Oncology

Question 1

what drug at what dose is given for spinal cord compression?
How long should you reduce the dose over post surgery/start radiotherapy?
what should you do if neurological function is deteriorating?

Answer 1

• dexamethasone 16mg OD
• after surgery/start of radiotherapy dose should be reduced over 5 - 7 days
• temporarily increase the dose

Question 2

what is the superior vena cava?

Answer 2

large vein that carries blood directly to the heart, located in the middle of the chest

Question 3

what’s the name of the complication to the vena cava that can occur in oncology?
give a common cause.

Answer 3

superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO)
tumour of metastasis blocks the blood flow - the walls of superior vena cava are quite thing meaning compression can occur fairly easily
SVCO most common in underlying lung cancer

Question 4

list 4 potential treatment options for management of superior vena cava obstruciton

Answer 4

1. corticosteroids and diuretics
2. stenting (1st line)
3. radiotherapy
4. symptomatic relief (raising head, giving oxygen)

Question 5

What causes tumour lysis syndrome (TLS)?

Answer 5

sudden release of large quantities of cellular components (phosphate, potassium, urea) into the blood following the rapid lysis of malignant cells

Question 6

In what conditions is TLS most common?

Answer 6

in patients with haematologic malignancies such as lymphoblastic leukaemia