CNS Cancer Drugs Flashcards
What were the 3 main anti-neoplastic drugs we covered that can penetrate the BBB?
Carmustine
Temozolomide
Vincristine
What are the two alkylating agents that can cross? Why are they able to cross while busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and cispatin can’t?
Carmustine
Temozolomide
They are really small molecules
Why is vincristine able to cross the BBB when paclitaxel can’t?
It’s lipyphyllic and paclitaxel isn’t
How does carmustine work?
It alkylates both DNA and RNA, damaging it in a cell cycle nonspecific way
HOw does Temozolomide work?
It alkylates DNA (specifically guanine) - cell cycle nonspecific
How does Vincristin work?
It binds to tubulin and inhibits microtubule formation (cell cycle specific to S phase)
How else can carmustine be given besides IV?
In an intracranial wafer form = gliadel
As a nitrosourea, what is a secondary mechanism of action for carmustine?
carbamoylation of lysine residues
WHy are the antifungal agents able to cross the blood brain barrier?
they are lipophyillic and because the fungal infection causes inflammation that disrupts the BBB to begin with
WHy is dexamethasone included in treatment of brain tumors?
To help deal with the vasogenic edema and associated pressure/mass effect
