Lecture notes

Question 1

Why is Chemo usually given every 3-4 weeks ?

Answer 1

Bone marrow recovery requires at least 20 days.

Question 2

What is the maximum number of chemo cycles ?

Answer 2

6

Question 3

What are the chemotheraputic agents with high emetic risk?

Answer 3

Carmustine, cisplatin, high dose cyclophosphamide, dacarbazine

Question 4

What are the chemotheraputic agents with moderate emetic risk?

Answer 4

Carboplatin, Daunorubicin, Doxorubicin

Question 5

What are the chemotheraputic agents with low emetic risk?

Answer 5

5-Fluororuacil, Bortezomib, Etoposide, Methotrexate, Paclitaxel

Question 6

What is the hemotheraputic agents withminimal emetic risk?

Answer 6

Vincristine

Question 7

What is the management of tumour lysis syndrome ?

Answer 7

*Treating any electrolyte abnormalities and/oracute kidney injury.
*Administration ofrasburicase.
*Administration of loop diuretic and intravenous fluids.
*Appropriate use of renal replacement therapy (dialysis)

Question 8

What is the MOA of Selective estrogen receptor modulator Tamoxifan?

Answer 8

In the breast it binds to the estrogen receptor and antagonises it. In the bone and endometrium it acts as a partial agonist. It is taken daily for 5 to 10 years to post surgery.

Question 9

What are the advantages and disadvantages of small molecule inhibitors ?

Answer 9

• They can cross blood brain barrier and work on a wide varity of targets.
• Can be administered orally or as combination therapy.
  *Low and short duration of response and resistance are a problem.
• Toxic effects.

Question 10

What are the limitations of targeted therapy ?

Answer 10

*Tumour heterogeneity and molecular evolution
*Acquired resistance
*Lack of biomarkers
*High toxicity
*Financial toxicity