Chemotherapy Flashcards
How does chemotherapy work?
Targets actively dividing cells
Targets genes for cell growth + proliferation
Cancer cell unable to repair damage -> apoptosis
What is neo-adjuvant chemotherapy?
Administered before definitive treatment to shrink tumour and optimise outcomes
What is adjuvant chemotherapy?
Treatment given after definitive treatment to reduce risk of recurrence
What are the main types of chemotherapy?
Platinum compounds 5-fluorouracil Vinca alkaloids Alkylating agents Daunorubicin/doxorubicin Methotrexate
What are examples of platinum compounds?
Cisplatin
Oxaliplatin
What is the mechanism of platinum compounds?
Form adducts with DNA
Cell cycle arrests
Cell cannot replicate
What is the mechanism of 5-FU?
Inhibits thymidylate synthesis
Reduces DNA synthesis
What is an example of a vinca alkaloid?
Vincristine
What is the mechanism of vincristine?
Inhibit function of microtubules
Mitotic spindles cannot form
What are examples of alkylating agents?
Cyclophosphamide
Chlorambucil
What is the mechanism of alkylating agents?
Bind to alkyl groups
Cross link DNA
Cause strand breaks
What is the mechanism of daunorubicin/doxorubicin?
Block topoisomerase function
DNA cannot replicate
What is the mechanism of methotrexate?
Folic acid antagonist
Inhibits dihydrolate reductase
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Alopecia Peripheral neuropathy Fatigue N+V AKI Mucositis Neutropenia Myelosuppression
How is chemo related nausea managed?
Low risk - metoclopramide
High risk - ondansetron
