Intro to Oncology Flashcards
What is cancer?
Abnormal growth and cell division
No apoptosis
Growth occurs at expense of other cells
What are the types of tumors?
Solid tumor (breast, prostate)
Liquid tumor (leukemia, lymphoma)
What are possible causes of cancer?
Genetics
Environmental
Occupational
Lifestyle
Viruses
Hormonal exposure (endogenous)
Drugs (anabolic steroids, chemo)
What are the types of tumors based on location?
Localized
Metastatic (colon cancer spreads to liver, then brain but still colon cancer)
When is cancer most curable?
before it metastasizes
What are the 3 treatment options for cancer?
Surgery
Radiation
Pharmacotherapy
When is surgery possible?
solid tumor
When is radiation possible?
superficial tumor
What are the 4 types of pharmacotherapy?
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Biologic therapy (using the body to treat)
Hormonal Therapy
What is the standard of chemotherapy care?
combination chemotherapy with different mechanisms and non-overlapping toxicity
What does chemo destroy besides tumor cells?
Rapidly dividing cells:
Blood cells
Hair cells
GI cells
Reproductive tissues
What is adjuvant chemo?
chemo in addition to surgery to eliminate micrometastases
What is neoadjuvant chemo?
chemo before surgery to shrink the tumor prior to procedure
What is salvage chemo?
any chemo after initial failed attempt
What is curative intent?
prevent reoccurrence; maintain maximum doses and strict schedules due to high chance of cure
