Management of Cancer Side Effects

Question 1

Medications that treat anorexia

Answer 1

antiemetics, megesterol (Megace), dronabinol (Marinol)

Question 2

Hemorrhagic Cystitis

Answer 2

bladder mucosal irritation from metabolic byproducts of drugs (cyclophosphamide)

Question 3

Chemotherapy induced N/V Treatment

Answer 3

Most effective therapy is a 5-HT3 agent plus dexamethasone

Palonosetron (Aloxi) or Odansetron (Zofran)

Question 4

Pulmonary Toxicity

Answer 4

toxic damage to alveoli resulting in pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosisfrom drug bleomycin

Question 5

Somatic pain

Answer 5

The pain is tender and localized to the site of injury. Constant and sometimes throbbing or aching.
Bone metastasis is the most common cause of somatic pain in patients with cancer

Question 6

Visceral pain

Answer 6

Poorly localized and often referred to a distant site which may be tender.
Visceral pain is caused by activation of pain receptors resulting from infiltration, compression, extension, or stretching of the thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic viscera.
Common causes of visceral pain include pancreatic cancer and metastases in the abdomen

Question 7

Neuropathic pain

Answer 7

Prolonged, severe, burning or squeezing
Most common
Symptoms and signs of autonomic instability (eg, tachycardia, sweating) may accompany neuropathic pain
Characterized by its relative resistance to opioids, making it the most challenging type of pain to treat
Neuropathic pain is caused by injury to the nervous system

Question 8

WHO Three Step Approach to pain management

Answer 8

1: Non-opiod- NSAIDS or acetaminophen
2: Opioid- Tramadol, hydrocodone
3: Opioid- morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone