Mechanisms Of Cancer Drugs Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action of Cyclophosphamide?
Alkylating agent - causes cross-linking in DNA
Cyclophosphamide is used in various chemotherapy regimens and is known for its effectiveness in treating certain cancers.
What are the major adverse effects of Cyclophosphamide?
Haemorrhagic cystitis, myelosuppression, transitional cell carcinoma
Haemorrhagic cystitis is often dose-dependent and may be mitigated by hydration and mesna.
How does Bleomycin work?
Degrades preformed DNA
Bleomycin is commonly used to treat testicular cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
What is a significant adverse effect of Bleomycin?
Lung fibrosis
Lung toxicity can be dose-limiting and is a major concern during treatment.
What is the mechanism of action of Anthracyclines like Doxorubicin?
Stabilizes DNA-topoisomerase II complex, inhibits DNA & RNA synthesis
Anthracyclines are widely used in various cancer therapies, but cardiotoxicity limits their use.
What adverse effect is associated with Anthracyclines?
Cardiomyopathy
Regular monitoring of cardiac function is essential during therapy with anthracyclines.
What is the mechanism of action of Methotrexate?
Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthesis
Methotrexate is used to treat various cancers and autoimmune diseases.
List the major adverse effects of Methotrexate.
- Myelosuppression
- Mucositis
- Liver fibrosis
- Lung fibrosis
These effects necessitate careful monitoring and sometimes dose adjustments.
What type of analogue is Fluorouracil (5-FU) and what is its mechanism of action?
Pyrimidine analogue inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by blocking thymidylate synthase (works during S phase)
5-FU is commonly used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
What are the adverse effects of Fluorouracil (5-FU)?
Myelosuppression, mucositis, dermatitis
These side effects can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life.
What is the mechanism of action of 6-mercaptopurine?
Purine analogue that is activated by HGPRTase, decreasing purine synthesis
6-mercaptopurine is used primarily in the treatment of leukemia.
What adverse effect is commonly associated with 6-mercaptopurine?
Myelosuppression
Monitoring blood counts is crucial during treatment.
What is the mechanism of action of Cytarabine?
Pyrimidine antagonist. Interferes with DNA synthesis specifically at the S-phase of the cell cycle and inhibits DNA polymerase
Cytarabine is often used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.
What are the adverse effects of Cytarabine?
Myelosuppression, ataxia
Ataxia is less common but can occur, particularly with high doses.
What is the action of Vincristine and Vinblastine?
Inhibits formation of microtubules
These agents are used in various combination chemotherapy regimens.
What are the adverse effects of Vincristine?
Peripheral neuropathy (reversible), paralytic ileus
Peripheral neuropathy can manifest as numbness and tingling in extremities.
What is the main adverse effect of Vinblastine?
Myelosuppression
Vinblastine requires careful monitoring of blood counts.
What is the mechanism of action of Docetaxel?
Prevents microtubule depolymerisation & disassembly, decreasing free tubulin
Docetaxel is used in breast, lung, and prostate cancers.
What adverse effect is associated with Docetaxel?
Neutropaenia
Neutropaenia increases the risk of infections during treatment.
What is the mechanism of action of Irinotecan?
Inhibits topoisomerase I which prevents relaxation of supercoiled DNA
Irinotecan is primarily used in colorectal cancer treatment.
What are the adverse effects of Irinotecan?
Myelosuppression
This effect necessitates monitoring of blood counts.
What is the mechanism of action of Cisplatin?
Causes cross-linking in DNA
Cisplatin is widely used in various solid tumors.
List the major adverse effects of Cisplatin.
- Nephrotoxicity (the primary dose-limiting side effect)
- Ototoxicity
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Hypomagnesaemia
Hydration and nephroprotective agents are often used to mitigate nephrotoxicity.
What is the mechanism of action of Hydroxyurea?
Inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, decreasing DNA synthesis
Hydroxyurea is used in myeloproliferative disorders and some cancers.
