chemo Flashcards
what are the 5 classes of anti-cancer therapy’s
antimetabolites
alkylating agents
mitotic inhibitors
antibiotics
others
what is the problem with anti-cancer drugs
that they are cytotoxic to both cancer and normal cells
why is cancer treatment given in cycles
due to the cytotoxic effects of the drugs on normal ‘self’ cells
what is adjuvant treatment
treatment given after surgery
ADJacent
if a cancer is metastatic what care is given
palliative care
what is neo-adjuvant
anti-cancer treatment (radiotherapy) before the removal of a tumour
what do alkylating agents do
disrupt new DNA formation
by attaching the double helix together so it cannot ‘unzipp’
what do anti-metabolites do
they reduce (NOT STOP) metabolism
what do taxanes do
promote stages and freeze cells
what do vinca alkaloids do
metaphase arrest agents
what do antimitotic antibiotics do
messes up the cell cycle
what are immunotherapy
blocking the camouflage
letting the immune system know what is ‘self’ and ‘non-self’
what are VEGF, EGFR examples of
targeted drugs
where do immunotherapy’s work the best
against cancers with the most mutations and are least ‘non-self’
why woyld you vombine chemother
Synergistic or at least additive - better response
Reduce risk of developing resistance
combine should nto have same toxicitys
