Antineoplastic Agents Flashcards
What characterizes drugs that are cell cycle specific?
They affect one phase (ex. G0, G1, S, G2, M,)
What characterizes drugs that are cell cycle non-specific?
They may affect any/all phases of the cell cycle
Be able to describe the phases of carcinogenesis.
Pathogenesis, transformation, proliferation, metastasis
Antimetabolites: purine antagonist
mercaptopurine (Purinethol), inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis, cell-cycle specific = S phase
Antimetabolites: folic acid antagonist
inhibit DNA synthesis, *methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), cell-cycle specific = S phase
Antimetabolites: pyrimidine antagonist
fluorouracil (Adrucil) “5-FU”, cytarabine (Cytosar-U) “Ara-C”, cell-cycle specific = S phase
What are some key examples of antimetabolites?
folic acid antagonists, purine antagonists, pyrimidine antagonists
Identify the mechanism of action of antimetabolites.
S phase specific and interfere with growth of rapidly proliferating cells
What are some key examples of alkylating agents?
*cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)-a crossover drug also used for autoimmune disease, ifosfamide (Ifex) = nitrogen mustard, procarbazine (Matulane)
Identify the mechanism of action of alkylating agents
transfer alkyl groups (alkylate DNA, interfere with DNA, RNA and proteins to prevent cell metabolism and division) *cell-cycle non-specific
What are some key examples of platinum complexes?
carboplatin (Paraplatin), cisplatin (Platinol)-look for “plat” in name
Identify the mechanism of action of platinum complexes
inhibit DNA synthesis and repair
What are some key examples of vinca alkyloids?
vinblastine (Valban) and vincristine (Oncovin)-look for “vin” in name
Identify the mechanism of action of vinca alkyloids
inhibit mitotic division by interfering w/microtubular proteins involved in formation of spindles, M&S phases (cell cycle specific)
What are some key examples of hormonal agents used as antineoplastics?
estrogens, androgens, progestins, glucocorticoids: prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Sterapred)