breast cancer Flashcards
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where does breast cancer most of the time metastise too ?
, bone metastases are most likely to originate from the breast. In men, bone metastases are most likely to originate from the prostate.
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what is Trastuzumab
monoclonal antibody directed against the HER2/neu receptor
Role of Trastuzumab
mainly in metastatic breast cancer although some patients with early disease are now also given trastuzumab.
side effects of Trastuzumab
flu-like symptoms and diarrhoea are common
cardiotoxicity:
more common when ANTHRACYCLINES HAVE also been used
an echo is usually performed before starting treatment
Selective oEstrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM) example and used when ?
Tamoxifen- used in the management of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Tamoxifen is a SERM which acts as an
oestrogen receptor antagonist and partial agonist
Adverse effects of elective oEstrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM)
menstrual disturbance: vaginal bleeding,
amenorrhoea
hot flushes - 3% of patients stop taking tamoxifen due to climacteric side-effects
venous thromboembolism
endometrial cancer
examples of aromatase inhibitors ?
Anastrozole and letrozole
function of aromatase inhibitor ?
reduces peripheral oestrogen synthesis.
aromatisation accounts for the majority of oestrogen production in ?
postmenopausal women and therefore anastrozole is used for ER +ve breast cancer in this group.
side effects of aromatase inhibitor such as anastrozole and letrozole
osteoporosis
NICE recommends a DEXA scan when initiating a patient on aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer
hot flushes
arthralgia, myalgia
insomnia
