FINALS: Cancer Flashcards
group of diseases characterized by rapid, uncontrolled cell growth, where normal cells transform into a primitive, undifferentiated state.
Cancer
Cancer Drug Principles
Goal: Slow or kill cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
Challenge: Cancer cells are human cells, making selective toxicity difficult.
Common Approach: Disrupt DNA/RNA synthesis or cell division.
Traits of Cancer Cells
Persistent invasion and the ability to metastasize.
T or F
Benign Tumors: Can also be dangerous
TRUE
Risks of Benign Tumors: Can also be dangerous if they obstruct vital pathways, e.g., in the intestinal tract or CNS.
Cancer Treatment Modalities
Surgery
Radiation Treatment
Chemotherapy: Focus on drugs that limit cell proliferation by targeting cancer cells.
Antimetabolites - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do antimetabolites target?
S phase
Topoisomerase II Inhibitors - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase(s) do these inhibitors target?
G1-S phase
Topoisomerase I Inhibitors (Camptothecins) - Cell Cycle Specific
Which transition do they affect?
G2-M transition
Taxanes - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do taxanes act upon?
M phase
Vinca Alkaloids - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do Vinca alkaloids target?
m phase (mitosis phase)
Antimicrotubule Inhibitor - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do antimicrotubule inhibitors work in?
M phase
Antitumor Antibiotics (e.g., Bleomycin) - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do they primarily affect?
Gs-M phase
Antitumor Antibiotics (e.g., Dactinomycin, Mitomycin) - Cell Cycle Non-Specific
Do these antibiotics act in a specific cell cycle phase?
No, they are cell cycle-non-specific
Alkylating Agents - Cell Cycle Non-Specific
Are alkylating agents cell cycle-specific or non-specific?
Cell cycle-non-specific
Platinum Analogs - Cell Cycle Non-Specific
What type of cell cycle specificity do platinum analogs have?
Cell cycle-non-specific
Anthracyclines - Cell Cycle Non-Specific
Do anthracyclines act in a specific or non-specific phase?
Non-specific
What is the primary mechanism of action of alkylating agents?
Alkylating agents bind to DNA, forming cross-links that prevent DNA from untwisting and replicating, arresting cell reproduction.
How do alkylating agents affect cellular protein synthesis?
They prevent the formation of messenger RNA strands, hindering the synthesis of vital proteins, which impairs cell function.
What types of cancer are commonly treated with alkylating agents?
They are used to treat various leukemias, carcinomas, and neoplasms.
What are Platinum Coordination Complexes, and how do they function?
These are heavy metal compounds, like cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, that form strong cross-links in DNA, disrupting replication and translation.
How are Platinum Coordination Complexes different from alkylating agents in their chemical action?
They do not form alkyl side groups but involve the platinum component to create cross-links in DNA.
What cancers are Platinum Coordination Complexes particularly effective against?
epithelial cancers, such as testicular, ovarian, and bladder cancer.
What are antimetabolites?
Antimetabolites are anticancer drugs that resemble purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, competing with endogenous metabolites and disrupting DNA and RNA biosynthesis.
How do antimetabolites disrupt genetic material biosynthesis?
They can be directly incorporated into genetic material, forming nonfunctional products, or occupy enzymes needed for DNA/RNA synthesis, preventing normal metabolite formation.
