Chap 46 Flashcards
Alkylation
A chemical reaction in which an alkyl group is transferred from one molecule to another. In chemotherapy, alkylation leads to damage of the cancer cell deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and cell death
Bifunctional
Referring to those alkylating drugs composed of molecules that have two reactive alkyl groups and that are therefore able to alkylate at two sites on the DNA molecule
Extravasation
The leakage of any intravenously or intraarterially administered medication into the tissue space surrounding the vein or artery. Such an event can cause serious tissue injury, especially with antineoplastic drugs
Mitosis
The process of cell reproduction occurring in somatic (nonsexual) cells and resulting in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells containing the diploid (complete) number of chromosomes characteristic of the species
Polyfunctional
Referring to the action of alkylating drugs that can engage in several alkylation reactions with cancer cell DNA molecules per single molecule of drug
Cisplatin (Platinol) Mechanism of Action
Miscellaneous alkylators
Bifunctional alkylating drug
Believed to destroy cancer cells by forming cross-links with DNA and thereby preventing its replication
Antineoplastic alkylating drugs attach to DNA molecules by forming covalent bonds with the bases
As a result, abnormal chemical bonds form between adjacent DNA strands
Leads to formation of defective nucleic acids that are unable to perform the normal cellular reproductive functions
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) Mechanism of Action
Classic alkylators (nitrogen mustards)
Polyfunctional alkylating drug
Work by preventing cancer cells from reproducing
Alter the chemical structure of the cells’ deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is essential to the reproduction of any cell
Antineoplastic alkylating drugs attach to DNA molecules by forming covalent bonds with the bases
As a result, abnormal chemical bonds form between adjacent DNA strands
Leads to formation of defective nucleic acids that are unable to perform the normal cellular reproductive functions
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Mechanism of Action
Cell-cycle nonspecific drugs
Interact with DNA through a process called intercalation, in which the drug molecule is inserted between the 2 strands of a DNA molecule, ultimately blocking DNA synthesis
Inhibit the enzyme topoisomerase II, which leads to DNA strand breaks
Mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard, Mustargen) Mechanism of Action
Classic alkylators
Bifunctional alkylating drug
Capable of forming cross-links between two DNA nucleotides, which interferes with RNA transcription and prevents cell division and protein synthesis
