Anticancer Drugs Flashcards
Types of Cancer
Genetic and environmental/diet
Genetic Cancers
Breast, ovarian, prostate, endometrial/ovarian, colon, pancreatic, lung, malignant melanoma
Environmental/diet Cancers
Lung (tobacco/asbestos, arsenic), liver (Hep B+C, aflatoxin), AML (Benzene), sarcoma (vinyl chloride), colon/rectal (animal fat), stomach (smoked meats), mouth/throat/esophagus (ETOH)
Types of Anticancer Drugs
Cell cycle-nonspecific (CCNS) and cell cycle-specific (CCS)
Cell Cycle-nonspecific (CCNS)
Act during any phase of the cell cycle
Alkylating drugs
Anti-tumor antibiotics
Hormones
Cell Cycle-specific (CCS)
Act during a specific phase/phases
Effective for rapidly growing cancer cells
Anti-metabolites
Miotic inhibitors
General Sxs of Anticancer Drugs
Immunocompromised, N/V/D, loss of appetite, fatigue, low platelet count, low blood count, elevated BUN, elevated creatinine, alopecia, HA, dizziness, dermatitis
All Anticancer Drugs Are What Pregnancy Category?
Pregnancy category D
Most Anticancer Onset Times?
Between 7-10 days
General Adverse Reactions of Anticancer Drugs
Secondary neoplasm, bone marrow depression, anemia, reactivation of dormant viruses, cardiac dysrhythmias, HF
General Life-threatening Reactions of Anticancer Drugs
Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, severe myelosuppression, anaphylaxis
General Contraindications of Anticancer Drugs
Hypersensitivity, severe bone marrow depression. pregnancy, liver or kidney disease, severe HF?, may increase INR, smoking?, dehydration
General Drug Interactions of Anticancer Drugs
Increase action of barbituates, chloramphenicol, AC
Bone marrow depressants increase toxicity
Avoid live virus vaccines
Thiasized diuretics may increase myelosuppression
Reduces effectiveness of vaccines
General Nursing Considerations of Anticancer Drugs
Assess CBC, plts (may hold med if levels are too low)
Handle drug with care (avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, mucous)
Monitor IV site frequently for irritation and phlebitis
Administer anti-emetic 30-60 minutes before giving drug
Hydrate pt with IV and oral fluids prior to administration
Monitor BUN and creatinine
Strict asepsis techniques during dressing changes or invasive procedures
Maintain good hygiene
Consult with oncologist before getting vaccines
Testicular atrophy and reversible oligospermia/azoospermia may occur in men
Avoid pregnancy for 3-4 months after completing treatment
Avoid others with respiratory infections
Report signs of infection immediately
Monitor I and O
Monitor electrolytes (serum K+)
Avoid ETOH or other hepatotoxic substances
Avoid live virus vaccines (2 months after therapy)
Mustard Gas Derivative Prototype
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) Routes and Onset?
PO/IV onset 7 days
Sxs Specific to Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Hematuria, impotence, sterility
Adverse Reaction Specific to Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Life-threatening Reaction Specific to Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Cardio toxicity (high doses), hepatotoxicity (long-term)
Drug Interactions Specific to Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Decrease digoxin level
Prolonged leukopenia with thiazide diuretics
Potentiates cardiomyopathy with Adriamycin
Potentiates action and toxicity of allopurinol, probenicid, colchicine, AC
Toxicity increases if given with corticosteroids, phenytoin or sulfonamides
Nursing Considerations Specific to Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Assess for sxs of hematuria, polyuria, dysuria
Teach client to empty bladder every 2-3 hours
Increase fluid intake to 2-3 L/day to reduce risk of hemorrhagic cystitis
Monitor I and O
Take drug early in the day to prevent accumulation of drug in bladder at night
Drug is excreted in breast milk
Antitumor Antibiotic Prototype
Anthracyclines ex: doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Route and Onset
IV 7-10 days
Sxs Specific to Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
IV reaction, potent vesicant may cause flare reaction, discolors urine pink-red for up to 48 hours, may cause radiation recall to previously radiated skin
Adverse Reactions Specific to Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Esophagitis, hyperpigmentation of nails, tongue and oral mucosa may darken (more often in African Americans)
Life-threatening Reactions Specific to Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Cardio toxicity, CHF
Contraindications Specific to Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Severe cardiac disease (check EF prior to starting), do not exceed lifetime does of 550 mg/m2 or 450 mg/m2 if prior radiation, hepatic impairment
What is Used with Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) to Help Prevent/Decrease Cardiac Damage?
Dextazoxane (Zinecard)
Drug Interactions Specific to Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Increased risk of cardiotoxicity with CA+ blockers, Taxol, mitomycin
Decreases phenytoin levels
Increased risk of hemorrhage and cardiotoxicity with Cytoxan
Retrovir may decrease effectiveness
Increased hepatoxicity with mercaptopurine
Green tea may enhance antitumor effect, use with caution w/ grape seed, garlic, and st. johns wort
Nursing Considerations Specific to Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Monitor IV site, severe tissue necrosis may occur 3-4 weeks after infiltration
Monitor cardiac status
Plant Alkaloid Prototype
Vincristine (Oncovin)
Vincristine (Oncovin) Route and Onset
IV 7 days
Sxs Specific to Vincristine (Oncovin)
Peripheral neuropathy, loss of DTR (deep tendon reflex)
Adverse Reactions Specific to Vincristine (Oncovin)
Hypotension, visual disturbances, ileus, SIADH, hyponatremia, severe local reaction with extravasation, fever
Life-threatening Reaction Specific to Vincristine (Oncovin)
Intestinal necrosis
Contraindications Specific to Vincristine (Oncovin)
FATAL if given intrathecally, do not give to pts: receiving radiation through parts of liver, with Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome
Drug Interactions Specific to Vincristine (Oncovin)
Give 12-24 hours prior to L-asparaginase to minimize toxicity, bronchospasm may occur (especially if given with mitomycin), L-asparaginase (elspar) may reduce drug clearance, decreases the effect of phenytoin (monitor for seizures), mix only with NS or D5W
Nursing Considerations Specific to Vincristine (Oncovin)
Monitor bilirubin levels (decrease dose if > 1.5 mL), monitor for neurotoxicity, assess for neuropathy and loss of DTR’s, monitor for paralytic ileus, monitor for bronchospasm
Liposomal Chemotherapy
Anticancer drugs packed into synthetic fat (liposomes)
Stays in system longer with decreased sxs
Increased therapeutic effects
Hormonal Agents
Corticosteroids
Sex hormones (estrogen, progestins, androgens, antiadrogens, aromatase inhibitors)
Corticosteroids
Help slow the growth of tumor through anti-inflammatory effects
Decreases cerebral edema in brain CA
Gives pts sense of euphoria
Biotherapy Agents
Cytokinins
Monoclonal antibodies
Vaccines (prevents CA)
Antimetabolite Prototype
Fluorouracil, 5-Fluorouacil, 5-FU (Adrucil)
Fluorouracil (Adrucil) Pregnancy Category When Topical?
Pregnancy category X
Fluorouracil (Adrucil) Routes and Onset
IV 10-14 days, topical 2-3 days
Contraindications Specific to Fluorouracil (Adrucil)
Marginal nutritional status
Decrease dose with patients with impaired renal or hepatic function, or impaired nutrition
Drug Interactions Specific to Fluorouracil (Adrucil)
Increased toxicity with leucoviron, flagyl
Increased effects with cimetidine
Targeted Therapy Drugs
Interfere with cancer cell growth and division
Monotherapy, combination therapy with chemo or radiation
Can be orally administered at home or IV
Ex: Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Prototype
Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec)
Sxs Specific to Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec)
Gi sxs, diarrhea (most notable in this drug compared to the others), N/V, decreased appetite, upset stomach, muscle cramping, difficulty sleeping
Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec) Route and Onset
PO rapid onset not affect by meals
Contraindications Specific to Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec)
Drugs that inhibit the cytochrome P450 increase adverse reactions and reduce Gleevac effectiveness (ex: Amiodarone)
Any drug metabolized by cytochrome P450 may have increase in drug levels
Nursing Considerations Specific to Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec)
Monitor LFT’s + renal function once a month
Monitor electrolytes during and after for 8 weeks (especially ca+ and phosphorus for low levels)
Monitor EF
Monitor hands and feet for redness, swelling, pain, blisters
Avoid grapefruit juice
Epidermal Growth Factor/Receptor Inhibitor Prototype
Erlotinib (Tarceva)
Erlotinib (Tarceva) Route and Onset
PO absorption enhanced w/ food
Adverse Reactions Specific to Erlotinib (Tarceva)
Ocular changes, GI perforation
Contraindications Specific to Erlotinib (Tarceva)
Pt with peptic ulcer disease or diverticulitis
Grape juice increase blood levels and adverse effects
Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels
Monoclonal Antibody Prototype
Rituximab (Rituxan)
Pregnancy Category Specific to Rituximab (Rituxan)
Pregnancy category C
Rituximab (Rituxan) Route
IV
Sxs Specific to Rituximab (Rituxan)
Night sweats, hypotension, joint and muscle aches
Contraindications Specific to Rituximab (Rituxan)
Preexisting pulmonary fibrosis
Drug Interaction Specific to Rituximab (Rituxan)
Hypotension with antihypertensives
Nursing Considerations Specific to Rituximab (Rituxan)
Infusion reactions are common (have resuscitation equipment nearby for 1st 15 mins of infusion
Client is a radiation hazard 4-7 days post infusion, stay 6 ft away from children and pregnant women
Sleep in a separate bed, use separate toilet, sit while urinating
Separate eating utensils, wash hands frequently
Wash laundry separately
Biological Response Modifiers
Enhance host immunologic function
Destroy or interfere with tumor activities
Promote differentiation of stem cells
Ex: Procrit, Neupogen, Leukine
Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agents
Epoetin Alpha (Erythropoietin, trade names Epogen, Procrit, Eprex)
Epoetin Alpha (Erythropoietin, trade names Epogen, Procrit, Eprex) Pregnancy Category
Pregnancy Category C
Procrit Routes and Onset
SQ/IV 7-10 days
Procrit Sxs
Fatigue, SOB
Procrit Adverse Reactions
Seizures, hyperkalemia
Procrit Life-threatening Reactions
CVA, MI
Procrit Contraindications
Uncontrolled HTN, hypersensitivity to mammalian products or human albumin
Caution: pregnancy, lactation, increased mortality/and tumor progression, not used for children
Serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic events if target Hemoglobin of 12g/dl exceeded
Procrit Nursing Considerations
Do not shake bottle, shaking may denature (roll the bottle between hands)
Only one use per vial (no preservatives)
Use smallest amount per injection
Do not use same needle to draw and inject medication (change needle in between)
Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor
Filgrastim (Neupogen)
Filgrastim (Neupogen) Pregnancy Category
Pregnancy Category C
Filgrastim (Neupogen) Routes
IV/SQ
Filgrastim (Neupogen) Sxs
Skeletal pain, general anticancer drug sxs
Filgrastim (Neupogen) Adverse Reactions
Neutropenia, SOB
Filgrastim (Neupogen) Life-threatening Reactions
Thrombocytopenia, ARDS with sepsis, splenic rupture
Filgrastim (Neupogen) Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to E. coli derived proteins, 24 hours before or after cytotoxic chemo, pregnancy, lactation
Do not administer 14 days before and 24 hours after chemo
Keep pre-filled syringes away from light and discard any unused medication
May administer acetaminophen for bone pain
Takes 2 weeks for Neupogen to become effective
Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor
Sargramostim (Leukine)
Sargramostim (Leukine) Pregnancy Category
Pregnancy Category C
Sargramostim (Leukine) Routes
IV/SQ (SQ not as often)
Sargramostim (Leukine) Sxs
Chills, peripheral edema
Sargramostim (Leukine) Adverse Reactions
Pleural/pericardial effusion, SOB
Sargramostim (Leukine) Contraindications
Do not use within 24 hours of chemo or 12 hours of radiation therapy, pts sensitive to yeast products, hypersensitivity
Caution: pregnancy, lactation, HF
Sargramostim (Leukine) Drug Interactions
Lithium/steroids may increase effects
Nursing Considerations for Biologic Response Modifiers
Monitor temperature, may give meperidine to decrease chills
Pre-medicate with acetaminophen, diphenhydramine to reduce chills, fever, nausea
Maintain hydration
Only one dose per vial