Chemo and Radiotherapy Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action?
damages DNA of cancer cells during mitosis meaning that the cell recognises that it is damaged beyond repair and dies by apoptosis
What are the two options for chemo/RT?
apoptosis and necrosis
How does apoptosis inducing chemo/RT work?
smaller dose -> cell breaks down into several apoptotic bodies which are then phagocytosed
How does necrosis inducing chemo/RT work?
bigger dose -> cell swells + plasma membrane ruptures causing lysis and inflammation
What are immediate side effects of chemo/RT?
hair loss
tiredness
N+V
neutropeanic infection
What are long term side effects of chemo/RT?
heart damage
lung damage
other cancers
What is neutropenic sepsis?
sepsis plus neutrophil count <0.5 or <1 if chemo in past 21 days
What are the empirical Abx for neutropenic sepsis?
pirperacillin/tazobactam
+ gentamicin if high risk
What should you also give for neutropeanic sepsis?
prophylactic antifungals
What is Rituximab used for?
pts with high grade B cell NHL
What are ofatumunab and obinutumibab used for?
CLL
What does Brentuximab Vedotin target?
CD30 protein - in Hodgkins
What is the action of Bortezonib?
protease inhibitor - mantle cell NHL
What is ibutinib and idealisib used for?
CLL/NHL
What are the side effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imantinib)?
fluid in lungs
neutropenia
diarrhoea
