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Pharma > FINALS: Cancer > Flashcards

FINALS: Cancer Flashcards

1
Q

group of diseases characterized by rapid, uncontrolled cell growth, where normal cells transform into a primitive, undifferentiated state.

A

Cancer

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2
Q

Cancer Drug Principles

A

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.

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2
Q

Traits of Cancer Cells

A

Persistent invasion and the ability to metastasize.

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2
Q

T or F
Benign Tumors: Can also be dangerous

A

TRUE
Risks of Benign Tumors: Can also be dangerous if they obstruct vital pathways, e.g., in the intestinal tract or CNS.

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2
Q

Cancer Treatment Modalities

A

Surgery
Radiation Treatment
Chemotherapy: Focus on drugs that limit cell proliferation by targeting cancer cells.

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2
Q

Antimetabolites - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do antimetabolites target?

A

S phase

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2
Q

Topoisomerase II Inhibitors - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase(s) do these inhibitors target?

A

G1-S phase

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2
Q

Topoisomerase I Inhibitors (Camptothecins) - Cell Cycle Specific
Which transition do they affect?

A

G2-M transition

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2
Q

Taxanes - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do taxanes act upon?

A

M phase

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2
Q

Vinca Alkaloids - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do Vinca alkaloids target?

A

m phase (mitosis phase)

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2
Q

Antimicrotubule Inhibitor - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do antimicrotubule inhibitors work in?

A

M phase

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2
Q

Antitumor Antibiotics (e.g., Bleomycin) - Cell Cycle Specific
Which phase do they primarily affect?

A

Gs-M phase

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2
Q

Antitumor Antibiotics (e.g., Dactinomycin, Mitomycin) - Cell Cycle Non-Specific
Do these antibiotics act in a specific cell cycle phase?

A

No, they are cell cycle-non-specific

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2
Q

Alkylating Agents - Cell Cycle Non-Specific
Are alkylating agents cell cycle-specific or non-specific?

A

Cell cycle-non-specific

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3
Q

Platinum Analogs - Cell Cycle Non-Specific
What type of cell cycle specificity do platinum analogs have?

A

Cell cycle-non-specific

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3
Q

Anthracyclines - Cell Cycle Non-Specific
Do anthracyclines act in a specific or non-specific phase?

A

Non-specific

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3
Q

What is the primary mechanism of action of alkylating agents?

A

Alkylating agents bind to DNA, forming cross-links that prevent DNA from untwisting and replicating, arresting cell reproduction.

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3
Q

How do alkylating agents affect cellular protein synthesis?

A

They prevent the formation of messenger RNA strands, hindering the synthesis of vital proteins, which impairs cell function.

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3
Q

What types of cancer are commonly treated with alkylating agents?

A

They are used to treat various leukemias, carcinomas, and neoplasms.

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4
Q

What are Platinum Coordination Complexes, and how do they function?

A

These are heavy metal compounds, like cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, that form strong cross-links in DNA, disrupting replication and translation.

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5
Q

How are Platinum Coordination Complexes different from alkylating agents in their chemical action?

A

They do not form alkyl side groups but involve the platinum component to create cross-links in DNA.

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6
Q

What cancers are Platinum Coordination Complexes particularly effective against?

A

epithelial cancers, such as testicular, ovarian, and bladder cancer.

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7
Q

What are antimetabolites?

A

Antimetabolites are anticancer drugs that resemble purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, competing with endogenous metabolites and disrupting DNA and RNA biosynthesis.

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8
Q

How do antimetabolites disrupt genetic material biosynthesis?

A

They can be directly incorporated into genetic material, forming nonfunctional products, or occupy enzymes needed for DNA/RNA synthesis, preventing normal metabolite formation.

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9
Q

Give an example of an antimetabolite and its mechanism.

A

Methotrexate mimics folic acid, inhibiting enzymatic reactions necessary for DNA synthesis, reducing DNA production.

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10
Q

How do antimetabolites affect rapidly dividing cells?

A

They impair DNA and RNA synthesis, affecting cells with a high growth fraction by hindering genetic material replication and normal protein production.

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11
Q

What are anticancer antibiotics?

A

A class of drugs used for treating neoplastic diseases, known for high toxicity, with mechanisms that may include direct DNA interaction or inhibition of DNA-related enzymes.

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12
Q

Describe the first mechanism of anticancer antibiotics.

A

They may intercalate between DNA base pairs, disrupting or lysing DNA strands, and prevent DNA replication and RNA synthesis.

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13
Q

Describe the second mechanism of anticancer antibiotics

A

They may inhibit DNA-related enzymes like topoisomerase II, which regulates DNA replication, causing DNA strand breaks.

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14
Q

What are antimicrotubule agents?

A

Anticancer drugs that target microtubules involved in cell division, disrupting the mitotic apparatus and preventing cancer cell proliferation.

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15
Q

How do Vinca alkaloids work?

A

Vinca alkaloids, such as vinblastine and vincristine, inhibit the formation of the mitotic apparatus, blocking normal cell division and proliferation.

16
Q

What is the action of taxanes in cancer treatment?

A

Taxanes, like docetaxel and paclitaxel, stabilize microtubules, preventing their breakdown and disrupting cell division, leading to cell death.

17
Q

What enzymes do topoisomerase inhibitors target, and why are these enzymes important?

A

Topoisomerase inhibitors target topoisomerase enzymes, which are crucial for normal DNA replication.
(Etoposide and teniposide inhibit Topoisomerase II)
(Irinotecan and topotecan inhibit Topoisomerase I,)

17
Q

How do anticancer hormones work to treat hormone-sensitive cancers?

A

They either mimic or block hormone effects, inhibiting neoplasms by reducing hormonal stimulation or suppressing cell function directly.

17
Q

What are examples of hormone therapies that block specific hormone receptors?

A

Androgen receptor blockers (e.g., flutamide) treat prostate cancer, and estrogen receptor blockers (e.g., tamoxifen) treat estrogen-stimulated breast and uterine cancers.

18
Q

What do aromatase inhibitors do, and name some examples?

A

Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole) decrease estrogen production, reducing the influence of estrogen on breast tumors.

18
Q

How do monoclonal antibodies work in cancer treatment?

A

They bind to specific antigens on cancer cell surfaces, inhibiting growth, limiting cell function, or enhancing the immune system’s response.

18
Q

What are antibody-drug conjugates, and how do they work?

A

Monoclonal antibodies linked to anticancer drugs or radioactive substances deliver these directly to cancer cells with specific antigens.

19
Q

What is the goal of targeted and biological therapies in cancer treatment?

A

To disrupt cancer cell function while minimizing harm to healthy cells by targeting unique characteristics of cancer cells.

20
Q

What role do cytokines play in cancer therapy?

A

: Cytokines like interferons and interleukin-2 regulate immune responses and enhance the immune system’s ability to combat cancer.

21
Q

What is the mechanism of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment?

A

hey interfere with signaling pathways by blocking tyrosine kinases, which are enzymes involved in cancer cell growth.

22
Q

What is angiogenesis inhibition, and name an example of a drug that uses this approach?

A

Angiogenesis inhibition prevents the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, starving them of oxygen. An example is bevacizumab (Avastin).

23
Q

What role do cytokines play in cancer treatment?

A

Cytokines modulate immune responses and are potential biological anticancer drugs due to their ability to stimulate immune mechanisms against abnormal cell proliferation.

24
Q

What is the role of Interferons in cancer treatment?

A

Interferons exhibit antiviral and antineoplastic activity by activating cytotoxic immune cells (e.g., natural killer cells) and signaling pathways in cancer cells. They are used to treat leukemias, lymphomas, Kaposi sarcoma, and various cancers.

24
Q

How does Interleukin-2 (IL-2) aid in cancer treatment?

A

: IL-2 stimulates the growth and differentiation of T-cell lymphocytes and natural killer cells that are toxic to tumor cells. Recombinant IL-2 is used to treat renal cancer and malignant melanoma.

25
Q

What is the significance of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment?

A

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors block defective tyrosine kinase activity, which causes abnormal cell growth and proliferation. These drugs are used in cancers like leukemia and those affecting tissues like the lungs, stomach, and pancreas.

26
Q

What is the role of thromboxanes and COX-2 in cancer prevention?

A

Aspirin inhibits thromboxane production, which reduces platelet activation and may hinder tumor growth. COX-2 selective inhibitors may offer benefits in certain cancers.

26
Q

How do aspirin and NSAIDs contribute to cancer prevention?

A

Aspirin and NSAIDs help prevent colorectal cancer and reduce malignancies in other tissues by inhibiting platelet activation, which can promote tumor growth.

27
Q

What is Arsenic Trioxide used for in cancer treatment?

A

Arsenic Trioxide is used to limit the growth of acute promyelocytic leukemia, particularly in cases of relapse or resistance to other treatments, by damaging DNA and proteins that regulate DNA replication.

28
Q

How does Asparaginase work in cancer treatment?

A

Asparaginase breaks down asparagine, which some tumor cells rely on for survival. It is primarily used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia.

29
Q

What is the mechanism of action of Bortezomib in cancer treatment?

A

Bortezomib inhibits proteasome activity, leading to prolonged cellular protein activity, which results in cell death. It is used in cancers like multiple myeloma.

30
Q

What is Denileukin Diftitox used for in cancer therapy?

A

: Denileukin Diftitox combines interleukin-2 with diphtheria toxin to treat recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by targeting leukemia and lymphoma cells with specific interleukin-2 receptors.

31
Q

How does Estramustine work in cancer treatment?

A

Estramustine combines an alkylating agent and estrogen. It is used for palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer, though its exact mechanism is unclear.

31
Q

What is the action of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in cancer treatment?

A

Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors like Vorinostat and Romidepsin normalize gene transcription and cell proliferation, used in cancers like cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

32
Q

What is the use of Hydroxyurea in cancer treatment?

A

Hydroxyurea impairs DNA synthesis by inhibiting the ribonucleoside reductase enzyme, used in certain cancers like leukemia.

33
Q

How does Mitotane work in cancer treatment?

A

Mitotane selectively inhibits adrenocortical function and is used to treat inoperable carcinoma of the adrenal cortex.

34
Q

How do Retinoids like Tretinoin help in cancer treatment?

A

Retinoids (Tretinoin, Alitretinoin, Bexarotene) derived from vitamin A, help cells differentiate and replicate normally, used in leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treatments.

34
Q

What is the role of Thalidomide and Lenalidomide in cancer treatment?

A

originally a sedative, Thalidomide and its derivative Lenalidomide are used in cancers like multiple myeloma, with mechanisms involving immune function modulation and angiogenesis inhibition.

35
Q

Why is combination chemotherapy often used in cancer treatment?

A

Combination chemotherapy uses multiple drugs to enhance the chances of successful treatment through additive and synergistic effects, improving outcomes in various cancers.

36
Q

What are the principles in selecting appropriate drugs for combination chemotherapy?

A

Each drug should be active against the cancer when used alone.
The drugs should have different mechanisms of action.
Cross-resistance between drugs should be minimal.
The drugs should have different toxic effects.

36
Q

What is the purpose of combination chemotherapy?

A

Combination chemotherapy uses multiple drugs together to maximize cancer cell kill, reduce resistance, and increase effectiveness. It can be used in various types of cancer.

36
Q

What is the FAC regimen in chemotherapy?

A

FAC regimen consists of Fluorouracil, Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and Cyclophosphamide.

37
Q

What are the primary cancer treatment methods?

A

: The primary cancer treatment methods are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. The choice depends on the patient’s condition, cancer type, and tumor location.

37
Q

What is adjuvant chemotherapy?

A

Adjuvant chemotherapy is given after the primary treatment to improve the chances of a cure or prolong disease-free survival when no detectable cancer is present.

38
Q

What is the Log Cell Kill Kinetics principle?

A

Log Cell Kill Kinetics refers to a drug killing a constant fraction of cancer cells, not a constant number (e.g., a 3-log kill means reducing cancer cells from 10¹⁰ to 10⁷, or from 10⁵ to 10²).

38
Q

What is neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

A

eoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before aggressive surgery or radiation to control or reduce cancer growth, making non-drug treatments more effective.

38
Q

What are common resistance mechanisms to anticancer drugs?

A

Glycoprotein efflux pumps expelling drugs.
Enzyme production to deactivate drugs.
DNA repair mechanisms for alkylating agents and platinum complexes.
Modification of drug-binding receptors.

38
Q

Which anticancer drug is associated with cardiotoxicity?

A

Doxorubicin is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and cardiotoxicity.

39
Q

: Which anticancer drug is associated with pulmonary fibrosis?

A

Bleomycin is associated with pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonitis.

39
Q

What is the total cell kill strategy in cancer treatment?

A

The total cell kill strategy aims to use all available treatments (surgery, radiation, drugs) to completely eliminate cancer cells.

40
Q

What is leucovorin used for in cancer treatment?

A

Leucovorin bypasses the dihydrofolate reductase step in folic acid synthesis, often used to rescue from high-dose methotrexate toxicity.

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Pharma (13 decks)

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