Cytotoxic Drugs Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of chemotherapy in cancer treatment?
To use cytotoxic drugs to treat cancer
Chemotherapy can either cure the disease fully or aim to prolong life.
What is a neoadjuvant regime?
A treatment that occurs before surgery to shrink a tumour
Neoadjuvant regime can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
What is an adjuvant regime?
A treatment aimed at preventing cancer after surgery
Why are combinations of cytotoxic drugs used?
They are more toxic, but useful when the disease has progressed or advanced
Who should handle cytotoxic drugs?
Trained personnel in designated areas
Personnel must wear protective clothing, including eye protection.
What should be avoided when handling cytotoxic drugs?
Handling by personnel who are pregnant
What must staff do in case of cytotoxic drug spillages?
Deal with spillages and dispose of the cytotoxic drug appropriately
What must cytotoxic drugs be part of?
A wider pathway under the MDT team
What is required for the prescription, dispensing, and administration of cytotoxic drugs?
A written treatment or protocol
What should patients receive regarding their treatment?
Written information detailing the intended oral anticancer regime and treatment plan
How should cytotoxic drug dosages be calculated?
Using body surface area or body weight
What factors can further adjust cytotoxic drug dosages?
Neutrophil counts, renal and hepatic functions
When should prescriptions for cytotoxic drugs not be repeated?
Unless under specialist supervision
What does extravasation of IV drugs cause?
Severe local tissue necrosis
What are some side effects of cytotoxic drugs?
Alopecia, VTE, sore mouth, tumour lysis syndrome, hyperurichemia
Tumour lysis syndrome occurs when cancer cells die too quickly, leading to hyperurichemia and acute renal failure.
What is the time frame for bone marrow suppression to occur after administration of cytotoxic drugs?
7 to 10 days after administration
Which cytotoxic drugs do not cause bone marrow suppression?
Vincristine and bleomycin
What should be avoided when using cytotoxic drugs?
Use in acute infection
What are vinca alkaloids?
Vinblastine, vincristine, vindicine
They are all administered through IV.
What severe side effect can intraethical cause?
Severe neurotoxicity and can be fatal
What are the side effects of vincristine?
Bronchospasm and neurotoxicity
