Immunopharmacology Flashcards
What is a neoplasm?
An abnormal mass of tissue, the growth of which exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal tissues
Neoplasms can be benign or malignant.
What does the term ‘tumor’ refer to?
A non-specific term meaning lump or swelling, often synonymous with neoplasm
Tumors can be benign or malignant.
Define cancer.
Any malignant neoplasm or tumor
What is metastasis?
Discontinuous spread of a malignant neoplasm to distant sites
What type of cancer is derived from epithelial origin?
Carcinoma
Examples include basal cell carcinoma and breast carcinoma.
What type of cancer originates from connective tissue or muscle?
Sarcoma
Examples include osteosarcoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
What cancers are classified as leukemias and lymphomas?
Cancers originating from immune cells
Examples include Hodgkin’s lymphoma and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
What are the traditional methods of cancer treatment?
Cut, burn, and poison
This includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
What are some new methods of cancer treatment?
- Target cell pathways
- Stem cell transplantation
- Angiogenesis inhibition
- Gene therapy
- Cancer vaccines
What is primary chemotherapy?
Primary treatment is chemotherapy, especially for advanced disease to limit spread and improve quality of life.
What is neoadjuvant chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy induced to reduce tumor size prior to and after surgery
What is adjuvant chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy given after surgery to reduce incidence and resurgence of tumor
What are the goals of adjuvant chemotherapy?
- Disease-free survival (DFS)
- Overall survival (OS)
List the routes of chemotherapy administration.
- Intravascular (peripheral vs. central lines)
- Oral
- Topical
- Intra cavity
Name some general toxicities of cytotoxic drugs.
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Bone marrow depression
- Alopecia
- Oligospermia, impotence, ↓ ovulation
- Abortion, fetal death, teratogenicity
- Hyperuricemia
- Immunosuppression
True or False: Cancer cells have normal mechanisms to suppress cell growth.
False
What are Cell Cycle Specific Agents (CCS)?
Agents that act against specific proteins involved in cell cycle progression
Examples include 5-FU, paclitaxel, vinblastine.
What are Cell Cycle Nonspecific Agents (CCNS)?
Agents whose effects are not reliant on cell cycle progression
Examples include mitomycin and doxorubicin.
What is the purpose of combination drug therapy in cancer treatment?
Negates the effects of resistances of different drugs and can work synergistically
What are alkylating agents?
Drugs that transfer alkyl groups to DNA, making it inactive
Name a common alkylating agent.
Cyclophosphamide
What is the mechanism of action of cisplatin?
Highly bound to plasma proteins, concentrates in kidney, intestine, testes, poorly penetrates BBB
What are the uses of cisplatin?
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Other solid tumors (lung, esophagus, gastric)
Name some adverse effects of cisplatin.
- Emesis
- Nephrotoxicity
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Ototoxicity
What is the primary action of methotrexate?
Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) – interferes with DNA/RNA synthesis
What are purine antagonists used to treat?
Lymphoblastic leukemia, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel disease, after transplant
What do pyrimidine antagonists interfere with?
DNA synthesis and repair
What are vinca alkaloids derived from?
Periwinkle plant
Examples include vincristine and vinblastine.
What is the mechanism of action of taxanes?
Stabilize the mitotic spindle, preventing depolymerization and causing cell death
What is the role of corticosteroids in cancer treatment?
Used in leukemias and lymphomas
Name a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).
Tamoxifen
What are some miscellaneous agents in cancer treatment?
- Inhibitors of growth factor receptors
- Monoclonal antibodies
What are some ways to reduce the risk of cancer?
- Avoid tobacco
- Maintain healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Eat healthy
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Protect your skin
- Know your family history
- Have regular checkups
