Oncology Flashcards
External factors causing cancer
Chemical
Radiation
Bacteria
Viruses
Internal factors causing cancers
Genetic mutations
Hormones
Sunlight exposure
Tobacco use
Excessive EtOH intake
Obesity
Older age
Poor diet
Low physical activity
Warning signs of cancer
CAUTION
Change in bowel or bladder habits
A sore throat that does not heal
Unusual bleeding/discharge
Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Obvious change in wart or mole
Nagging cough or hoarseness
Breast cancer screening
Begin yearly mammograms at age 45–54
Mammograms every 2 years or annually at ages ≥ 54 yrs
Cervical cancer screening
Pap smear every 3 years
HPV DNA test every 5 years
PAP smear + HPV DNA test every 5 years
For years 25-65 years
Colorectal cancer screening
Stool-based tests (if +, f/u with colonoscopy): FIT yearly, gFOBT yearly, or MT-sDNA every 3 years
Visual exams: colonoscopy every 10 years, CT colonography every 5 years, FSIG every 5 years
For M/F ≥ 45 yrs old
Lung cancer screening
Annual CT scan if all of the following:
1. 20 pack-year+ smoking history
2. Still smoking or quit smoking in the past 15 years
For F/M ≥ 50 years
Prostate cancer screening
If a patient chooses to be tested:
- PSA blood test with/without DRE
Bleomycin: dosing considerations
Lifetime cumulative dose: 400 units
Pulmonary toxicity
Doxorubicin: dosing considerations
Lifetime cumulative dose: 450-550 mg/m2
Cardiotoxicity
Cisplatin: dosing considerations
Dose per cycle not to exceed 100 mg/m2
Nephrotoxicity
Vincristine: dosing considerations
Single dose “capped” at 2 mg
Neuropathy
Medication given to prevent cardiotoxicity from doxorubicin
Dexrazoxane
Chemotherapy agents that don’t cause myelosuppression
Bleomycin
Vincristine
Asparaginase
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause N/V
Cisplatin
Ifosfamide
Cyclophosphamide
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause Mucositis
Fluorouracil
Methotrexate
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause Cardiotoxicity
Anthracyclines
HER2 inhibitors
Arsenic Trioxide
Many TKIs
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause pulmonary toxicity
Bleomycin
Busulfan
Carmustine/Lomustine
Methotrexate & MAbs (pneumonitis)
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause Nephrotoxicity
Cisplatin
Methotrexate (high doses)
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause constipation
Vincristine
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause diarrhea
Irinotecan
Capecitabine/5-FU
Methotrexate
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause neuropathy
Vinca alkaloids
Platinums
Taxanes
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause clotting
SERMs
Aromatase inhibitors
Immunomodulators
Chemotherapies MOST known to cause Hepatotoxicity
Anti-androgens (bicalutamide, flutamide, nilutamide)
Methotrexate
Drug to give prophylactically with cisplatin to prevent nephrotoxicity
Amifostine (Ethyol)
Also, maintain adequate hydration and do not exceed max dose of 100 mg/m2/cycle
Nadir: defination
Lowest point that WBCs & RBCs reach
WBC/platelet nadir
How many days after chemotherapy?
7-14 days after chemotherapy
RBC nadir
Much later, usually months d/t long lifespan of RBCs (~120 days)
How long does it generally take for WBCs & platelets to recover?
3-4 weeks post-treatment
Neutropenia & severe neutropenia definitions
Neutropenia: < 1,000 cells/mm3
Severe neutropenia: < 500 cells/mm3
Filgrastim (Neupogen) side effects
Bone pain, fever
Febrile neutropenia diagnosis requirements
Fever of > 38.3 degrees Celsius and ANC < 500 cells/mm3
Issues with ESAs and cancer
Can shorten survival and inc tumor progression. For this reason, they are NOT recommended in a patient pursuing curative intent
When to initiate ESAs
Hgb < 10 mg/dL
Use the lowest dose needed to avoid RBC transfusions
When to initiate platelet transfusions for thrombocytopenia
PLT count < 10,000 or
< 30,000 and active bleeding is present
Droperidol: issue
QTc prolongation
Cannabinoids (e.g. dronabinol, nabilone) side effects
Inc. appetite
Sedation
Dysphoria
Euphoria
Aprepitant & dexamethasone DI
Aprepitant is an CYP3A4 inhibitor
**decrease dexamethasone dose
Max dose of Loperamide under medical supervision
16mg/day
Hand-foot syndrome management
Limit daily activities to reduce friction and heat exposure to hands/feet
Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water
Avoid use of dishwashing gloves
Avoid inc. pressure on the soles of feet & palm of hands