Cancer Sucks Flashcards
What are the negative effects of chemotherapy-induced N/V?
-increases morbidity
-negatively effects patients quality of life
-more distressful for the patients compared to other side effects
-non-adherence to chemotherapy and/or dose-reductions
-weakness, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, esophageal tears, decline in behavioral and mental status
Acute CINV
-occurring within the first 24 hours after initiation of chemotherapy
Delayed CINV
occurring from 24 hrs to several days (days 2-5) after chemotherapy
Breakthrough CINV
occurring despite appropriate prophylactic treatment
Anticipatory CINV
occurring before a treatment as a conditioned response to the occurrence of CINV in previous cycles
Refractory CINV
recurring in subsequent cycles of therapy, excluding anticipatory CINV
Pathology of CINV
-communication between several neurotransmitters and receptors in the CNS & GI tract
-Serotonin and its receptors
-Substance P and NK-1 receptors
-Dopamine and its receptors
Emetic response to chemotherapy: Peripheral pathway
-5-HT3-mediated
-originates in the GI tract
-activated in the first 24hr after chemotherapy
-primarily associated with acute emesis
Emetic response to chemotherapy: central pathway
-NK-1 receptor mediated (substance P as well)
-occurs primarily in the brain
-through to be predominantly involved in delayed CINV
general principles of emesis control
-PREVENTION is key!!
-factors in choosing antiemetic agents: emetic risk of the therapy, prior experience with antiemetics, pt factors
**for chemo regimens with multiple agents, anti-emetic prophylaxis should be based on the agent with the highest emetogenic risk
-lifestyle measures may help to alleviate CINV
Risk factors of CINV
-age < 50
-female sex
-emetic potential of chemotherapy
-little or no previous alcohol use
-hx of CINV: prone to motion sickness
-emesis during pregnancy
Emesis Prevention: HIGH emetic risk w/ parenteral anticancer agents
Day 1: olanzapine, dexamethasone, NK1 RA, 5-HT3 RA
Day 2-4: olazapine, dexamethasone, aprepitant (PO)
Emesis Prevention: MODERATE risk w/ parenteral anticancer agents
A: day 1: dexamethasonse & 5-HT3 RA, Day 2-3: Dexamethasone OR 5-HT3 RA
B: day 1: olazapine, dexamethasone, palonosetron
Day 2-3: olanzapine
C: day 1: NK1 RA, dexamethasone, 5-HT3 RA
Day 2-3: Aprepitant +/- dexamethasone
Emesis prevention for low/minimal emetic risk
Options:
-dexamethasone
-metoclopramide
-prochlorperazine
-5-HT3 RA
Emesis prevention with ORAL anticancer agents
-high to moderate emetic risk: 5-HT3 RA
-low to minimal emetic risk: PRN recommended
Breakthrough emesis treatment
-add one agent from a different frug class to the current regimen
-consider routine, around the clock admin rather than PRN dosing
-consider antacid therapy if pt has dyspepsia
-drug options: olazapine, lorazepam, dronabinol, 5-HT3 RA, prochloperazine, dexamethasone, metoclopramide, scopolamine
Anticipatory emesis treatment
-PREVENTION is key!
-avoid strong smells that may precipitate symptoms
-LORAZEPAM is useful in anticipatory, anxiety-related, emesis
-acupunture
-behavioral therapy: guided imagery, relaxation, hypnosis, cognitive distraction, yoga, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation
Dexamethasone used in CINV
-MOA unknown –> Drug of choice!
-AEs: insomnia (administer in the AM), dyspepsia (take with food, consider adding H2 antagonist or PPI as clinically indicated), hyperglycemia, hypertension
5-HT3 RA used in CINV (ondansetron, palonosetron, granisertron)
MOA: blocks serotonin, both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals & centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone
AEs: headache, constapation, QTc prolongation
5-HT3 RA used in CINV: Ondansetron & Granisetron
-1st generation
-most effective in preventing of acute CINV
-short acting –> can be used in breakthrough nausea
5-HT3 RA used in CINV: palonosetron
-2nd generation
-effective in preventing acute & delayed CINV
-long acting ( 1/2 life = 40 hrs)
NK1 RA used in CINV: (aprepitant, fosaprepitant, rolapitant, fosnetupitant, netupitant)
MOA: inhibits the substance p/ neurokinin 1 –> augments 5HT3-RA & dexamethasone antiemetic activity
-only used for PREVENTION of CINv, not treatment
-DDIs: inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 (dec dexamethasone dose to 8 mg daily on days 2-4)
AEs: fatigue, GI upset, headache, hiccups
Olanzapine used in CINV
MOA: blocks dopamine, 5-HT3, muscarinic and histamine receptors
–> useful in both prevention and breakthrough nausea
AE: sedation (administer at bedtime, consider low dose for elderly), hyperglycemia, fatigue, QTc prolongation
Dopamine antagonists used in CINV (Prochloperazine, Metoclopramide, Promethazine)
MOA: antagonize dopamine in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, most useful for breakthrough CINV
P&P AEs: phenothiazines, drowsiness, constipation
M AEs: benzamines, drowsiness, diarrhea, QTc prolongation, tardive dyskinesia
*Prochlorperazine used in pts at risk of QTc *
Benzodiazepines used in CINV (lorazepam, alprazolam)
MOA: anxiolytic
–> most useful for anticipatory CINV or breakthrough CINV that has an anxiety component
–> administer the night before or the morning of chemotherapy or both
AEs: sedation, dizziness
Cannabinoids used in CINV (dronabinol)
MOA: CB1 agonism suppresses vomiting, indirect activation of 5HT1a in raphe nucleus
–> rarely used, only indicated for refractory disease
AEs: sedation, euphoria, hallucinations, palpitations, flushing, cough
Scopolamine used in CINV
MOA: anticholinergic
–> rarely used, only used for breakthrough disease
AEs: dry mouth, somnolence, blurred vision
Cancer treatment induced diarrhea (CTID)
-can cause depletion of fluids and electrolytes, malnutrition, dehydration, and hospitalization/death
-can also be related to chemotherapy dosing delays or reductions
Assessment of CTID
-hx, volume and duration of diarrhea, hydration status
added risk factors: fever, orthostatic symptoms, abdominal pain.cramping, weakness
Diarrhea grading: grades 1 & 2
1: < 4 stools/day, mild increase in ostomy output
2: 4-6 stools/day, moderate increase in ostomy output, limiting instrumental ADL
Diarrhea grading: grades 3 & 4
3: > 7 stools per day, hospitalization indicated, severe increase in ostomy output, limiting. self care ADL
4: life threatening consequences, urgent intervention indicated
*Irinotecan-induced diarrhea
**Irinotecan can cause acute or delayed diarrhea
–> acute: due to cholinergic stimulation, mean duration of symptoms is 30 mins, usually respond rapidly to atropine
–> delayed: due to GI mucosal damage secondary to SN-38, usually occur more than 24 hrs after admin, noncumulative and occurs at all doses
Management of CTID
Non-pharm: avoidance of foods that would aggravate the diarrhea, aggressive oral rehydration with fluids that contain water, salt and sugar
Pharm:
-1st line: loperamide ( 4 mg then 2 mg q 4 hrs after MDD 16 mg) –> OTC
-Diphenoxylate-atropine (1-2 tabs q 6 hr until control achieves (MDD 8 tab)
tx of refractory CTID
-Octreotide
-tincture of opium
-probiotics
-rule out C. diff and infection colitis
Mucositis
-erythematous and ulcerative lesions of the mucosa observed in pts treated with chemotherapy
-can occur anywhere in the GI tract
Stomatitis
mucositis limited to the oral cavity
Mucositis complications
-symptom onset: typically occurs within 5-14 days
-dec oral intake: poor nutritional status, grade 3 = severe oral pain, grade 4 requires parenteral or enteral nutrition
-inc infection risk: gram _ oral flora, candida or fungal infection
-pain: may require opioids and PCA admin
5 stage model of oral mucositis
1) initiation: cellular damage induced, reactive oxygen species formation
2) primary damage response: activation od. p53 & NK-kB
3) signal amplification: release of inflammatory cytokines, tissue damage & cell death
4) ulceration: high risk for bacterial colonization
5) healing: cessation from ongoing tissue damage
risk factors of chemotherapy induced mucositis
-chemotherapy: melphalan, cisplatin + radiation, high-dose methotrexate, doxorubicin, busulfan, 5-FU
-patient factors: smoking, poor oral hygiene, oral lesions at baseline, female sex, pretreatment nutritional status
Prevention of chemo-induced mucositis
–> oral hygiene: avoid acidic or spicy foods, brushing with a soft toothbrush BID & flossing, switch tablets to solutions or IV, use nonalcohol-based mouthwashes at least QID
–> cryotherapy: local vasoconstriction –> less drug delivered to the oral mucosa, hold ice chips in their mouth for 30 mins before and/or during infusion of chemotherapy
Management of chemotherapy-induced mucositis
1- oral decontamination: bland mouthwash or oncology mouthwash –> dexamethasone mouthwash for Everolimus-induced mucositis
2- pain control: 2 % viscous lidocaine swish and spit, systemic opioids
3- palliation of dry mouth: artificial saliva products or chewing gum to increase saliva production
4- nutritional support: liquid or soft diet, TPN
5- oral candidiasis tx: nystatin oral solution or clotrimazole lozange, floconazole 200 mg PO x 1 dose, then 100 mg x 21 days
Neutropenia
-absolute neutrophil count < 500 or expected to decrease < 500 in 48 hrs
–> profound neutropenia: ANC < 100
–> prolonged neutropenia: lasting longer than 10 days
–> febrile neutropenia: single temp > 38.3 orally or > 38.0 over 1 h + ANC < 500 or expected to decrease to < 500 cells in 48 hrs
Consequences of neutropenia
-dose reduction or treatment delays
-compromise clinical outcomes
-longer hospital stays
-increased treatment costs
-decreased quality of life
Risk assessment for febrile neutropenia
-disease
-chemo regimen: high. dose therapy or dose-dense therapy
-patient risk factors: prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy, persistent neutropenia, bone marrow involvement by tumor, recent surgery and/or open wounds, liver dysfunction, renal dysfunction, age > 65 years receiving full chemotherapy dose intensity
Primary prevention for febrile neutropenia
–> high risk, regardless of pt risk factors: G-CSFs recommended
–> Intermediate risk + >/- 1 risk factor: consider G-CSFs
–> low risk + >/- 2 risk factors: G-CSFs may be considered
Primary prevention for febrile neutropenia : Filgrastim, tbo-filgrastim (catergory 1) *
-short acting G-CSF
-start the next day or up to 3-4 days after completion of chemotherapy
-given daily until ANC recovery
Primary prevention for febrile neutropenia : Pegfilgrastim (catergory 1)*
-long acting G-CSF
-adminster up to 3-4 days after completion of chemotherapy
-single adminstration
**allow >12 days between the dose of pegfilgrastrim and the next cycle of chemotherapy
Primary prevention for febrile neutropenia : Eflapegrastim-xnst (catergory 2A) *
-long acting G-CSF
-administer ~ 24 hrs after completion of chemotherapy
-single dose admin
*-do not administer 14 days before and 24 hrs after admin of chemotherapy
Treatment of febrile neutropenia
-received filgrastim prophylactically: continue filgrastim
-received pegfilgrastim or eflapegrastim-xnst prophylactically: no additional G-CSFs needed
-did not receive prophylactic G-CSFs: assess risk factors for an infection-associated complication
TX of febrile neutropenia: possible indications for G-CSF use in established febrile neutropenia
-sepsis syndrome
-age > 65
-ANC < 100
-neutropenia expected to be > 10 days in duration
-pneumonia or other clinically documented infections
-invasive fungal infection
-hospitalization at the time of fever
-prior episodes of febrile neutropenia
Secondary prevention for febrile neutropenia
in lue of febrile neutropnia or dose-limiting neutropenic event:
–> prior use of G-CSFs: consider chemo dose reduction or change in tx regimen
–> no prior use of G-CSFs: consider G-CSFs
Acute Leukamias
-rapid onset
-symptomatic
-rapidly fatal if untreated
-immature cells (“blasts”)
-usually leukopenia
Chronic Leukemias
-slowly progressive
-most asymptomatic
-some survive years without treatment
-immature and mature cells
-
Diagnosis of leukemia
-bone marrow responsible for production of circulating blood cells –> includes red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
-bone marrow aspirate and biopsy required for diagnosis –> allows one to sample space where hematopoiesis occurs
who gets AML?
-most common acute leukemia in adults aged 65-74
-most deadly leukemia in the US annually
-median age at diagnosis: 68 y/o
Signs and Symptoms of AML
-anemia: fatigue, SOB
-thrombocytopenia: bleeding risk
-neutropenia*: defined as absolute neutrophil count < 500 or < 1000 with anticipated decreased to < 500 within 48 hrs
-spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome
-CNS involvement (rare): somnolence, headaches, confusion
What does AML look like?
-pancytopenia, WBC within normal limits, present with elevated WBC
-hyperleukocytosis
-elevated WBC: arbitrarily defined as WBC > 100,000, poor prognosis, increases risk of CNS involvement & very high risk ot TLS
What is hyperleukpcytosis in AML?
–> oncologic emergency
-hyperviscosity syndrome - “blood slugging”
-stupor, SOB, vision changes
-stroke, responsibility failure, cardaic ischemia, renal failure, retinal hemorrhage
Management of hyperluekocytosis
Hydroxyurea (Hydrea)
-oral ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor
-used for “count control”
-used until clinically stable and ready to start induction chemotherapy
-leukophresis
Hydroxyurea
-used for management of hyperluekocytosis
-capsules and suspension
-AEs: N/V/diarrhea, tumer lysis,
–> long term toxicities: cutaneous vasculitic ulcerations, mucositis, alopecia and hyperpigmentation
Diagnostic criteria for AML
-WHO: > 20% blasts isolated on bone marrow biopsy or peripheral blood
-detection of cytogenetic abnormalities known to indicate AML regardless of blast % on bmbx
Prognostic Markers of AML
**cytogenetics: karyotype (a persons chromosomal make up–> predicts ability to obtain remission with induction chemotherapy, risk of relapse and overall survival
-molecular abnormalities, age, primary vs secondary AML, performance status, availability of a stem cell donor, WBC at diagnosis, extra medullary disease
FMS-like-Tyrosine Kinase (FLT3) mutations
-promotes proliferation and blocks differentiation
-associated with worse prognosis, increased relapse rate and lower OS
-associated with leukocytosis and high percentage of blasts in bone marrow in denovo AML –> ITD mutation is associated with worse survival/worse prognosis compared to TDK mutation
Criteria for high-intensity induction chemotherapy for AML
-most pts < 60 y/o
-pts > 60 y/o without significant co-morbidities or end organ dysfunction
-pts with aggressive disease course
-pts who are candidates of an allogenic stem cell transplant
Induction chemotherapy: “7+3” for AML
-cytarabine 100 mg/m IV daily continuious infuction x 7 d + daunrorubicin 60 mg/m2 x 3d (OR idarubicin 12 mg x 3d)
–> 70% CR for < 60, 50% CR for > 60
When do you use Midostaurin in AML tx?
-FLT3-ITD or FLT3-TDK postitive pts
-50 mg BID with food on days 8-21 of each course of chemo
When do you use Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) in AML tx?
-favorable/intermediate cytogenetics
-3 mg.m^2 on days 1, 4 and 7 of induction & day 1 of consolidation courses
When do you use Liposomal Daunorubicin + Cytarabine (Vyxeos) in AML tx?
-use with treatment related AML/secondary (past radiation/cancer)
-1:5 fixed molar ratio
Response criteria in AML
-“leukemia-free state” - day 14 bmbx (goal is < 5-10% blasts, hypocellular)
-complete remissio/complete response criteria = day 28+ (assessed on repeat bmbx when blood counts recover after chemotherapy
Criteria for complete remission in AML
< 5% blasts AND ANC > 1000/mcL AND platelets > 100,000
Criteria for complete remission with incomplete count recovery (CRi) in AML
-older pts with prior MDS- residual dysplasia prevents full platelet recovery
AML post-remission therapy (for those who receive intensive chemo ONLY)
-high dose Cytarabine (HiDAC)
–> for those who recieve “7+3” based therapies
–> 1.5-3 g/m^2 IV q 12h x 6 doses every 28 days x 3-4 cycles
-addition of Midostaurin for FLT3+ or addition of GO on day 1 for cycles ! & 2 ONLY (for those that received GO in induction)
“low intensity chemo”–> for those unfit for intensive chemo/co-morbidities”
-hypomethylating agents + venetoclax
-low dose Cytarabine + Venetoclax
-Ivosidenib + Venetoclax
-LDAC + Glasdegib
AML Therapies: Midostaurin
FDA approved for newly-diagnosed FLT3 + AML (not refractory)
-targets FLT3 mutations (FLT3-ITD & TKD)
AML Therapies: Ivosidenib
-FDA approved for newly diagnosed AML & relapsed/refractory AML with IDH1 mutation
AML Therapies: Enasidenib
-FDA approved for replased/refractory AML with IDH2 mutation
Supportive care in AML*
1- transfusions: red blood cell transfusion if Hgb <. 8, platelet tranfusion if platelet < 10,000
2- infection prophylaxis while neutropenic: HSV/VZV (Acyclovir), antibacterial (levofloxacin), invasive fungal & mold (posaconazole ER)
Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Oncologic Emergency
-rapid tumor breakdown following chemotherapy (spontaneously may occur prior to start of chemo if high tumor burden
-sudden release of intracellular potassium, phosphorus, uric acid
–> onset = 12-72 hrs post chemo
Tumor Lysis Syndrome Presentation: metabolic disturbances *
-hyperuricemia: concentrates & crystalizes in urine –> may lead to irreversible kidney damage
-hyperphosphatemia: calcium phosphate product precipitates in kidney
-hyperkalemia
-hypocalcemia: elevated phosphorus leads to shift of Ca, Ca usually shifts to bone, but can go elsewhere –> may still lead to precipitates
Tumor Lysis Syndrome Prophylaxis
allopurinal
-hydration: maintain urine output > 2.5 L/day
-Rasburicase: only used for those at high risk & pre-existing hyperuricemia
Tumor Lysis Syndrome Management
-hyperuricemia: IV hydration
-Hyperkalemia: insulin & glucose
-Hyperphosphatemia: sevelamer, calcium acetate
-hypocalcemia: DO NOT treat
AML chemo clinical pearls: Anthracyclines
(daunorubicin, Idarubicin, Mitoxantrone)
-pink/red urine (mito = blue urine)
=myelosuppression
-cardiac toxicity –> alwasy do an echo
AML chemo clinical pearls: Cytarabine
neurotoxicity
-cerebellar syndrome –> ataxia, nystagmus, dysarthria
-“neuro checks” required prior to each visit
-conjuntivitis (Dez 0.1% eye drops q6h for 3 days after HiDAC is complete
AML chemo clinical pearls: GO
(Gemtuzumab)
-infusion-related reactions: pre-medicate with acetaminophin, diphenhydramine and methylprednisolone
-BBW: hepatotoxicity
**dont use in transplant pts
AML chemo clinical pearls: low-intensity chemo
-constipation –> standing bowel medications
-low-moderate emetogenicity
-pre-medicate with ondansetron
Myeloid Growth Factors
-may be started after 14 bmbx in those who receive intensive chemo
-does NOT prevent neutropenia
-risk of potentiating leukemic cells
AEs: bone pain (used loratadine)
What does CML look like?
main mutation = Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+)
-risk factors: ionizing radiation
-symptoms: up to 50% of pts are asymptomatic, splenomegaly, anorexia, bone pain, purpura, unexplained weight loss, fatigue
CML classifications: chronic phase
-want to keep pts here
Goal: delay progression to AP/BP, eradicate philadelphia chromosome
CML classifications: accelerated phase
-10-19% blasts in peripheral and/or bone marrow
-goal: control WBC count, bring back to CP and avoid progression to BP