Onc drugs (+ some genes) Flashcards
Cyclophosamide MOA
MOA: alkylating agent –> DNA crosslinks
Cyclophosamide SE
Hemorrhagic cystitis 2/2 acrolein excretion through kidneys, N/V, alopecia, BM suppression, fertility effects, 2ndary malignancy
Cyclophosamide Indictaions
breast, bladder, lymphomas
also vasculitic dz w kidney involvement such as SLE and granylomatosis w/ polyangiitis
5-fluorouracil MOA
Pyrimidine analog w/ Fluorine in uracil: bioactivated to 5F-dUMP & complexes w/ folate → inhibits thymidylate synthase (which converts uracil to thymine) → ↓ dTMP → ↓ DNA and protein synthesis (because no thymine)
5-fluorouracil metabolism
80% broken down in liver by DPD
adjust dose for liver impairment (toxicity can occur in those w/ low levels of DPD)
5-fluoracil indications
colon, esophagus, anus, cervix
5-fluoracil SE
Myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia) Skin photosensitivity,
GI toxicity including mouth sores, ulcers, diarrhea–diarrhea can be life threatening
Methotrexate MOA
Binds dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and inhibits its action (which converts dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate) → thymidine can not be produced → inhibit DNA synthesis
Methotrexate metabolism
90% renal metabolism, must establish good renal function (GRF) before administering
Methotrexate indications
Breast, head and neck, lymphoma, leukemia, trophoblastic neoplasms. Can be used in spinal fluid (not toxic to neural tissue) Low dose = rheumatoid arthritis
Methotrexate special considerations
High dose must be given w/ leucovorin rescue to terminate toxic effects
Can accumulate in third spaces and delay elimination
Must monitor blood levels to help w/ leucovorin
Methotrexate SE
GI side effects (stomatitis) w/ ulceration, diarrhea
Bone marrow suppression w/ leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia,
hepatotoxicity (cumulative dose related), can be fatal
serious dermatologic toxicity (epidermal necrolysis, stevens johnsons, necrosis, etc – recovery reported w/ tx discontinuation
Renally excreted = must have good kidney fnx
Cytosine arabinoside MOA
Converted to ara-CTP and incorporated into DNA to cause strand termination. Also inhibits DNA and RNA polymerase
Cytosine arabinoside indications
Mostly for acute leukemia; can be safely administered into CSF
given continuous IV because of short 1/2 life
Cytosine arabinoside SE
GI: stomatitis, sometimes w/ ulceration/diarrhea
BM suppression: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia
Neurologic toxicity: mild peripheral neuropathy to acute cerebral and cerebellar syndromes (potentially fatal)
Fludarabine MOA
inhibits DNA polymerase
Mostly cleared via kidneys
Fludarabine indications
progressive or refractory B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Fludarabine SE
GI: N/V, anorexia, diarrhea
BM suppression
neurotixicy ranging from mild to fatal at higher than recommended doses
Gemcitabine MOA
Converted to two forms:
Diphosphate blocks DNA synth by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase,
triphosphate form incorporated into DNA to inhibit DNA polymerase
Gemcitabine indications
metastatic pancreatic cancer (also erlotinib)
breast, lung, ovarian
Gemcitabine SE
GI: N/V, anorexia, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity
BM suppression w/ sequelae
Vincristine MOA
vinca alkaloid
Bind to tubulin dimer to prevent incorporation into microtubules → blocks mitotic spindle
Vincristine metabolism
extensive hepatic metabolism through CYP3A4 – must be used w/ caution in pts w/ impaired liver fnx. 80% excreted in feces
Vincristine SE / CI
note that it does NOT cause BM suppression or N/V!
FATAL if given intrathecally
Neurotoxicity –> peripheral neuropathy, can lead to weakness in distal muscles
Autonomic NS – impaired gut motility / constipation (place puts on bowel regimen). Postural hypotension. Bladder atony