Cytotoxic responsive malignancy Flashcards
Are cytotoxic drugs teratogenic?
Yes
What is the purpose of cytotoxic drugs
Prolong life but side effects can occur
What is neoadjuvant regime
Initial chemotherapy aimed at shrinking primary tumour and this makes the local therapy more effective and less destructive
What is adjuvant therapy
To prevent cancer after neoadjuvant therapy
What are some neoadjuvant therapies
Chemo + radio
Chemo + surgery
Chemo + surgery + radio
What are some things to remember about handling cytotoxics
Trained personnel
Designated areas
Protective clothing and eyewear
Pregnant staff = avoid exposure
Has to be a written protocol
What are some side effects of cytotoxics
Extravasation of IV drugs - severe local tissue necrosis - reduce risks by trained staff
Oral mucositis - sore mouth - have good oral hygiene
Tumour lysis syndrome - large amounts of tumour are killed off at the same time - can release a lot of contents into blood stream in one go. Hyperkalemia, hyperuricaemia and hyperphosphatemia can all occur
Bone marrow suppression except vincristine and bleomycin - blood counts must be checked. Any signs of neutropenic sepsis - to report immediately (bruising, bleeding, D+V, mouth ulcers)
Alopecia
VTE
N+V
ACUTE: Prevention of low risk N+V
Dexamethasone/LorazepamA
ACUTE: Prevention of high risk N+V
5HT3 receptor antagonist with dexamethasone + aprepitant
DELAYED SYMPTOMS: Moderate emetogenic
Dexamethasone + 5HT3 receptor antagonist
DELAYED SYMPTOMS: Highly emetogenic
Dexamethasone + aprepitant
Anticipatory symptoms
Lorazepam
Doxorubicin, daunorrubicin, epirubicin, darubicin can all change the urine to what colour
Red
and can cause cardiotoxicity
What syndrome can Doxorubicin cause
Hand and foot syndrome - painful reddening skin eruptions
