Chemotherapy Drugs Flashcards
Review classification of chemotherapy drugs.
What is another term for Chemotherapy Drugs?
Antineoplastic Drugs
What is the property of chemotherapy drugs?
Broad range of chemicals which treat cancer by eradicating malignant cells
What is the treatment regimen of Chemotherapy?
Treatment regimens may use a combination of chemotherapeutic drugs concurrently or in a planned sequence is done to eradicate tumor cell populations
What is the combination therapy of chemo medications?
Drugs that work through differing mechanisms of action and that do not share similar toxic effects are combined
What is the administration of Chemotherapy – Antineoplastic Drugs?
Usually administered over short periods at specific treatment intervals, not continuously
How are Chemotherapy – Antineoplastic Drugs classified?
Classified according to their mechanism of action (adverse effects of these drugs are generally similar among drugs with similar mechanisms of action)
Why is drug classifications important?
Knowledge of drug classifications and inherent side effects is necessary in ordering preoperative testing
What are some labs that maybe needed for chemotherapy?
Indicated lab tests may include: Hgb, platelet count, WBC count, coagulation profile, ABGs, blood glucose, electrolytes, renal and liver function tests, EKG, and CXR
What is the components of immunosupression?
Immunosuppression places these patients at an inherent risk of iatrogenic infections, so asepsis and appropriate antibiotic therapy is critical
What are vomiting and diarrhea associated with?
electrolyte imbalances and dehydration
What is a characteristics of mucositis?
insertion of OPAs and LMAs require caution
What is the relationship of chemo drugs and inhaled or injected anesthetic agents?
Response to inhaled or injected anesthetic agents may be affected by drug-induced cardiac, hepatic, or renal dysfunction and induction of hepatic enzymes
What can impaired renal function effect?
Impaired renal function may alter a patient’s response to neuromuscular blocking agents
What can happen with decreased pseudocholinesterase activity?
It is possible that certain patients have a prolonged response to succinylcholine if they have decreased pseudocholinesterase activity
What are included in the Alkylating Agents?
Includes nitrogen mustards, alkyl sulfonates, nitrosureas, and triazines
What do Alkylating Agents drugs inhibit?
These drugs inhibit DNA replication & transcription
What is produced by Alkylating Agents?
DNA damage produced by alkylating chemotherapeutic drugs more likely to kill malignant cells than nonmalignant cells b/c rate of proliferation greater for cancer cells
What is the most important dose limiting factor?
Bone marrow suppression is the most important dose-limiting factor
When is lymphoctyopenia from Alkylating Agents occur?
Lymphocytopenia is present within 24 hours
What coagulation changes occur wirth Alkylating Agents?
Depression of platelet and erythrocyte counts may occur as well as hemolytic anemia
What can cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide cause?
Hemorrhagic cystitis
What can GI mucosa from Alkylating Agents result in?
GI mucosa is sensitive to alkylating agents, resulting in cellular hypertrophy and desquamation of the epithelium
What integumentary effects can occur with Alkylating Agents?
Alopecia is common, increased skin pigmentation
What is true about all Alkylating Agents?
All alkylating agents are powerful CNS stimulants manifesting as nausea & vomiting, skeletal muscle weakness and seizures
What are potential adverse respiratory effects of Alkylating Agents?
Pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis are potential adverse effects
What can patients demonstrate with Alkylating Agents?
Patients may demonstrate a decreased pulmonary diffusing capacity
What can patients aquire with Alkylating Agents?
Acquired pseudocholinesterase deficiency can be present up to 2 to 3 weeks after receiving alkylating agents (can result in prolonged response to SCh)
What kidney effects can occur with Alkylating Agents?
Uric acid-induced nephropathy
What are examples of Alkylating Agents- Nitrogen Mustards?
- Mechlorethamine
- Cyclophosphamide
- Melphalan
- Clorambucil
What is Mechlorethamine used for?
used in the treatment of Hodgkin disease and other lymphomas
What is Mechlorethamine used in combo with?
Often used in combination with vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone.
What are major side effects of Mechlorethamine?
Major side effects include N&V and myelosuppression.
What limits the amount of Mechlorethamine given?
Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia are the principle limitations on the amount that can be given.
What is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs?
Cyclophosphamide: it is effective in a wide range of cancers and inflammatory diseases; hypersensitivity reactions and fibrosing pneumonitis have been noted
What are large doses of cyclophosphamide associated with?
Large doses asso/w high incidence of pericarditis and pericardial effusion; some patients have developed hemorrhagic myocarditis with symptoms of CHF (fulminant CHF)
What are common side effects of Alkylating Agents: Nitrogen Mustards?
- Significant thrombocytopenia less common but alopecia is more common
- mucosal ulcerations and hepatotoxicity are possible side effects.
What are the side effects of Melphalan?
- side effects are primarily hematologic, usually necessary to maintain a significant degree of bone marrow depression to achieve therapeutic effect
- pulmonary fibrosis possible.
What is the clinical use of Chlorambucil?
Treatment of choice for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and in primary macroglobulinemia
What are the effects of Chlorambucil?
- cytotoxic effects similar on the bone marrow, lymphoid organs, and epithelial tissues to other alkylating drugs
- myelosuppressive action is generally moderate, gradual, and rapidly reversible;
- pulmonary fibrosis possible
What are Melphalan & Chlorambucil prone to?
Prone to N&V.
What are examples of Alkylating Agents: Alkyl Sulfonates?
Busulfan