Chapter 14 Exam Flashcards
Antineoplastic literal meaning
“against new tissue formation”
what do antineoplastics do?
Agents that counteract the development, growth, or spread of malignant cells
what do antineoplastics treat?
various types of cancers
Chemotherapy
Cytotoxic drugs and drug combinations used for palliative effects or for long-term or complete remissions in early treatment of cancer
Palliative
alleviation of symptoms
Cytotoxic
destructive to cells
what does it mean to have Cells that are proliferating??
reproducing rapidly
Immunosuppressive properties
decrease production of WBCs and antibodies and reduce the inflammatory reaction
How do antimetabolites work?
interfering with DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication
what are antimetabolites used in the treatment of?
various malignancies, especially those involving rapidly proliferating neoplasms (new growth), also resistant cases of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
examples of antimetabolites…
methotrexate and fluorouracil (topical –to treat certain skin cancers)
what tissues are more sensitive to antimetabolites?
and give examples of these….
Tissues with a high rate of cellular metabolism are more sensitive to Antimetabolites
EXAMPLES: (neoplasms, hair follicles, buccal/GI lining, fetal cells, & bone marrow)
what do Alkylating Agents treat?
Can treat a wide range of cancers
what do Alkylating Agents do?
Prevent cell growth by damaging DNA needed for reproduction
examples of alkylating agents..
cisplatin and cyclophosphamide
Cautions and responsibilities for Antineoplastic drugs-
Medications should be given on time and exactly as prescribed
Intravenous sites must be checked with great care
Intravenous fluids containing antineoplastic agents should not be allowed to get on the skin or into the eyes of the patient or administrator
Antiemetics should be immediately available and administered as prescribed
Careful and frequent oral hygiene is essential – use swabs for prevention of further ulcers
Soft foods and cool liquids should be available to the patient as required
Accurate intake and output is important for adequate assessment of hydration
Forms of Radioactive Isotopes…
Sometimes the radioactive material is injected into the affected site (ex: radiogold) or implanted in the body in the form of capsules, needles, or seeds
2 examples of vaccines…
Gardasil and Cervarix
Signal Transduction Inhibitors-
Block specific enzymes and growth factor receptors that signal cancer cell proliferation
how are signal transduction inhibitors usually given?
Majority are given by the oral route
what do targeted therapies do??
Block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumor growth and progression
Herceptin…
when tumor produces excess amounts of a protein called HER2
how are MABs administered?
by IV
Monoclonal Antibodies
Exogenous (outside of body) antibodies genetically engineered in the laboratory
Designed to target only cancer cells, thereby sparing normal tissues
Antitumor Antibiotics-
Can treat a wide variety of malignancies
Monitor for signs of cardiotoxicity
Examples of antitumor antibiotics…
doxorubicin (closely monitor patient for IV infiltration), daunorubicin, bleomycin, mitomycin, and others
Hormones include:
Corticosteroids
Hormone Modifiers include
antiestrogen & antiandrogen
Antiestrogen
hormonal therapy for metastatic estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer and palliative treatment (ex: tamoxifen)
Antiandrogen
hormonal therapy in the treatment of endometriosis and metastatic prostate cancer (ex: bicalutamide)
what are corticosteroids?
used primarily for their suppressant effect on lymphocytes
Biological Therapies-
Designed to repair, stimulate, or enhance cancer patients’ natural immune systems to more effectively recognize and attack cancer cells
types of biological therapies…
Active or direct and passive or indirect
what do Colony-Stimulating Factors do?
Encourage bone marrow stem cells to divide and develop into red and white blood cells and platelets
Neupogen
WBC
erythropoietin
Epogen, Procrit (RBCs)
why do oncologists use CSF’s?
can increase the doses of antineoplastics without increasing the risk of infection or the need for transfusions
Mitotic Inhibitors-
Mitosis is the process of cell division and reproduction
Mitotic inhibitors are often plant alkaloids and other compounds derived from natural products that block mitosis
Plant alkaloids: vinblastine or vincristine
Taxanes: paclitaxel (administered by an oncologist-IV)
