Chemotherapy Flashcards
what is chemotherapy?
treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or stopping them dividing
how is chemotherapy used?
curative
adjuvent
maintenance
palliative
what are the types of chemotherapy?
-cytotoxic chemotherapy
-hormone therapy
-targeted therapy
-immunotherapy
What is the kinetics of chemotherapy?
as rapidly dividing cells can also be affected chemotherapy is given in pulses, this allows for the recovery of normal cells and the cancer cells are reduced.
what is cytotoxic chemotherapy?
exploits the fact that malignant cells behave differently from normal cells in that they divide more rapidly.
prevent cells from completing the cell cycle
other tissues with rapidly dividing cells are often affected such as cells in the bone marrow.
what are the acute side effects of chemotherapy?
hair loss
oral mucositis
affect lungs, immune system and gastric
affect nerves
bruising and blessing
neutropenia
what is hormonal therapy?
effect confines to target organ
less systemic side effects
used in cancers were there is a hormonal driver useful on breast and prostate cancer.
what are the oral side effects of hormonal therapy?
-increased gingival inflammation
-gingival bleeding
-xerostomia
-oral burning
what are targeted chemotherapy?
made to target specific areas:
-dna changes limited to cancer cells
-protein only found in cancer cells
-proteins increases in cancer cells
what is the mode of action of targeted therapy?
-trigger the immune system to kill cancer cells
-stop blood vessels from forming to feed the cancer
-carry toxins into the cancer cells
what is immunotherapy?
boosts the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
what is the mode of action of immunotherapy?
immune checkpoint inhibitors - boost action of the immune system
monoclonal antibodies - make cancer cells visible to the immune system
tumour vaccines - target tumour-specific antigens
immune system modulators - upregulate interferons and interleukins to upregulate the immune system
what is the maintenance of chemotherapy?
maintain remission or delay the return of cancer.
It is long-term, extends life and improves the quality of life
what cancers may spread to the jaw and what are the signs?
breast
lung
kidney
mandible molar region most common site.
numb chin
soft tissue swelling
bisphosphonates therapy can cause osteoporosis of the jaw.
what are the dental side effects of chemotherapy?
acute:
-mucositis
-infection
-bleeding
-taste disturbance
-dry mouth
long term:
-oral cancer
-jaw osteonecrosis
