Chemotherapy

Question 1

What is the role of chemotherapy

Answer 1

Curative as a main form of treatment
Adjuvant with surgery
Adjuvant with RT
Palliative treatment

Question 2

What is the principles of chemotherapy

Answer 2

Given on a combo basis
Drugs with diff mechanisms to kill cancer cells - maximise kill
Causes damage to normal cells
Side effects of drugs are known
May need supportive therapy

Question 3

Name the routes of administration for chemo

Answer 3

Oral
IV
Central venous
Topical
Subcutaneous

Question 4

What is the combination of chemo for breast cancer

Answer 4

CMF

Question 5

Advantages of chemo

Answer 5

Treats systematically- useful for widespread
Increased effects

Question 6

Disadvantage of chemo

Answer 6

Systemic effect - damage to normal cells
Long term side effects
Cost
Length of treatment

Question 7

Characteristics of tumours

Answer 7

Chemo sensitive
Widespread at start
Local apparent disease but high probability of metastasis