Chemotherapy

Question 1

What are the 3 classifications of Antineoplastic agents?

Answer 1

1. Cell cycle non-specific drugs
2. Cell cycle specific drugs
3. Tissue-specific agents

Question 2

What are the 2 types of cell cycle non-specific agents?

Answer 2

1. Alkylating agents

2. Antineoplastic antibiotics

Question 3

How do antineoplastic antibiotics work?

Answer 3

cytotoxic antibiotics are toxic to bacterial cells as well as other cells. They prevent reproduction of RNA.

Question 4

Antineoplastic antibiotics are a cell cycle _____ drug.

Answer 4

non-specific

Question 5

Doxorubicin is a ______drug

Answer 5

antibiotic-type antineoplastic-cytotoxic antibiotic

Question 6

Red urine and cardiac toxicity are ADRs of what drug?

Answer 6

Doxorubicin

Question 7

What are S phase cell cycle specific drugs?

Answer 7

MTX is an antimetabolite

Question 8

What drugs target the M phase of the cell cycle?

Answer 8

Mitotic poisons - Vincristine and Vinblastine

Question 9

True/False: Vincristine and Vinblastine can be given SC.

Answer 9

False. They are IV only.

Question 10

Vincristine and Vinblastine can cause _______ toxicity.

Answer 10

Neurological.

Question 11

What does MTX treat, as well as cancer?

Answer 11

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 12

MTX targets rapidly ________ cells. Such as ____ ,____ and ____.

Answer 12

proliferating, hair, bone marrow, GI tract.

Question 13

What is the antidote for MTX?

Answer 13

Leucovorin.

Question 14

What drug is a folic acid antagoist?

Answer 14

MTX

Question 15

What are the precautions regarding MTX and conception?

Answer 15

MTX is a folic acid antagonist and also attacks proliferating cells - including the fetus.

Question 16

Why is combination therapy recommended?

Answer 16

To broaden the treatment to cover the whole cell cycle. To reduce toxicity, as dose can be lower. To reduce the chance of drug resistance developing.

Question 17

What are tissue specific agents?

Answer 17

Hormonal antineoplastic agents, such as Selective Oestrogen, Receptor Modulator (SERM)

Question 18

What drug is effective for ER+ breast cancer?

Answer 18

Tamoxifen.

Question 19

Tamoxifen is an estrogen blocker on the breast, but what effect does it have on other parts of the body?

Answer 19

It is an oestrogen agonist on the bone and endometrium. This can result in uterine cancer.

Question 20

Cell proliferation in ER- breast cancer is not controlled by ____ or inhibited by ______.

Answer 20

Oestrogen, Tamoxifen.

Question 21

What does bone pain indicate when taking Tamoxifen?

Answer 21

That the drug is having its correct effect.

Question 22

Thrombosis is a adverse effect of what antineoplastic agent?

Answer 22

Tamoxifen.

Question 23

What antineoplastic agent causes a dry cough?

Answer 23

MTX

Question 24

What is the purpose of a drug-free period?

Answer 24

It allows the bone marrow to recover.

Question 25

What tests should be conducted during the course of chemotherapy?

Answer 25

Haematological profiles, liver and renal function.

Question 26

What class of antiemetics is preferable during chemotherapy?

Answer 26

Serotonin antagonists, such as ondansetron.

Question 27

Why must NSAID use be avoiding during chemo?

Answer 27

The GI lining is affected allowing more damage.

Question 28

What effect does bone marrow suppression have?

Answer 28

Interferes with WBC, RBC and platelet formation. This results in immune suppression, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.