Chapter 8: Immune system and malignant disease Flashcards

1
Q

<p>What is extravasation of IV drugs? What can chemo drugs cause?</p>

A

<p>Leakage of the drug into surrounding tissue</p>

<p>Extravasation of cytotoxicsCan lead to permanent tissue damage</p>

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2
Q

<p>Chemotherapy can cause Neutropenic sepsis, a MEDICAL EMERGENCY. This is essentially neutropenia. What are the symptoms?</p>

A

<p><strong>General Malaise</strong>/ high temp above 37.5 (due to infection)</p>

<p><strong>Shivering/ flu-like symptoms</strong></p>

<p><strong>Uncontrolled gum/ nose bleeds </strong>(due to low platelets)</p>

<p><strong>Bruising</strong></p>

<p><strong>Mouth ulcers (worse than usual)</strong></p>

<p><strong>Diarrhoea/ uncontrolled vomiting (dont forget- chemo can cause some vomiting itself)</strong></p>

<p><strong>Advise patient to go to A&E asap and<u> not to take paracetamol</u></strong></p>

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3
Q

<p>What are the Side effects of Chemotherapy?</p>

A

<p><strong>Oral mucositis- i</strong>nflammation of the mouth-ulcers and pain or difficulty swallowing.</p>

<p>Diarrhoea</p>

<p>Nausea and vomitting</p>

<p>Hyperuricaemia (high uric acid level)</p>

<p>Alopecia</p>

<p>dry mouth</p>

<p>Neutropenia</p>

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4
Q

<p>Which Chemo drugs can only be given by IV administration only?</p>

A

<p><strong>VINCA ALKALOIDS</strong></p>

<p>e.g. Vinblastine, Vincristine (all the Vin's)</p>

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5
Q

<p>Which two immunosuppressant drugs used in chemo have a lot of interactions, plus must always maintain the <strong>same brand</strong>?</p>

A

<p>Ciclosporin</p>

<p>Tacrolimus</p>

<p></p>

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6
Q

<p>What is important to let patients know on therapy with Azathioprine?</p>

A

<p>Reporting- <strong>Blood disorders</strong>-sore throat, mouth ulcers, bleeding, fever- seek medical attention</p>

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7
Q

<p>Which chemo drugs have a lower emetogenic (vomitting) potential?</p>

A

<p>Methotrexate</p>

<p>Vinca alkaloids- vinblastine, vincristine</p>

<p></p>

<p>Highly emetogenic: Cisplatin, dacarbazine</p>

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8
Q

<p>How much will a patient recieving treatment for unpleasant side effects they experienced from their last dose of chemotherapy, have to pay for their prescription of Folinic acid (used for methotrexate side effects)?</p>

A

<p>Nothing- free</p>

<p>Those on cancer meds andon meds for effects of cancer are medically exempt</p>

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9
Q

<p>Tamoxifen is usually used for breast cancer at a dose of 20mg daily. It can increase the risk of another cancer:\_\_\_\_\_\_ cancer. It can also result in thromboembolism and patients are required to report symptoms like?</p>

A

<p>Endometrial cancer</p>

<p>Symptoms such as SOB, pain in one leg</p>

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10
Q

<p>Which class of chemotherapy drug is Cardio toxic and associated with cardiomyopathy?</p>

A

<p>Anthracyclines eg</p>

<p>Doxorubicin</p>

<p>Epirubicin</p>

<p>Daunorubicin</p>

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11
Q

<p>What class of anti cancer drugs are useful for lung and breast cancers?</p>

A

<p>Vinca- alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine)</p>

<p>Also for Leukaemias and Lymphomas</p>

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12
Q

<p>What drug is used as a protectorant from cytotoxic induced urothelial toxcitiy such as heamorrhagic cystitis/ blood in urine?</p>

A

<p>Mesna</p>

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13
Q

<p>What antiemetic is indicated for chemo-therapy induced nausea and vomiting?</p>

A

<p>Ondansetron</p>

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14
Q

<p>What would a hightemperature following a dose of Chemo indicate?</p>

A

<p>Febrile Neutropenia</p>

<p>Remember neutropenia warning signs = fever- this is all it is</p>

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15
Q

<p>Which 2 anticancer drugs DO NOT cause bone marrow suppression?</p>

A

<p>Bleomycin (an anthracycline cytotoxic antibiotic)</p>

<p>Vincristine</p>

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16
Q

<p>When does bone marrow suppression, caused by most chemo drugs bar vincristine and bleomycin, usually occur?</p>

A

<p>7 -10 days after administration</p>

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17
Q

What are some main side effects of azathioprine?

A

NAME?

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18
Q

What pre-treatment screening is needed with azathioprine?

A

TPMT levelsTPMT metabolises the drug, so if reduced levels, there is an increased risk of myelosuppression

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19
Q

What is the MHRA advice regarding ciclosporin prescribing?

A

Must be prescribed and dispensed by brand name

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20
Q

What is the MHRA advice surrounding tacrolimus prescribing?

A

Prescribe and dispense by brand name only, to minimise the risk of inadvertent switching between products, which has been associated with reports of toxicity and graft rejection

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21
Q

When monitoring tacrolimus, should peak or trough levels be taken?

A

Trough Especially when there is diarrhoea, levels need to be closely monitored

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22
Q

What is the MHRA advice surrounding the use of mycophenolic acid/MMF?

A

The MHRA advises to exclude pregnancy in females of child-bearing potential before treatment—2 pregnancy tests 8–10 days apart are recommended. Women should use at least 1 method of effective contraception before and during treatment, and for 6 weeks after discontinuation - 2 are preferredMycophenolate medicines remain contraindicated in women of childbearing potential who are not using reliable contraception and in pregnant women unless there are no suitable alternatives to prevent transplant rejectionMale patients or their female partner should use effective contraception during treatment and for 90 days after discontinuation.

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23
Q

Fingolimod, a drug used for MS, carry what MHRA warnings?

A

NAME?

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24
Q

What is the MHRA advice surrounding the use of bevacizumab?

A

Risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw

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25
Q

What is the MHRA advice surrounding the use of EGFR inhibitors e.g. cetuximab?

A

Keratitis and ulcerative keratitisIn rare cases, this has resulted in corneal perforation and blindness

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26
Q

What is the MHRA advice surrounding the use of nivolumab?

A

Risk of organ transplant rejection

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27
Q

Which two cytotoxic drugs do not cause bone marrow suppression?

A

Vincristine Bleomycin

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28
Q

Ciclosporin can cause what kinds of toxicity?

A

NeurotoxicityNephrotoxicity

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29
Q

What is the patient advice surrounding ciclosporin?

A

NAME?

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30
Q

Tacrolimus can cause what kinds of organ damage?

A

NephrotoxicityCardiomyopathyNeurotoxicity - headaches, tremorsHepatotoxicityEye disorders- burred visionCan also disturb glucose metabolism

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31
Q

What is the patient advice surrounding tacrolimus?

A

NAME?

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32
Q

What is a local reaction that can happen when IV cytotoxics are given?

A

Extravasation - severe local tissue necrosis

33
Q

What are the main side effects of cytotoxics?

A

NAME?

34
Q

What are the features of tumour lysis syndrome?

A

Hyperkalaemia, hyperuricaemia, hyperphosphataemia withhypocalcaemia; renal damage and arrhythmias

35
Q

How is acute nausea and vomiting symptoms managed in low risk chemotherapy patients?

A

Dexamethasone or lorazepam

36
Q

How is acute nausea and vomiting symptoms managed in high risk chemotherapy patients?

A

5HT3 antagonist e.g. ondansetron + dexamethasone + aprepritant

37
Q

What is used for prevention of anticipatory nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients?

A

Symptomatic controlLorazepam can help

38
Q

Which cytotoxic drug class has a high risk of cardiotoxicity and how is this prevented?

A

Anthracyclines - doxorubicine, epirubicineAn iron chelate derazoxane is given

39
Q

What is given to counteract the folate-antagonist action of methotrexate in chemotherapy?

A

Folinic acid (calcium folinate) This is also used in methotrexate overdose but does not work for antibiotics with anti-folate action e.g. trimethoprim

40
Q

Mesna is given with what cytotoxic drugs and why?

A

Cyclophosphamide and ifosdamide Prevents haemorhaegic cystitis as metabolites of the drugs cause a toxin (acrolein)

41
Q

Cyclophosphamide and ifsfomide carry a risk of what?What is done to prevent this?

A

Haemorrhaegic cystitis MESNA is given to prevent urinary tract toxicity and increasing fluid intake for 24-48 hours after administration

42
Q

What colour does doxorubicin turn your urine?

A

Red

43
Q

Do normal or liposomal formulations of doxorubicin carry a higher risk of cardiotoxicity?

A

Normal formulations carry a higher risk

44
Q

What monitoring needs to be done before starting doxorubicin?

A

ECG due to the cardiotoxicityMonitor during treatment too

45
Q

What are the main side effects of bleomycin?

A

NAME?

46
Q

Should vinca alkaloids e.g. vincristine, vinblastine, be given IV or intrathecally?

A

Only ever IVIntrathecal administration isassociated with severe neurotoxicity

47
Q

What is the patient advice surrounding methotrexate?

A
  • Weekly dose not daily- The patient must report any signs of blood disorders i.e. sore throat, bruising, mouth ulcers), liver toxicity (i.e. nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dark urine) and respiratory effects (SOB).
48
Q

What are the serious side effects of methotrexate?

A

NAME?

49
Q

How is it recommended that methotrexate tablets are dispensed?

A

Single strength tablets only to avoid confusion, usually 2.5mg tablets

50
Q

What is the MHRA warning regarding the use of imatinib?

A

Can cause reactivation of Hepatitis B

51
Q

What is the first sign of methotrexate GI toxicity?

A

StomatitisInflammation of mouth and lips

52
Q

What are the pre-treatment screening requirements for methotrexate?

A

Exclude pregnancy before treatmentFBC, renal function and LFTs

53
Q

What needs to be monitored in a patient on methotrexate and how often?

A

Have full blood count and renal and liver function tests repeated every 1–2 weeks until therapy stabilised, thereafter patients should be monitored every 2–3 months

54
Q

What OTC medicines should a patient on methotrexate not have?

A

NSAIDs - aspirin, ibuprofenPatients should be counselled on the use of NSAIDs

55
Q

True or false:Penicillins increase toxicity risk of methotrexate

A

TRUE

56
Q

How does allopurinol and azathioprine/mercaptopurine interact?

A

Azathioprine/mercaptopurine inhibits purine metabolismAllopurinol also does thisReduced dose is needed if given with allopurinol to reduce risk of toxicity

57
Q

What are the main side effects of MMF to look out for?

A

Bone marrow suppressionHypogammaglobinaemia - measure serum immunoglobulin if experiencing recurrent infections Bronchiectasis - Look out for cough, SOB

58
Q

What does the MHRA suggest for excluding pregnancy when starting MMF?

A

The MHRA advises to exclude pregnancy in females of child-bearing potential before treatment—2 pregnancy tests 8–10 days apart are recommended.Pregnancy prevention programme

59
Q

What kind of juice should be avoided if on tacrolimus?

A

Grapefruit juice

60
Q

What is neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

A

Delivered before the main treatment e.g. to shrink the tumour

61
Q

What role does febuxostat play in chemotherapy patients?

A

Prophylaxis and treatment of acute hyperuricaemiaStarted 2 days before chemo

62
Q

Rasburicase is used for the treatment of acute hyperuricaemia in what kind of cancer?

A

Blood cancers

63
Q

What is a common side effect of doxurubicin (more common with liposomal formulations)?

A

Hand-foot syndromeMay be prevented by cooling hands and feet and avoiding socks, gloves, or tight-fitting footwear

64
Q

What biomarker can you measure to see if you need to reduce the dose of doxorubicin?

A

Doxorubicin is largely excreted in the bile and an elevated bilirubin concentration is an indication for reducing the dose.

65
Q

What bags should vincristine and vinblastine go in for adults and teenagers to prevent it from being administered intrathecally?

A

50mL mini bagShould also have a sticker on to say “For IV use only”

66
Q

What is the contraception advice for men and women on methotrexate?

A

Use effective contraception for at least 6 months after treatment

67
Q

What is the advice surrounding the use of ciclosporin and malignancies?

A

Like other immunosuppressants, ciclosporin increases the risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly those of the skin.In psoriasis, exclude malignancies (including those of skin and cervix) before startingIt is contraindicated in malignancy for non-transplant indications (can be used in UC, RA, psoriasis)

68
Q

Can chemotherapy prescriptions be on repeat?

A

No unless indicated by a specialistDose is dependent each time on a lot of factors e.g. blood count

69
Q

How is delayed nausea and vomiting symptoms managed in moderate risk chemotherapy patients?

A

Ondansetron and dexamethasone

70
Q

How is delayed nausea and vomiting symptoms managed in high risk chemotherapy patients?

A

Dexamethasone + aprepitant Metoclopramide and rolapitant also licensed

71
Q

Is cyclizine used for nausea and vomiting in chemo patients?

A

No - it is not licensedThis is mainly used for post op and palliative care N+V

72
Q

Can metoclopramide be used in acute N+V in chemo patients?

A

No, only licensed in the delayed phase

73
Q

Is it recommended to have a chest X Ray before methotrexate treatment?

A

Not usually indicated

74
Q

What are the 3 UK cancer screening programmes?

A

BreastBowelCervicalThere is no screening programme for prostate cancer because the PSA test is not reliable enough, but men over 50 can ask their doctor about it.

75
Q

Is there a screening programme for prostate cancer?

A

There is no screening programme for prostate cancer because the PSA test is not reliable enough, but men over 50 can ask their doctor about it.

76
Q

What is the bowel cancer screening programme e.g. age, what does the patient need to do, how often, what gender?

A

In England, people between the ages of 60 and 74 years take part. Both male and femaleEvery 2 yearsSend off a stool sample You need to be registered with a GP to receive screening invitations

77
Q

What is the breast cancer screening programme e.g. age, how often, what does the patient need to do,?

A

50-70 yearsIn some areas this extends from 47 to 73 yearsEvery 3 yearsMammogram You need to be registered with a GP to receive screening invitations

78
Q

What is the cervical cancer screening programme e.g. age, how often?

A

25-49 years every 3 years49-64 years every 5 yearsNeed to be registered with GP