Cytotoxic Drugs Flashcards
What is the G0 phase of the cell cycle?
Resting
What is the G1 phase of the cell cycle?
Starting to grow
What is the S phase of the cell cycle and when does it occur?
After 9 - 12hrs. DNA synthesis occurs
What is the M stage of the cell cycle?
Cells undergo mitosis
In cell cycle specific drugs what is more important; the duration of exposure or the dosage?
Duration of exposure
What are the two main groups of cell cycle specific chemotherapy drugs?
Antimetabolites
Mitotic spindle inhibitors
In non cell cycle specific agents what is more important; the duration of exposure or the dosage?
Dosage
How do alkylating agents such as chlorambucil work as chemotheraputic drugs?
Bind covalently to DNA bases and produce strand breaks by free radical production
How do cytotoxic antibiotics such as anthracyclines work as chemotheraputic drugs?
Reversible DNA intercalation impairs RNA transcription and causes strand breakages in DNA
What are the general side effects of cytotoxic drugs and why?
They affect rapidly dividing organs
- Bone marrow suppression
- Gut mucosal damage
- Hair loss
What is the specific side effect of vinca alkaloids?
Neuropathy
What is the specific side effects of anthracyclines?
Cardiotoxicity
What is the specific side effects of cisplatinum?
Nephrotoxicity
Which drugs are most likely to cause infertility?
Alkylating agents
What two structures can chemotherapy not pass through?
Blood brain barrier
Blood testes barrier
What prophylactic antifungal drugs are given to all people at risk of fungal infections due to chemotherapy?
Itraconazole
Posaconazole
What is rituximab?
Monoclonal antibody against CD20. CD 20 is primarily found on the surface of B cells. Rituximab destroys these B ce;;s and so in used in leukemias and lymphomas.
What is the protein expressed on Hodgekins cells? What drug targets this protein?
CD 30. Bretuximab
Why are biological drugs not classed as chemotherapy?
They do not affect the cells as they divide.
What is the function of the proteosome in a cell?
Degrade unneeded or damaged proteins
Why are proteosome inhibitor uses in cancer treatment?
May prevent breakdown of proteins such as p53
If you get an allogenic bone marrow transplant what donor cells attack the cancer in the host?
T cells (Graft vs leukemia/lymphoma)
