Anticancer Drugs 3 Flashcards
What are vinca alkaloids derived from?
The vinca alkaloid class of naturally occurring cancer chemotherapy agents are extracted from the periwinkle plant.
How do vinca alkaloids work at a basic level? Are they cell-cycle specific?
The vincas block tubulin polymerization; based upon this mechanism, it is entirely predictable that one of the mechanisms of resistance specific to these drugs is mutation in the beta-tubulin structure, reducing the drug affinity for the target.
M phase specific
Resistance to vinca alkaloids?
increased drug efflux from the tumor cell by active pump proteins- e.g. multi-drug resistance protein (MRP), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), or P-gp.
How are vinca alkaloids administered?
IV
How are vinca alkaloids eliminated?
hepatic
Side effects of vinca alkaloids?
leukopenia with vinblastine, not vincristine,
Vincristine- neurotoxic symptoms
alopecia, peripheral neuropathy in both
What are the taxane drug members?
Paclitaxel and Docataxel- both are synthetic antineoplastic agents
How are taxane drugs different from vinca alkaloids?
These drugs inhibit disassembly of the microtubules, in contrast to the vincas, which prevent the assembly of this critical nuclear component.
Also M phase specific
How are taxanes administered?
IV
What must paclitaxel (taxol) be administered with?
a surfactant, cremaphor
What must docataxel (taxotere) be administered with?
a surfactant, polysorbate 80
Why must both taxes be given with surfactants?
they are both relatively insoluble
What are the side effects of Palitaxel?
peripheral neuropathy, hypersensitivity infusion reactions
What are the side effects of Docataxel?
very low WBC counts, edema-fluid retention, peripheral neuropathy,
Where do vinca alkaloids bind to growing microtubules? Why?
Vinca alkaloids bind preferentially with the + end of the microtubules and therefore inhibit the addition of new tubulin subunits to the microtubule.
Where do taxanes bind to growing microtubules? Why?
Taxanes bind to a site on the beta subunit and stabilize the interactions between the tubulin subunits. With taxanes, the nucleus essentially becomes filled with microtubules.
Are taxanes and vinca alkaloids cell cycle specific?
Yes, both the vinca alkaloids and the taxanes are cell cycle specific drugs since the microtubules only become critical to nuclear events during the M phase of the cell cycle.
Which anticancer drugs are most commonly associated with neurotoxicity?
vincas, taxanes, and platinum drugs, especially cisplatin
What parts of neurons do taxanes and vinca alkaloids target?
distal axons (which rely upon microtubules to transport nutrients along the length of the axon)
How do platinum drugs target neural cells?
they accumulate in the ganglion cells where apoptosis ensues via oxidative stress
Describe the neuropathies associated with anticancer drugs as described above?
these neuropathies are seen as:
paresthesias in a stocking-glove distribution (pins and needles),
areflexia (no reflexes),
loss of proprioception, and
vibratory sensation and loss of taste
Patients receiving these classes of drugs should receive evaluation of peripheral nerve function as a routine. There is no easy correlation between accumulated dose and toxicity. Once treatment is completed, some or all of the lost function may return, but not always. It varies by drug, drug history and the individual patient.
Patients receiving these classes of drugs should receive evaluation of peripheral nerve function as a routine. There is no easy correlation between accumulated dose and toxicity. Once treatment is completed, some or all of the lost function may return, but not always. It varies by drug, drug history and the individual patient.
What are the Camptothecins?
irinotecan and its metabolite SN-38 and topotecan