Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy Flashcards
Which class of drugs act to prevent angiogenesis?
VEGF inhibitors
Which class of drugs target replicative immortality?
Telomerase inhibitors
What is the order of the cell cycle?
G1-> S1 -> G2 -> M G1= Growth, prep for DNA synthesis S1= DNA synthesis G2= preparation for mitosis M= cell division (prophase...)
Name examples of chemotherapeutic drugs
Anti-metabolites
Alkylating agents
Taxanes
Side effects of antimetabolites?
Myelosuppression, GI toxicity, mucositis, cardiotoxicity
Side effects of alkylating agents?
GI toxicity, neurotoxicity, myelosupression, ototoxicity, nephropathy, vascular events
What is the MOA of taxanes?
Bind tubulin and prevent microtubule formation
Why does chemo fail?
Primary resistance- cancers are treated empirically. And secondary resistance (mechanisms of resistance)
List mechanisms of resistance
- Efflux pumps 2. Alterations in cell membrane 3. Deactivation 4. Changes in enzyme specificity
How can resistance to chemo be avoided?
Treat tumours when small, use combinations of chemo/targeted therapy, use correct doses to minimise SE
Which dermatological side effect is commonly seen with chemo usage?
Hand-foot-syndrome (palmar-plantar erythema)
Which clinical signs or symptoms demonstrate that chemo is working?
Change in PS, pain, nodal mass, anorexia, malaise, pyrexias
Which biochemical changes demonstrate chemo efficacy?
Reductions in tumour markers, improved in organ function- LFTs, U&Es
Example of EGFR agent?
TKI- erlotinib
In which cancers is HER2 overexpressed?
breast and gastric/oesophageal cancer
