Chemotherapy Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 6 main classes of chemotherapy agents?
A
Antimetabolites Antibiotics Alkylating agents Cisplatin derivatives Topoisomerase inhibitors Antimicrotubule agents
2
Q
What are some of the general side effects of chemotherapy?
A
Alopecia Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Decreased appetite Bone marrow suppression - leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia Mouth sores/ mucositis Dry skin Mood changes Fertility problems
3
Q
Give examples of antimetabolites.
A
Methotrexate Fluorouracil (5-FU) 6-mercaptopurine Cytarabine Hydroxycarbamide
4
Q
What is the mechanism of action of methotrexate?
A
It’s an anti-folate. Inhibits the enzymes dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase, therefore decreasing thymidylate and purine levels in cells and preventing nucleic acid synthesis.
5
Q
What are the significant side effects of methotrexate?
A
Myelosuppression Mucositis Lung fibrosis Liver fibrosis Nephrotoxicity
6
Q
What class of cytotoxic agent is methotrexate?
A
Anti-metabolite
7
Q
What are the significant side effects of fluorouracil (5-FU)?
A
Myelosuppression
Mucositis
Dermatitis (hand-foot syndrome)
Neurotoxicity and cardiotixicity possible with long term IV use
