Chemotherapy Drugs

Question 1

M.O.A of Vincristine

Answer 1

Blocks mitosis by binding to tubulin - prevents polymerisation to form microtubules

Question 2

M.O.A of Daunorubicin

Answer 2

Intercalating agent (blocking DNA + RNA synthesis)
Leads to strand breakage in DNA due to generation of oxygen radicals

Question 3

M.O.A of Asparaginase

Answer 3

Breaks down the a.a asparagine, therefore depriving tumour cells of asparagine required for protein synthesis

Question 4

M.O.A of Dexamethasone

Answer 4

Lymphocytic agent (causes dissolution of lymphocytes)
Anti-emetic

Question 5

M.O.A of Allopurinol

Answer 5

• Inhibits xanthine oxidase - blocking final conversion of hypoxanthine to Uric acid, leads to build-up of hypoxanthine which is more soluble than uric acid.
• Purines (adenine and guanine) from DNA of dead leukaemic cells are metabolized to uric acid, which is far less soluble in acidic urine and can lead to it crystallizing and clogging up the urinary tract

Question 6

ADRs of Chemotherapy

Answer 6

• Immunosuppression
• GI distress and nausea
• Hair loss
• Infertility
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Cognitive impairment
• Organ damage (cardiotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic)