Breast cancer Flashcards
1
Q
A 45-year-old woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer two months ago. Following mastectomy, she was started on a course of docetaxel by the oncology team. She is currently on her second cycle of treatment.
What is the mechanism of action for this treatment?
A
Taxanes such as docetaxel - prevents microtubule depolymerisation & disassembly, decreasing free tubulin
chemo agent
2
Q
Consider thromboembolism in breast cancer patients on
A
tamoxifen!
3
Q
Tess’s tumour was HER2 receptor positive and so she was suitable for which drug?
A
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)-monoclonal antibodies
FISH is looking for copies of the HER2 gene, IHC is looking for the HER2 protein.
