Oral Chemotherapy Flashcards
Thalidomide, Lenalidomide, and Pomalidomide are what kind of oral chemo agents?
Immunomodulators
Anti-angiogenics
IMiDs
Why would patients prefer oral chemo?
Convenience
Less invasive
Ease of administration
Sense of empowerment
Why oral over IV chemo?
Less invasive
Convenient
Self-administered
May be payable through Medicare Part D
Advantages of oral chemo from a healthcare professional standpoint
oral admin can provide prolonged drug exposure which may be important for drugs with schedule-dependent efficacy
potential to reduce the use of healthcare resources for inpatient and ambulatory patient care services
may provide better QOL
Challenges of oral chemo therapy
many drug-drug and drug-food interactions
patients with hx of dysphagia, odynophagia, severe n/v
patient adherence
less opportunity for healthcare professionals for pt interaction (pt edu, tox management, assessment on dz response)
shift of responsibility from provider to pt
drug cost ($$$)
How do IMiDs work?
Selectively inhibit secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Stimulates anti-CD3 stimulated Tcells
Inhibits trophic signals to angiogenic factors in cells
Induces cell cycle arrest and cell death in myeloma cells
Which anti-angiogenic does not need renal adjustment?
Thalidomide
Which immunomodulator needs hepatic adjustment?
Pomalidomide
What are the 3 adverse effects to immunomodulators/anti-angiogenics/IMiDs?
Neuropathy, DVT/PE, Myelosuppression (neutropenia)
What is the major warning related to immunomodulators: Thaliodmide, Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide?
Pregnancy Category X - REMS needed
Everolimus blocks which important factor?
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor)
mTOR kinase inhibitor with antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties
Adverse effects related to Everolimus
Metabolic Syndrome (hi-cholesterol, glucose, TG), Electrolyte abnormalities (decrease in K, Ca, Phos, Mg, HCO3), fatigue/malaise, edema
Major DDIs with Everolimus
CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors
Which alkylating agent is available IV and PO?
Cyclophosphamide and Temozolomide
Cyclophosphamide has what adverse effects?
Hemorrhagic cystitis (dose-dependent), alopecia, N/V (dose-dependent), sterility
What patient education pts are important for cyclophosphamide?
Do not administer at bedtime to minimize risk of bladder irritation
Take during or after meals
INCREASE fluid INTAKE while on therapy to decrease risk of hemorrhagic cystitis
MOA of Temozolomide
A prodrug**: hydrolyzed to active form MTIC which exerts cytotoxic effects
Adverse Effects of Temozolomide
Non-specific: fatigue, N/V, constipation, lymphocytopenia
Patient education for Temozolomide
Absorption is affected by food, so consistently take with or without food
May take on empty stomach at bedtime to reduce N/V
Anti-emetics** are recommended that prevent N/V (for higher doses > 75 mg/m2/day)
PCP Prophylaxis** (in pts receiving concomitant radiotherapy, longer dosing regimens, or concomitant steroids)
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) oral chemotherapy agent
Tamoxifen
ADRs for Tamoxifen
Mood changes, vasodilation, edema, nausea, vasomotor (hot flashes), vaginal discharge - bone and tumor pain
BBW: VTE and increased risk of uterine malignancies
MOA for Abiraterone
Blocks CYP17 (involved in androgen synthesis) and inhibits cortisol production
ADRs for Abiraterone
(Since cortisol precursor is still available, it causes the following): hypokalemia, fluid retention, hypertension, vasomotor side-effects, increased LFTs, hypertriglyceridemia
PK/PD of Capecitabine
Prodrug that converted into active metabolite 5-FU**
ADRs of Capecitabine
HFS, diarrhea, mucositis/stomatitis
Patient education of Capecitabine
Usually administered in 2 divided doses taken 12 hours apart
Doses should be taken with water within 30 min after a meal
Avoid prolonged sun exposure (use sunscreen)
Largest group of oral chemotherapy agents
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
What is the ending of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors?
“-nibs” small molecule: used in both solid tumors and heme cancers