Cancer drugs Flashcards
What drug class is Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxin)?
Alkylating drugs
what does Cytoxin derive from?
Nitrogen Mustard
What is the action of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
prevents cell division, decrease DNA synthesis and inhibit DNA replication and RNA synthesis
Cell death and inability to replicate
What is the use of Cytoxan?
treat lymphomas and tumors
Cytotoxic drugs are administrated how and why?
administrated IV due to being water soluble, few given intrathecally (methotexrate)
What must we monitor when giving cytotoxic drugs?
liver and kidneys
What class does Methotrexate fall under?
Antimetabolite- Folate antagonists
what is the mechanism of action of methotextrate?
Interfere with DNA synthesis, repair and cellular replication
inhibits formation of folates
what drug class does fluorocil fall under?
Antimetabolites- Pyrimidine analogs
what is the action of fluoroucil?
affect DNA and RNA synthesis
incorporates flouoroucil in tumor cell RNA synthesis, and replaces uracil, and affects cell growth
what are the side effects of Cytoxan?
bone marrow depression, secondary leukemia or bladder cancer
N/V, alopecia, hemorrhagic cystitis,
What are common chemotherapy adverse affects
NEUTROPENIA (low neutrophil count)
MYELOSUPRESSION (bone marrow depression)
THROMBOCYTOPENIA (low platelets)
DAMAGE TO HEART, KIDNEYS, LIVER AND NERVES
What is tumor lysis syndrome? What can it cause?
when large number of cancer cells die
Causes dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, renal failure, EKG changes
CAN BE DEADLY!!!
What precautions do nurses take when administering Chemo?
PPE
Complications of chemo therapy?
Infection (due to weak immune system; avoid catheters)
Bleeding
Extravasation (severe inflammation, pain, ulceration, and tissue necrosis)
Hyperuricemia (kidney damage, can lead to neuropathy)
Hand Foot syndrome
What are the contraindications of Cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs?
pregnancy, lactation and myelosupression
what drug class is Alemtuzumab?
Biologic antineoplastic drug
what is the side affects of Alemtuzumab?
allergic infusion reactions (dyspnea, fever, chills, skin rash), immunosuppression, hypotension, HTN, peripheral edema, N/V and mucositis
What is the action of Alemtuzumab?
bind to antigen on T cells and B lymphocytes, activate antibody, completement cytoxic toxicity
immune destruction
What class does Tamoxifen fall inn?
Antiestrogens, treats breast cancer
What is the mechanism of action of Tamoxifen?
suppresses estrogen by binding to receptors
how long must a patient take tamoxifen to prevent tumor recurrence?
2-5 years
What are the side effects of Tamoxifen?
Hot flashes, N/V, vaginal discharge, risk of endometrial cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy
what do nurses assess for therapeutic effects of chemo drugs?
absence or reduction in tumor size
lab testing
improved functional status, appetite, weight gain and energy
decrease in cancer related symptoms (fatigue, pain, dyspnea, cough, anorexia N/V)
what are patient teachings for methotrexate?
avoid sunlight, aspirin, and prolonged exposure to sun
patient teaching for Fluoroucil
drink plenty of fluids
