October 6, 2015 - Chemotherapy Flashcards

1
Q

Three Major Cell Types

A

1. Proliferating

  1. Quiescent
  2. Terminally differentiated

Proliferating cells are the target for chemotherapy.

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2
Q

Mechanisms of Action for Chemotherapy

A
  1. Nucleoside analogues
  2. Interference with enzymes
  3. Interference with cellular machinery
  4. Intercalation between DNA strands
  5. Cross-linking stands of DNA
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3
Q

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

A

Chemotherapy given before surgery/radiation to debulk the tumor.

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4
Q

Adjuvant Chemotherapy

A

Chemotherapy given after surgery/radiation when no visible tumor is left, to reduce the risk of recurrence due to microscopic residual disease.

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5
Q

Palliative Chemotherapy

A

Chemotherapy given for symptomatic relief without the intent to cure.

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6
Q

Chemotherapy “Regimens”

A

Uses the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

“2+2 = 8”

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7
Q

Chemotherapy and Vessel Walls

A

Chemotherapy can injure blood vessel walls. This is why it is important to often administer it through a central line or through a peripheral line by trained medical staff.

If the vessel breaks and it leaks out, can cause massive skin damage.

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8
Q

5-HT3 Antagonist

A

Very effective at controlling vomitting. Controls in up to 90% of cases.

Must be given before chemotherapy.

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9
Q

Neupogen for Neutropenia in Chemotherapy

A

G-CSF.

Shortens the duration of neutropenia by 1-3 days.

No proven effect on improving survival.

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10
Q

Alopecia

A

Hair loss.

Many patients will lose their hair and it may grow back different.

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11
Q

Secondary Malignancies

A

Chemotherapy damages healthy cells too.

There is up to a 0.5% chance per year of developing a secondary malignancy. Particular leukemias and lymphomas.

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12
Q

Organ Damage and Chemotherapy

A

Some chemotherapies can cause organ damage in a dose-dependant manner. You must be aware of this.

For example, anthracyclines may cause cardiomyopathy.

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