Introduction to cancer therapy- Part 1 Flashcards
what are some side effects of chemotherapy?
- hair loss
- rash
- fatigue
- diarrhoea
- myelosuppression
- extravasation
- constipation
- nausea and vomiting
what are some common GI side effects?
- throat and mouth sores
- nausea and vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- changes in eating habit
- changes in the tastes of foods?
what is the 2 pathways for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting?
- central is acute phase
- peripheral
what are some risk factors for nausea?
- females
- non-smoking
- age
- types of drugs
- obesity
- Type of surgery
- Hypotension
- Hypoxaemia
what are some complications for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)?
-dehydration
-Nutritional deficiency
-Electrolyte disturbances
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Oesophageal tears
- Chemotherapy dose delays, reductions,
discontinuations of treatment
- Quality of life
what are some types of CINV?
- Acute – in 24 hours
- Delayed – more than 24 hours post chemo
- Anticipatory – prior to admin of chemo
what is mucositis? how to prevent? treatment
- side effect of chemo
- sore or ulcerated mouth or throat
- effected due to cells regenrating after 7-14 days so chemo drugs target it
- regular brushing
- avoid dental procedure
- avoid spicy and acidic food
- local anaesthetic mouthwashes
- paracetamol
- anti fungal
what is the treatment for chemotherapy induced diarrhoea?
- Oral hydration (8-10 glasses clear liquids/day)
- Dietary modifications
- Small frequent meals
- loperamide (first line treatment)
what is some prevention and treatment for constipation
- drink fluids
- high fibre
- exercise
- laxatives
- review medication
what is alopecia?
- hair loss due to fast growing cells affected by chemo
- can be significant psychological/emotional side effects
- may be reduced by scalp cool
what is febrile neutropenia?
Fever, often with other signs of infection, in a
patient with neutropenia
how to prevent febrile neutropenia?
-Good hygeine (Hand Washing!)
-Avoid crowds & ‘sick’ people
-‘Food Safety’
-dose reduction
prophylactic antibiotics
what are some risk factors of febrile neutropenia?
Severe symptoms -Hypotenesive - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease symptoms - Leukaemia treatment - Dehydrated - > 60 years - Inpatient
what is a dermatological side effect of chemotherapy?
- hand-foot syndrome
- EGFR (epithelial, growth, factor receptors
what is hand- foot syndrome? prevention
hand-foot syndrome – palms of hands/ soles of feet: tingling, redness, numbness, pain, swelling -Avoid tight fitting shoes, rubbing, hot water, moisturisers.
