Cytotoxic Therapy Flashcards
When somebody who was previously on chemotherapy relapses, what is usually the management?
They can sometimes be treated with the same drug that they had before, however they may also need stronger drugs
What are the two main classifications of cytotoxic drug?
Cell cycle specific and non-cell cycle specific
Where do cell cycle specific toxic drugs target?
The dividing cells of the tumour itself
What is the most important aspect of treatment with cell cycle specific drugs?
The duration is more important than the dose
What are some examples of classes of cell cycle specific cytotoxic drugs?
Antimetabolites (methotrexate) and mitotic spindle inhibitors (vincristine)
Where do non-cell cycle specific toxic drugs target?
Normal stem cells
What is the most important aspect of treatment with non-cell cycle specific drugs?
The dose is more important than the duration
What are some examples of classes of non-cell cycle specific cytotoxic drugs?
Alkylating agents (chlorambucil) or platinum derivatives
What are some side effects of toxic drugs on rapidly dividing organs?
Bone marrow suppression, gut mucosal damage and hair loss
What is a specific side effect of vinka alkaloid drugs (e.g. vincristine)?
Neuropathy
What is a specific side effect of anthracycline drugs: a) short term? b) long term?
a) Cardiotoxicity / b)Cardiomyopathy
What is a specific side effect of cisplatin?
Nephrotoxic
What are some long term side effects of treatment with alkylating agents?
Infertility, secondary malignancy
The Philadelphia chromosome is involved in the formation of what type of haematological malignancy?
Chronic myeloid leukaemia
What is the genetic alteration of the Philadelphia chromosome?
Translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22
