Cancer Drugs Flashcards
Various group of symptoms that cannot be directly attributed to the spread of a cancerous tumor
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
May be the first sign of malignancy
Cachexia (most common) muscle wasting
Fatigue, fever, weight loss
Original site of growth
Primary lesion
Mass of new cells; tumor
Neoplasm (“new tissue”)
more technical term for cancer
Malignant neoplasm
Bone marrow suppression
Anemia
Thrombocytopenia
Leukopenia
Monitor for complications
stomatitis altered bowel function with high risk for poor appetite nausea, vomiting diarrhea, and inflammation and possible ulcerations of GI mucosa
Antiemetics often work better if given
30-60 min before chemo starts
To decrease reactions from the methotrexate
Leucovorin
Cytarabine: monitor for
neuro toxicity
along with N/V; fever; headache
Cytarabine counter drug
dexamethasone
Chemo & what to avoid (thrombocytopenia) precautions
no flossing soft bristle toothbrush avoid blowing nose use electric razor avoid straining for bowel movements
Women of childbearing age will need to use
nondrug form of contraception during therapy.
ANC (neutrophils) <500
severely neutropenic—no one will initiate chemo during that time
Hormonal therapy used to
Oppose effects of hormones
Block the body’s sex hormone receptors
