FB - Principles of Pharmacology of Anti-Cancer Drugs Flashcards

1
Q

What is the mechanism of action of alkylating agents?

A

They cross-link DNA, inhibiting DNA replication and transcription.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the major toxicities of alkylating agents?

A

Myelosuppression, leukemogenesis, alopecia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How do antimetabolites function as cancer drugs?

A

They interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis by mimicking building blocks.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Which antimetabolite is specifically used for treating leukemia ?

A

Methotrexate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the primary adverse effect of methotrexate?

A

Myelosuppression

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe the mechanism of action of vinblastine in cancer therapy

A

It binds to the polymerising end, preventing elongation of the microtubule thereby inhibiting cell division.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Describe the mechanism of action of paclitaxel in cancer therapy

A

It stabilises the microtubule, preventing shortening or depolymerisation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Name a plant alkaloid used in cancer treatment.

A

Vinblastine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is a significant side effect of vinblastine?

A

Peripheral neuropathy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the role of topoisomerase inhibitors in cancer treatment?

A

They interfere with transcription and replication of DNA by disruption of appropriate DNA supercoiling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Give an example of a type 1 topoisomerase inhibitor

A

Irinotecan

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Identify a key toxicity of irinotecan

A

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Name a taxane used in cancer treatment

A

Paclitaxel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the mechanisms of action of neutralising antibodies in cancer therapy?

A

It binds to cell surface receptors or extracellular ligands to block cancer cell survival or blood vessel formation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Provide an example of a monoclonal antibody used in cancer

A

Bevacizumab

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the mechanism of action of checkpoint inhibitors in cancer?

A

It enhances the immune response against cancer by re-activating T-cell responses

17
Q

Describe effector-mediated mechanisms of cytotoxicity induced by therapeutic antibodies

A

Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)

18
Q

What is adoptive cell transfer?

A

Engineering patient’s own immune cells to target and kill cancer cells.

19
Q

How does CAR-T cell therapy treat cancer?

A

T-cells are engineered to express Chimeric-antigen receptors (CARs) that can directly recognize and attack tumor cells.

20
Q

Explain the function of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment.

A

They block tyrosine kinases involved in cell growth and division signals.

21
Q

Name a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia.

A

Imatinib

22
Q

Identify a major side effect of imatinib.

A

Fluid retention and GI symptoms

23
Q

How do cytotoxic antibiotics work in cancer treatment?

A

They intercalate into DNA, disrupting replication and transcription

24
Q

Explain how radioimmunotherapy treats cancer.

A

It delivers radiation directly to cancer cells through a radioactive substance linked to an antibody.

25
Q

Which enzyme is targeted by 5-fluorouracil?

A

Thymidylate synthase