 5-FU
Gemcitabine
- Prodrug?
- If gem is given for >60 mins what happens?
- If gem is given for <60 mins what happens?
- Clearance?
Gemcitabine
- Prodrug? YES
- If gem is given for >60 mins what happens? increased myelosuppression and liver toxicity
- If gem is given for <60 mins what happens? Flu-like symptoms (think: flu is FASTER to get over than myelosuppression)
- Clearance? RENAL
Which chemotherapy causes radiation recall? (3)
- GEMZAR (in chi, also as a risk factor for pulmonary edema in setting of mediastinal RT)
- dactinomycin (listed in Chi)
- doxorubicin (not doxil)
What is the toxicity of amifostene?
Hypotension
Methotrexate MOA
Folate antimetabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication.
Methotrexate binds to and inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, resulting in inhibition of purine and thymidylic acid synthesis –> interfering with DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication.
Cell cycle specific for the S phase
5-FU MOA
Pyrimidine analog antimetabolite that interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis
- FU activates to F-UMP (active metabolite) which inhibits thymidylate synthase to deplete DNA nucleoside base thymidine
- incorporation of FUTP into RNA to replace uracil and inhibit cell growth.
- incorporation of FUTP into DNA
Cell cycle specific to S phase
For 5-FU. I think as if it has 5-floors. Many floors like a pyramid. So it’s a pyrimidine antagonist. The liver is shaped like a pyramid. So it’s metabolized by the liver
Gemcitabine MOA
Antimetabolite
Gem is phosphorylated into gem-diphosphate and gem-triphosphate
1. Gem-diphosphate inhibits DNA synthesis by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase (think di-phosphate is two Ps which inhibits RR [ribonucleotide reductase = two Rs])
2. Gem-triphosphate incorporates into DNA (pyrimidine analog) and inhibits DNA polymerase
It’s active triphosphate inserts itself as a “fraudulent base pair” and causes “masked-chain termination”
Cell cycle-specific for S phase, also blocks G1-S progression
Gemzar. Gems for short 💎. Gem can be found on a chain around the neck. So it does masked chain termination.
Gems are found in pyramids, so gem-triphosphate is a pyrimidine analog
3 chemotherapy drugs that cause radiation recall
Gemcitabine
Dactinomycin
Doxorubicin
Which order should cis and gem be given in?
CIS THEN GEM
Gem 1st: twofold decrease in AUC
Cis 1st: increases Gem activity
**this is opposite of taxol=taxol before carbo
What is the least effective IP chemo?
- adriamycin
- cis
- carbo
- taxotere
- gem
GEMZAR -rapid inactivation?
Chemos that require liver activation CANNOT:
Ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide (require activation by P450 system)
Excess toxicity given IP (per Chi):
- mitoxantrone
- doxorubicin
Docetaxol? (Large size)
Which drug cannot be given as IP chemotherapy?
- cyclophosphamide
- 5-FU
- doxorubicin
- paclitaxel
cyclophosphamide because it requires activation by liver P450 microsomal oxidase system
Not 5FU - it can be used in IP and discussed as such in Chi
Others that require liver activation CANNOT:
Ifosfamide (also requires activation by P450 system)
Excess toxicity given IP (per Chi):
- mitoxantrone
- doxorubicin
What is the cardiac toxicity of cyclophosphamide?
cardiomyocyte necrosis
What chemotherapy causes SIADH?
Cyclophosphamide
What premedication should be avoided with cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, and why?
Duplicate
Cimetidine (weak inhibitor of CP450, may worsen myelotoxicity by increasing concentrations of cyclophos/ifos)
When barbiturates and cyclophosphamide OR ifosfamide are given together, what is the primary adverse effect?
Duplicate
Sedation and possible accumulation of toxic metabolites
Barbiturates are CY450 INDUCERS —> increased metabolism of cyclophos/ifos, which increases the rate of these drugs to their toxic metabolites
Cyclophosphamide may block metabolism of barbiturates, increasing their sedative effects
Cyclophosphamide
1. Metabolism?
2. Main toxicity?
3. Excretion?
4. When do you dose-reduce?
5. Prodrug?
- Metabolism? Hepatic
- Main toxicity? Myelosuppression
- Excretion? Urinary
- When do you dose-reduce? Hemorrhagic cystitis (also renal impairment)
- Prodrug? YES - 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide. Peripheral tiss convers to toxic phosphoramide mustard and acrolein)
FYI: During hepatic metabolism of both cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, acrolein is generated, filtered by the kidneys, and concentrated in the bladder–> Hemorrhagic cystitis. Acrolein is a reactive, unsaturated aldehyde that causes cell death through upregulation of reactive oxygen species, and that activates inducible nitric oxide synthase, leading to the production of nitric oxide.
Cyclophosphamide MOA
Alkylating agent that prevents cell division by cross-linking DNA strands (Intra>interstrand) and decreasing DNA synthesis (DNA adducts).
Cell cycle phase nonspecific but causes arrest and death in G2.
Also possesses potent immunosuppressive activity.
Which chemotherapeutic drugs should not be given with Cimetidine?
Cyclophosphamide
Ifosfamide
Why can’t cyclophosphamide be administered IP?
Prodrug - requires hepatic metabolism for an active metabolite
Cyclophosphamide
1. Metabolism?
2. Excretion?
3. Prodrug?
4. Main toxicity?
- Metabolism? Hepatic
- Excretion? Urine
- Prodrug? YES - acrolein, chloracetaldehyde
- Major toxicity? Myelosuppression
Ifosfamide
1. Metabolism?
2. Excretion?
3. Prodrug?
4. Main toxicity?
- Hepatic
- Urinary
- Yes - acrolein, chloracetaldehyde
- Myelosuppresion
Ifosfamide MOA
Alkylating agent. Causes cross-linking of strands of DNA by binding with nucleic acids and other intracellular structures, resulting in cell death. Inhibits protein synthesis and DNA synthesis.
Cell cycle non-specific
In what situation is ifosfamide neurotoxicity more common?
What is the mechanism of ifosfamide neurotoxicity? What is the antidote?
- Hypoalbuminemia or elderly
- Chloracetaldehyde, methylene blue
What is the mechanism of ifosfamide cystitis? What is the antidote?
Acrolein, Mesna (sodium-2-mercaptoethane sulfonate/ 2-MercaptoEthane Sulfonate Na)
Mesna is oxidized to dimesna in blood, which in turn is reduced in the kidney back to mesna, supplying a free thiol group which binds to and inactivates acrolein
Uremia occurs in what percentage of people on ifosfamide?
66% if >150 mg/kg
Does cimetidine increase or decrease cyclophos/ifos levels?
INCREASE - CY450 inhibition
Does phenobarbital increase or decrease cyclophos/ifos levels?
DECREASE - CY450 inducer
It causes faster accumulation of toxic byproducts. may block metabolism of barbs leading to greater neurotoxicity/sedating effects of phenobarbital
What is the treatment for extravasation of Ifosfamide at the primary IV site?
Nothing, it is activated in the liver
Remember vesicants DAMN TV
Doxorubicin (also Epirubicin/ idarubicin/ daunorubicin)
ActinomycinD
Mitomycin C
Nitrogen mustard
Trabectedin
vincas (Vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine)
Is alopecia a common side effect with ifosfamide?
Yes
Most common here are: microtubule agents (taxanes), anthracyclanes, topoisomerase inhibitors, and alkylating agents
Is ifosfamide processed more rapidly or more slowly than cyclophosphamide? What does this result in?
More slowly. Resulting in more chloracetaldehyde and neurotoxicity
What is the DLT of Melphalan?
Prolonged myleosuppression with nadir at 30 days and 40 day recovery
*alkylating agent.
What class of chemotherapy drug is Melphalan? is it cell cycle specific?
Alkylating agent
Not cell cycle specific
Bleomycin
1. Metabolism?
2. Excretion?
3. Prodrug?
4. Main acute toxicity? Chronic toxicity?
- Metabolism? Enzymatic inactivation by bleomycin-hydrolase, found in most normal tissues except lungs and skin
- Excretion? Urinary
- Prodrug? No
- Main acute toxicity? Mucocutaneous - rash, striae, pruritis, hyperpigmentation. Pulmonary fibrosis.
—> bc bleomycin-hydrolase not in lungs and skin, this is where toxicity is!
Bleomycin DLT
Max lifetime dose?
Pulmonary fibrosis when >
400 units
Per SGO handbook, max cumulative dose should be capped at 270u
What is the most sensitive way to diagnose bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity? What is the cheapest way?
Gold standard: Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) - needs to be done with each cycle of bleo
Cheapest is physical exam (crackles)
What phase of the cell cycle is bleomycin most active in?
G2 phase
Chi: G1, G2, S
What is an iron chelator?
Which chemo drugs are iron chelators?
duplicate
- Iron chelators enter cells, bind free iron, and remove it from the body
- Doxorubicin and bleomycin (chelation causes free-radical formation that results in cardiac or pulmonary toxicity)
Bleomycin MOA
Binds to DNA leading to single and double strand breaks –> inhibits synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
Binds to guanosine-cytosine-rich portions of DNA via association of the “S” tripeptide and by partial intercalation of the bithiazole rings
Also is an iron chelator which results in ROS
Angela’s says single-strand breaks, UpToDate says single and double
Which chemo is least myelosuppressive?
Bleomycin
Which two tissues lack bleomycin-hydrolase?
Duplicate
Skin, lungs
Doxorubicin DLT
Cumulative cardiac toxicity
PharmD: Risk for cardiomyopathy increases at cumulative dose 550 over 18.
Test answer on pharmacy exams is usually 550 but no one ever pushes that high since the recommendation to start dexrazoxane is at 300mg/m2 which is probably why you’re seeing that range!
SGO states some centers limit the lifetime cumulative dose to no more than 450 mg/m2.
Doxorubicin
1. Metabolism?
2. Major toxicity?
3. Max dose?
- Hepatic (think: Hepatic metabolism for Heart toxicity)
- Cardiac - CHF
- 450mg/m2 (there is conflicting info between 400-550)
From PharmD: Risk for cardiomyopathy increases at cumulative dose 550 over age 18.
Incidence is 1 to 20% from 300mg/m2 to 500mg/‘m2 if given every 3 weeks.
Test answer on pharmacy exams is usually 550 but no one ever pushes that high since the recommendation to start dexrazoxane is at 300mg/m2 which is probably why you’re seeing that range!
How do you treat doxorubicin extravasation?
Dexrazoxane but if not available, then DMSO
DMSO and cold packs
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
Dmso for Doxorubicin (D for D)
Which chemotherapies cause radiation recall?
dactinomycin (Actinomycin D), doxorubicin, gemcitabine