CPTP 3.8 Anti-Cancer Drugs

Question 1

Cyclophosphamide

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 1

Inhibition of DNA replication

Question 2

Doxorubicin

Pharmacodynamics + significant side effect

Answer 2

Pharmacodynamics:
Topoisomerase I/II inhibitors

Stabilisation of DNA double strand breaks –> inhibition of DNA replication

Significant side effect:
Late heart failure (increased risk with increased length of time on drug)

Question 3

Methotrexate

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 3

Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (structural analogue of folate)

Inhibits purine & pyramidine synthesis

Question 4

Vincristine

Pharmacodynamics + clinical use + significant side effect

Answer 4

Pharmacodynamics:
Inhibits mitosis (spindle toxin)

Given with dexamethasone (steroid) to counteract development of oedema

Widely used in breast cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, ALL head & neck cancers, soft tissue sarcoma, brain tumours

Significant side effect:

• Neurotoxic (neuropathic pain, numbness & tingling, foot drop)
• Severe constipation

Question 5

Cisplatin

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 5

Binds to DNA –> blocks replication

Platinum compound

Question 6

Imatinib

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 6

Protein kinase inhibitor (protein kinases esp TYROSINE KINASE are abnormally activated in cancer cells)

Question 7

Tamoxifen

Pharmacodynamics + clinical use

Answer 7

Oestrogen antagonist

Used for ER positive breast cancer

Question 8

Side effects of Tamoxifen

Answer 8

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

• hot flushes & sweats
• fatigue
• vaginal dryness, itching, discharge
• nausea, dizziness
• cataracts
• hair thinning
• oedema
• leg cramps
• irregular periods

Question 9

Common side effects of cytotoxic drugs

Answer 9

• BM suppression
• neutropenia (increased infx risk)
• anaemia
• thrombocytopaenia (increased bleeding risk)
• hair loss
• N&V
• fatigue
• fertility loss
• teratogenic (harmful to foetus)