chemotherapy

Question 1

How do vinca alkaloid agents work?

Answer 1

exert cytotoxic action by inhibiting microtubule assembly, this prevents spindle formation during mitosis

Question 2

How do alkylating agents work?

Answer 2

exert cytotoxic action by cross linking DNA bases, interfering with DNA replication

Question 3

How do cytotoxic antibiotics work?

Answer 3

exert cytotoxic action by interfering with the enzymes involved in DNA replication

Question 4

What is neutropenia?

Answer 4

a condition characterised by abnormally low levels of neutrophils, usually at its lowest 5-7 days after treatment and takes 2-3 weeks to build back up. neutropenic sepsis tends to occur in the first two cycles of treatment. neutropenia predisposes people to a risk of infection

Question 5

What is thrombocytopenia?

Answer 5

a condition characterised by abnormally low levels of platelets, usually at its lowest 7-14 days after treatment and takes 4-5 weeks to recover. predisposes people to a risk of bleeding