chemotherapy

Question 1

how do alkalytings agents exert their cytotoxic action?

Answer 1

crosslinking of DNA bases, interferring with DNA replication

Question 2

how do vinca alkaloid agents exert their cytotoxic action?

Answer 2

inhbit microtubule assembly, preventing spindle formation in mitosis

Question 3

how do cytotoxic antibitics exert their cytotoxic action?

Answer 3

interfere with enzymes involved with DNA replication.

Question 4

Discuss neutropenia.

Answer 4

abnormally low levels of neutrophils. For most chemo regimes, the neutrophil count falls to its lowest 5-7 days after and can take 2-4 weeks to recover/ Neutropenic sepsis is most common in the first 2 cycles of chemo. Neutropenia predisposes patients to the risk of infection.

Question 5

Discuss thrombocytopenia

Answer 5

low levels of paltelets. Levels are it its lowest 7-14 days after chemo and can take 4-5 weeks to recover. Predisposes patients to the risk of bleeding