Chemotherapy Flashcards
What are the 3 classifications of Antineoplastic agents?
- Cell cycle non-specific drugs
- Cell cycle specific drugs
- Tissue-specific agents
What are the 2 types of cell cycle non-specific agents?
- Alkylating agents
2. Antineoplastic antibiotics
How do antineoplastic antibiotics work?
cytotoxic antibiotics are toxic to bacterial cells as well as other cells. They prevent reproduction of RNA.
Antineoplastic antibiotics are a cell cycle _____ drug.
non-specific
Doxorubicin is a ______drug
antibiotic-type antineoplastic-cytotoxic antibiotic
Red urine and cardiac toxicity are ADRs of what drug?
Doxorubicin
What are S phase cell cycle specific drugs?
MTX is an antimetabolite
What drugs target the M phase of the cell cycle?
Mitotic poisons - Vincristine and Vinblastine
True/False: Vincristine and Vinblastine can be given SC.
False. They are IV only.
Vincristine and Vinblastine can cause _______ toxicity.
Neurological.
What does MTX treat, as well as cancer?
Rheumatoid Arthritis
MTX targets rapidly ________ cells. Such as ____ ,____ and ____.
proliferating, hair, bone marrow, GI tract.
What is the antidote for MTX?
Leucovorin.
What drug is a folic acid antagoist?
MTX
What are the precautions regarding MTX and conception?
MTX is a folic acid antagonist and also attacks proliferating cells - including the fetus.
Why is combination therapy recommended?
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.
What are tissue specific agents?
Hormonal antineoplastic agents, such as Selective Oestrogen, Receptor Modulator (SERM)
What drug is effective for ER+ breast cancer?
Tamoxifen.
Tamoxifen is an estrogen blocker on the breast, but what effect does it have on other parts of the body?
It is an oestrogen agonist on the bone and endometrium. This can result in uterine cancer.
Cell proliferation in ER- breast cancer is not controlled by ____ or inhibited by ______.
Oestrogen, Tamoxifen.
What does bone pain indicate when taking Tamoxifen?
That the drug is having its correct effect.
Thrombosis is a adverse effect of what antineoplastic agent?
Tamoxifen.
What antineoplastic agent causes a dry cough?
MTX
What is the purpose of a drug-free period?
It allows the bone marrow to recover.
What tests should be conducted during the course of chemotherapy?
Haematological profiles, liver and renal function.
What class of antiemetics is preferable during chemotherapy?
Serotonin antagonists, such as ondansetron.
Why must NSAID use be avoiding during chemo?
The GI lining is affected allowing more damage.
What effect does bone marrow suppression have?
Interferes with WBC, RBC and platelet formation. This results in immune suppression, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.
