Anticancer Pharmacology Flashcards
Cancer
Uncontrolled proliferation and spread of abnormal cells by invading tissues, lymph nodes, and organs
Metastasis
Causes cancers at other sites in the body by spreading. Locations such as the lymph nodes, bone, liver, brain, lungs, etc.
What are the two types of cancer?
- Solid cancer - tumor
- Hematological cancer - blood cancer
Give 1 occupational cause example and what part of the body it affects
Asbestos; lung
What does ultraviolet radiation cause?
Melanoma (skin cancer)
Which body part does alcohol affect?
Liver
Which body part does tobacco affect?
Lung
Which body part is affected by dietary choices?
Colon; high saturated fat and red meat can negatively impact the colon
Which does ionizing radiation (uranium deposits) cause?
Leukemia
Give 1 example of a virus and which body part it affects
HPV (human papillomavirus); Cervix
Give 1 example of how genetics play a role in causing cancer
The presence of both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene significantly increases the chances of breast cancer
Give 1 example an alkylating agent and 2 parts of the body that it can cause cancer in
Melphalan; blood (leukemia) and bladder
What is the purpose of diagnosis and staging?
Diagnosis: Tissue biopsy and pathological assessment.
We cannot diagnose cancer unless the cells are viewed under a microscope
Staging: Determines how widespread cancer is
How do you classify how widespread the cancer is?
TNM staging of solid tumours:
T = size of primary tumour
N = absence/presence and extent of regional lymph node metastasis (if present, then it may have gone past the local zone)
M = absence/presence of distant metastasis (if present, then there is evidence it has spread to other organs/tissues - stage IV cancer)
MOA of chemotherapy
Damages and interferes with DNA synthesis, causing cancer cell death
It can be phase specific (G1, S, G2, M) or non-phase specific
With this treatment, most cytotoxic cells (immune cells) are undergoing rapid division
