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