Chemotherapy Flashcards
How do alkylating agents work?
They attach alkyl groups to DNA, allows cross linking of base pairs, damaging DNA CELL CYLCE NON SPECIFIC
Give examples of alkylating agents
What do antimetabolites mimic?
Similar chemical structure to essential metabolites needed by the cell prior to cell division
What stage of the cell cycle do antimetabolites work?
In the S phase - since this is the phase that replicated DNA
What is the effect of antimetabolites?
They prevent purines and pyrimidines becoming incorporated in to DNA during the S phase (of the cell cycle), stopping normal development and division.
They bind irreversibly with vital enzymes to inhibit cell division.
Name some of the common antimetabolite
What tpye of drug are vinca alkoids?
Microtubule targetting agents
What is the function of vinca alkoids?
Prevent microtubule formation and spindle formation - preventing metaphase
List important vinca alkaloids
What is the function of taxanes?
Promotes spindles and freeze cells at that stage of cycles.
Promotes assembly and prevents disassembly
List a taxane
What are the types of antimitotic antibiotics?
Anthracylines and Non-anthracylines
What is the effect of Anthracyclines and Non-anthracyclines?
Inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis
Membrane binding - increase permeability to various ions
Free radicals disrupt DNA chain and prevent mitosis
Metal ion chelation resulting in cytotoxic compounds
Alkylation blocking DNA replication
At what stage of the cell cylcle do Antimetabolites, Vinca Alkaloids, miotic inhibitors and Taxoids function?
What other type of drugs can offer help in the treatment of cancer?
Hormonal drugs
Anti-oestrogen Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer
Anti-androgen (CPA, flutamide) for prostate cancer
Immunotherapy (PD-1, PDL-1)
