Oncology I: Overview, Side Effect Mgmt, Oncologic Emergencies Flashcards
What are some risk factors for developing cancer?
chemicals/radiation diet low physical activity genetics (BRCA gene, etc.) excessive alcohol intake hormones age sunlight exposure tobacco obesity
At what age should women begin receiving annual mammograms?
45 years (can start as early as 40, probably good for those with a family history)
screening guidelines for cervical cancer
Starting at age 21, a PAP smear is recommended every 3 years until age 30. Then, a PAP smear and an HPV test are recommended every 5 years.
colon cancer screening guidelines
Stool based tests should begin every year at age 45. Colonoscopy every 10 years, or CT colonography/flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
Who should be screened for lung cancer? How?
Patients who meet the following 3 criteria should receive a yearly CT chest starting at age 55:
1) in good health
2) have at least 30 pack year history
3) still smoking or quit within last 15 years
Prostate cancer involves what two tests, starting at what age (for those who elect)?
Starting at age 50, prostate cancer screening involves a PSA test and a DRE.
Which chemotherapy agents do NOT cause myelosuppression?
bleomycin, vincristine, most biologics (“mabs”), TKIs, asparaginase
How is myelosuppression in chemotherapy managed?
Mostly, infusions of whatever is missing (RBCs, platelets). Anemia can also be treated with ESAs. Neutropenia is treated with colony stimulating factors.
Which chemo agents are most associated with N/V?
cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, cisplatin
Which drug classes are used in CANV management?
NK1 antagonists ((fos)aprepitant)
serotonin receptor antagonists (-setrons)
dexamethasone
phenothiazines (prochlorperazine)
dopamine antagonists (metoclopramide, haldol, chlorpromazine)
benzodiazepines for anticipatory N/V
Which chemo drugs are most associated with mucositis?
fluorouracil, methotrexate, many TKIs, capecitabine, irinotecan
How is mucositis managed?
GI coating agents like sucralfate, topical anesthetics like lidocaine
Which chemotherapy agents are most associated with diarrhea?
irinotecan (I run to the can), fluorouacil, capecitabine, methotrexate, most TKIs
How is diarrhea associated with chemotherapy managed?
IV/PO hydration and antimotility (loperamide)
atropine can be used for early onset diarrhea associated with irinotecan
Which two chemotherapy agents are most associated with constipation?
vincristine, thalidomides
How is constipation in chemotherapy managed?
stimulant laxatives, PEG
What are two options for chemo associated dry mouth?
artificial saliva, pilocarpine
Which class of chemo agents is most frequently associated with cardiomyopathy? Which medication can be used in combination with one of them to reduce cardiotoxicity?
anthracyclines (rubicins)
dexrazoxane can be used with doxorubicin
To reduce the risk of cardiomyopathy, do not exceed a cumulative lifetime dose of ________mg/m^2 of doxorubicin.
450-550 mg/m^2
Bleomycin is most associated with _______ toxicity and should not exceed a lifetime dose of _______.
pulmonary, 400 units
Pulmonary toxicity associated with chemotherapy can manifest as pulmonary _______ and _________. Name the agents known to cause each.
fibrosis (bleomycin, busulfan, carmustine)
pneumonitis (methotrexate, MAbs)
The 4 classes of chemotherapy agents for which you should monitor LFTs are:
1) folate antimetabolites
2) antiandrogens
3) TKIs
4) pyrimidine analog antimetabolites (cytarabine)
BUN/SCr monitoring are most necessary with what two chemo drugs, due to their potential for nephrotoxicity?
cisplatin and methotrexate
Which agent, if given prophylactically with cisplatin, can reduce nephrotoxicity?
amifostine (Ethyol)
The max dose per cycle of cisplatin should not exceed _______.
100 mg/m^2
Ifosfamide can cause _______ at any dose, and is often given with _______ to reduce the occurrence.
hemorrhagic cystitis, mesna
cyclophosphamide can also cause HC, but usually only at higher doses. it is only sometimes given with mesna.
Vinca alkaloids, platinum agents, and taxanes are all associated with what adverse effect?
peripheral neuropathy
Because of its neurotoxicity, the single dose cap of _______ is ________.
vincristine, 2mg
Describe the unique neuropathy and subsequent patient counseling that should occur with oxaliplatin.
Oxaliplatin causes an acute, cold-mediated sensory neuropathy. Tell patients to avoid cold temperatures and drinking cold beverages.
What is the hallmark side effect of proteasome inhibitors?
neuropathy