Immune & Chemotherapy (final exam) Flashcards
Glucocorticoids
Prednisone Prednisolone Dexamethasone Triamcinolone Methylprednisolone Fluticasone
Antimetabolites
Azathioprine
Mycophenolate mofetil
Leflunomide
T-cell inhibitors
Cyclosporine
Tacrolimus
Alkylating agents
Cyclophosphamide
Chlorambucil
Therapy is more effective in what age group?
Young animals
Therapy goals
Treat condition
Immunosuppression
Immunomodulation
Immunoregulation
Effects of immunosuppressive drugs
Risk of secondary infection
Organ damage
Increased cancer risk
What is the main drug group used for immunosuppression?
Glucocorticoids
Dosage of prednisone/prednisolone administration
“High dose”
2-4mg/kg/day
Side effects of glucocorticoids
PU/PD/PP/Panting
GI ulceration
Renal or hepatic damage
Atypical infection
Main clinical uses of glucocorticoids
Replacement therapy
Anti-inflammatory therapy
Immunosuppressive therapy
Antimetabolites mechanism of action
Impair nuclei acid synthesis (DNA) in rapidly dividing cells
Block signaling and proliferation of T-cells
Azathioprine
Oral only
2+ weeks for maximum effect
Used with prednisone for “steroid-sparing” effect
Contraindicated in cats (hepatic and bone marrow toxicity)
Mycophenolate mofetil
Used in refractory autoimmune disease
Rapid onset
Leflunomide indication
Refractory cases
When glucocorticoids are contraindicated (Cushing’s or diabetes mellitus)
T-cell inhibitors mechanism of action
Block gene transcription for T-cell activation
Reduce proliferation
Reduce cytokine production
Cyclosporine
Inhibits calcineurin
Primarily used in dogs
Atopic dermatitis
Ophthalmic formulation (KCS, dry eye)
Tacrolimus
Topical ointment Primarily used in dogs Anal furunculosis Perianal fistulas Atopic dermatitis
Alkylating agents mechanism of action
Suppress cell-mediated and humoral immunity
Prevent DNA separation
Cyclophosphamide
Cytotoxic agent
Primarily used in chemotherapy protocols
Side effect: hemorrhagic cystitis
Chlorambucil
Less toxic than cyclophosphamide
Primarily used in cats
Immune-mediated disease
Indicated instead of azathioprine
True/False: Chemotherapy protocols utilize single drugs because of their high toxic potential.
False
Multi-drug protocols are often used
What is metronomic chemotherapy and when is it used?
Lower drug doses over longer time period
Anti-angiogenic effects
More convenient for at-home administration
Chemotherapy classified drugs
Alkylating agents
Cyclophosphamide
Chlorambucil
