Cancer Chemotherapy Flashcards
Site of action for antimetabolites?
DNA synthesis
Site of action for alkylating agents?
DNA
Site of action for intercalating agents?
DNA transcription and duplication
Site of action for spindle poisons?
Mitosis (metaphase)
MoA of alkylating agents?
Impair replication by forming palatinates adducts
Example of alkylating agent?
Eloxatin
MoA of antimetabolites?
Inhibit folate cycle
Example and specific MoA of antimetabolites?
S-Fluorouracil inhibits thymidylate synthase
Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase
MoA of spindle poisons?
Targets tubulin proteins in mitotic phase so that chromosomes can’t align and separate into daughter cells
Examples and specific MoA of spindle poisons?
Vinca alkaloids inhibit polymerisation of tubulin
Taxanes bind irreversibly to tubulin and stabilise the molecule
ADRs of spindle poisons?
Neurotoxicity: glove and stocking peripheral neruopathy
MoA of glycopetide antibiotics?
Forms free radicals (when chelated with Fe2+) which attack phosphodiester DNA bonds -> DNA cutting
Example of glycopeptide antibiotic?
Bleomycin
ADR of glycopeptide antibiotics?
Pulmonary fibrosis
MoA of anthracycline antibiotic?
Targets DNA synthesis in S phase
Intercalates between base pairs which interferes with transcription
Inhibits topoisomerase
Generates free radicals
Example of anthracycline antibiotics?
Doxorubicin
ADR of anthracycline antibiotic?
Cardiotoxic
MoA of tamoxifen?
Selective oestrogen receptor modulator which acts as an antagonist of oestrogen in breast tissue
Metabolised in liver to active form (prodrug)
Cells remain in G0+G1
ADRs of tamoxifen?
Only works if patient is ER positive
ADRs of tamoxifen?
Hot flushes/sweats
Increase DVT/PE risk
Weight gain
Increase endometrial cancer risk
ADRs of chemotherapy?
Fatigue Hair loss Altered taste Mucositis Altered bowel habits, nausea, vomiting Thrombocytopenia (easy bruising/bleeding) Neutropenia (increased infection risk) AKI
