Antineoplastic and immunosuppressant drugs Flashcards
What are some properties of chemotherapy drugs?
- interfere with DNA of cells (may stop protein synthesis or cell division)
- doses are based on body surface area in square meters, not weight
- indiscriminately target rapid dividing cells, including GIT, bone marrow, hair follicles, reproductive organs
- many are vesicants (cause blistering)
What are some side effects of chemotherapy drugs?
- vomit, diarrhea, anorexia (affects CRTZ and gut lining)
- myelosuppression
- immune suppression - neutropenia
- thrombocytopenia & anemia
- hair loss (some breeds)
- anaphylaxis/hypersensitivity
- tissue necrosis
- hemorrhagic cystitis
- teratogenic, mutagenic, infertility
What are some emergency drugs to have ready when administering chemo drugs?
corticosteroids, epinephrine, antihistamines
What are the routes of administration for chemo drugs?
IV - most
PO - few
IM/SQ - rare (asparaginase)
intrathecal - into space where CSF sits to treat CNS cancer (brain/spinal column)
intratumoural - cisplatin, immunocidin
What are alkylating agents?
interfere with DNA replication - stops protein synthesis and cell division
What are some examples of alkylating agents?
- cyclophosphamide - “cytoxan” (PO or IV)
- chlorambucil - “leukeron” (PO)
What are anthracyclines?
- binds to DNA and interferes with protein synthesis
What is an example of a anthracycline?
- doxorubicin
> may cause urine to change color to red/brown for a couple days
> nephrotoxicity in cats
> hypersensitivity during administration
> cardiotoxicity
> pretreat with antihistamines
What are antimetabolites?
interfere with DNA synthesis which blocks protein synthesis
What are some examples of antimetabolite drugs?
- 5-fluorouracil (toxic in cats)
- cytosine - “cytarabine”
What are antitubulins?
plant alkyloids that inhibit mitosis resulting in cell death - derived from periwinkle plant
What are some examples of antitubulin drugs?
vincristine & vinblastine
What are platinum drugs? Give some examples
- act similar to alkylating drugs - interrupt replication of DNA in tumor cells
Cisplatin = nephrotoxic & fatal to cats (pulmonary edema/dyspnea & death)
Carboplatin
How does asparaginase work?
contains an enzyme extracted from E.coli bacteria which breaks down asparagine = an AA required by cancer cells = cancer cell death
> has no effect on normal cells**
What are the side effects of asparaginase?
immediate hypersensitivity & GIT disturbances
What are biological response modifiers?
enhance the hosts ability to mount an immune response to tumors
How do BRM’s work?
- monoclonal antibodies that have cytotoxic effects on tumor cells
- interferons - produced by leukocytes, can have antitumor and antiviral effects
What is immunocidin and what is it used for?
mycobacterial cell wall fraction immunostimulant
> used to treat K9 mammary tumors and equine sarcoids
How is immunocidin administered?
intratumoural injection - has a systemic effect still
Why are chemo drugs considered hazardous?
- Low TI
- high risk of extravascular damage
What should personnel be aware of when administering chemo drugs?
- not pregnant or wanting to be
- training in handling and administration
- educate yourself about EACH drug you are using (effects with accidental exposure and side effects to animal)
- WEAR PPE
What PPE should be worn when giving chemo drugs?
approved chemotherapy gloves, protective goggles, surgical mask (may need resp mask), closed front nonabsorbent gown with elastic cuffs
What is the PhaSeal system?
closed system to draw up, transfer, and administer hazardous drugs
How should chemotherapy waste products be handled?
use chemotherapy puncture proof waste containers > incinerated or sent to licensed land fill
