Case Workshop PPT Flashcards
What is aromatase in breast cancer?
Enzyme responsible for synthesis of oestrogen from androgen (androstenedione & testosterone)
Where do aromatase inhibitors work in breast cancer?
Conversion of androgen to oestrogen
Production, not activity
Where does tamoifen work in breast cancer?
Oestrogen modulator
Activity, not production
What are THREE advantages of tamoxifen?
Reduced breast cancer (breast)
Reduced cholesterol (liver)
Reduced fractures (bone)
What are FOUR disadvantages of tamoxifen?
Increased cataracts (eye)
Increased vasomotor symptoms eg. hot flushes, night sweats (hypothalamus)
Increased thromboembolism (liver)
Increased endometrial cancer, fibroids, polyps, vaginal discharge (uterus)
Where does bicalutamide work in prostate cancer?
Androgen receptors
Activity, not production
Where does abiraterone work?
CYP17
like aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer
Where do LHRH agonists/antagonists work?
Pituitary
Production & release
What is the difference in duration of action between filgrastim & pegfilgrastim?
Filgrastim: short-acting
Pegfilgrastim: long-acting
What is the difference in dosing frequency between filgrastim & pegfilgrastim?
Filgrastim: OD
Pegfilgrastim: every 21 days/3 weeks
What are important counselling points for febrile neutropenia?
Measure temperature with thermometer –> !! above 38 degrees
When at ED, inform staff immediately about chemotherapy treatment
Why does chemotherapy increase the risk of infection?
Chemotherapy affects all dividing cells, including neutrophils (WBCs)
Neutropenia = low neutrophil count
Risk of infection increases; ability to fight infection decreases
What are signs & symptoms of infection?
Fever –> !! above 38.3 degrees
Tachycardia Tachypnoea/dyspnoea Hypotension Cough Hypoxia Sweating Chills, shivers, shakes --> rigors Decrease urine output
Why is tumour lysis syndrome relevant?
One of the common side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy
Is the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) inside or outside the BBB?
Outside
