Pharmacology Flashcards
Surgical excision
Estrogen Receptor Positive Tumors
• Still the definitive treatment, best for primary, non-metastasized tumors
o Goserelin
Estrogen Receptor Positive
– GnRH agonist, used for “chemical castration” in premenopause
• Causes downregulation of FSH/LH receptors to ultimately mute estrogen production
• SQ injection in upper abdominal wall lasting for 28 days
• Will cause an initial “flare” of symptoms for a few days (bone pain/breast tenderness and enlargement); should be treated with analgesics
• Adverse effects:
• Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, etc)
• Osteoporosis/osteopenia that may be irreversible
o Raloxifen
Estrogen Receptor Positive
– SERM used to block action of estrogen at the breast (pre/postmenopause)
• Mixed agonist that has both anti/pro-estrogenic effects depending on the tissue
• Monthy IM injection
• Anti-estrogen on mammary tissue = stop breast cancer proliferation
• Pro-estrogen on bone = prevents osteoporosis
• Adverse effects:
• Teratogenic
• Thromboembolic disease (DVT, PE, stroke)
o Tamoxifen
Estrogen Receptor Positive
– SERM used to block action of estrogen at the breast (pre/postmenopause)
• Mixed agonist that has both anti/pro-estrogenic effects depending on the tissue
• Daily PO pill
• Anti-estrogen on mammary tissue = stop breast cancer proliferation
• Pro-estrogen on bone = prevents osteoporosis
• Adverse effects:
• Teratogenic
• Endometrial hypertrophy/cancer with bleeding
• Thromboembolic disease (DVT, PE, stroke)
o Toremifene/Bazodoxiene
Estrogen Receptor Positive
– SERM used to block action of estrogen at the breast (pre/postmenopause)
• 2nd generation SERM (derivative of Tamoxifen)
• Daily PO pill
• Anti-estrogen on mammary tissue = stop breast cancer proliferation
• Pro-estrogen on bone = prevents osteoporosis
• Adverse effects:
• Teratogenic
• Endometrial hypertrophy/cancer with bleeding
• Thromboembolic disease (DVT, PE, stroke)
• Prolongation of QT interval (risk of heart attack/arrhythmia)
o Fulvestrant
Estrogen Receptor Positive
– SERD used to block action of estrogen at the breast (pre/postmenopause)
• Pure estrogen receptor antagonist that stops dimerization and nuclear translocation, thus signaling of the estrogen receptor; also downregulates ERs
• Monthly injection allows for sustained plasma levels
• Adverse effects: Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, etc)
o Anastrozole
Estrogen Receptor Positive
– aromatase inhibitor to block adipocyte estrogen production in postmenopause
• Binds to the heme center of CYP19A1 (aromatase) to block it’s action
• Because ovaries no longer are the major source of estrogens, blocking peripheral aromatization of androgens into estrogens mutes estrogen production
• Daily oral pill
• Adverse Effects:
• Menopausal symptoms; but not as bad as tamoxifen
• Teratogenic
o Exemestane
Estrogen Receptor Positive
– aromatase inhibitor to block adipocyte estrogen production in postmenopause
• Binds to the heme center of CYP19A1 (aromatase) to block it’s action
• Because ovaries no longer are the major source of estrogens, blocking peripheral aromatization of androgens into estrogens mutes estrogen production
• Daily oral pill
• Adverse Effects:
• Menopausal symptoms; but not as bad as tamoxifen
• Teratogenic
o Letrozole
Estrogen Receptor Positive
– aromatase inhibitor to block adipocyte estrogen production in postmenopause
• Binds to the heme center of CYP19A1 (aromatase) to block it’s action
• Because ovaries no longer are the major source of estrogens, blocking peripheral aromatization of androgens into estrogens mutes estrogen production
• Daily oral pill
• Adverse Effects:
• Menopausal symptoms; but not as bad as tamoxifen
• Teratogenic
o Pertuzumab
Human Epidermal Growth factor (HER-2) positive tumors
– IgG-kappa humanized antibody blocking HER-2 activity
• Binds to the extracellular juxtraglomerular region of HER2
• Adverse effects
• Hypersensitivity/Alopecia/loss of appetite
• Teratogenic
o Trastuzumab
Human Epidermal Growth factor (HER-2) positive tumors
– IgG-kappa humanized antibody blocking HER-2 activity
• Binds to the extracellular dimerization domain of HER2 (Subdomain II)
• Adverse effects
• Pneumonia/respiratory failure/respiratory distress syndrome (infusion reaction)
• Cardiomyopathy/heart failure
• Teratogenic
o Ado-Trastuzumab Emtasine
Human Epidermal Growth factor (HER-2) positive tumors
– IgG-kappa humanized antibody blocking HER-2 activity
• Bind to the HER2 receptor and is internalized, bringing in a linked microtubule active chemotherapeutic drug to halt cell cycling
• Adverse effects
• Cardiomyopathy/heart failure
• Teratogenic
o Lapatinib
Human Epidermal Growth factor (HER-2) positive tumors
– small molecule Tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits HER-1 and HER-2
• Binds to intracellular domain of ErbB1/ErbB2 to complete with ATP; preventing phosphorylation, thus action of the HER-2 receptor
• Adverse effects
• Liver disease/failure (increased drug levels); LFTs required
o Progesterone receptor positive tumors
o Breast cancers expressing mutated autocrine signaling PR receptors (PR+) can be a potential target for therapy
o Not sure if there’s any drugs here, but apparently PR signals can repress ER+ activity
o Surgical excision – effective in early, non-metastatic disease
o Radiation of solid tumors can help shrink the tumor
Triple negative tumors
o Everolimus
Triple negative tumors
– mTOR inhibitor that stops cell proliferation/angiogenesis/cell metabolism
• Can be used with any type of breast cancer
• Adverse effects
• Immunosuppression – increased infection/neoplastic risk
• Risks related to grafts/transplants
o Anthracycline+doxorubicin+other drugs
Triple negative tumors
• Classic regimen
• Incidence of cardiac issues post-treatment is a concern
• Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)
Endometrial cancer
– progestin contraceptive which can bind to progestin receptors to block GnRH release; causes cessation of menstrual cycle
• Megestrol
Endometrial cancer
– synthetic oral progestin which suppresses LH release and enhances estrogen degradation; may cause low estrogen/signs of menopause; may also be use in ER+ breast cancer treatment
• Carboplatin
Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma/Testicular Cancer
– DNA intrastrand crosslinks; more myelosuppression, nephro/ototoxicity, less peripheral neuropathy; use amifostine (free radical scavenger) and saline diuresis to minimize these
• Cisplatin
Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma/Testicular Cancer
– DNA intrastrand crosslinks; identical but less myelosuppression and more peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia
• Cyclophosphamide
Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
– prodrug (needs liver activation) of DNA crosslinker at N-7 guanine residue; myelosuppression, hemorrhagic cystitis; use MESNA to bind toxic metabolites and protect bladder
• Doxorubicin
Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
– free radical generator to cause DNA strand breaks; myelosuppression, dilated cardiomyopathy; use dexrazoxane (iron chelator) to prevent cardiotoxicity
• Paclitaxel
Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma/Testicular Cancer
– stabilize polymerized microtubules in M-phase of cell division so mitotic spindle cannot breakdown and cell cannot divide; myelosuppression, hypersensitivity
• Mitomycin C
Bladder Carcinoma
o Trans-urethral resection followed by intravesical installation of high concentration of chemo. To eradicate any residual neoplastic uroepithelium
– alkylating agent; pancytopenia, chemical cystitis, contact dermatitis with palmar/plantar erythema
• Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)
Bladder Carcinoma
o Trans-urethral resection followed by intravesical installation of high concentration of chemo. To eradicate any residual neoplastic uroepithelium
– binds uroepithelial cells, attracting antigen-presenting cells to produce CTLs/NKs/LAKs/BCG-killer cells. Patient must have an intact immune system. Immune response can occur within hours and last for days.
• Thiotepa
Bladder Carcinoma
o Trans-urethral resection followed by intravesical installation of high concentration of chemo. To eradicate any residual neoplastic uroepithelium
– small molecular weight so it easily penetrates bladder
– alkylating agent; pancytopenia, dysuria/urinary retention/chemical and hemorrhagic cystitis, renal dysfunction
o Total cystectomy with life-style changes needed when bladder sparing measures do not work
Bladder Carcinoma
• Surgery is the definite treatment for any solid tumor!
o Often the entire affected testicle will be removed
o Best used if disease is confined to single testicle
o Removing one testicle does NOT impact fertility in an appreciable manner
Testicular Cancer
o Bleomycin
Testicular Cancer
o Etoposide
Testicular Cancer
o Ifosfamide
Testicular Cancer
o Vinblastine
Testicular Cancer
o “Train your bladder” to be continent
o Fluid management (not drinking too much at any given time)
o Pelvic floor exercises (strong muscles means good retention)
o Timed bladder emptying (get those neural pathways en pointe with normal firing)
Urinary Incontinence
o Oxybutynin
Urinary Incontinence
– blocks muscarinic Ach receptors (M3 to stop detrussor muscle contraction)
o Adverse Effects
• Peripheral: dry mouth, mydriasis, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia
• Central: sedation, confusion, hallucinations, slow cognitive function, poor sleep
o Concerns with these drugs
• Elderly patients taking multiple anti-cholinergics can be extremely difficult to manage-
• Contradindications: narrow-angle glaucoma, GU/GI obstruction, alzhemer’s dementia, need for mental alertness (they’re an airplane pilot)
o Tolterodine
Urinary Incontinence
– blocks muscarinic Ach receptors (M3 to stop detrussor muscle contraction)
• Strong oral bioavailabilty (75%)
o Adverse Effects
• Peripheral: dry mouth, mydriasis, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia
• Central: sedation, confusion, hallucinations, slow cognitive function, poor sleep
o Concerns with these drugs
• Elderly patients taking multiple anti-cholinergics can be extremely difficult to manage-
• Contradindications: narrow-angle glaucoma, GU/GI obstruction, alzhemer’s dementia, need for mental alertness (they’re an airplane pilot)
o Fesoterodine
Urinary Incontinence
– blocks muscarinic Ach receptors (M3 to stop detrussor muscle contraction)
o Adverse Effects
• Peripheral: dry mouth, mydriasis, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia
• Central: sedation, confusion, hallucinations, slow cognitive function, poor sleep
o Concerns with these drugs
• Elderly patients taking multiple anti-cholinergics can be extremely difficult to manage-
• Contradindications: narrow-angle glaucoma, GU/GI obstruction, alzhemer’s dementia, need for mental alertness (they’re an airplane pilot)
o Trospium
Urinary Incontinence
– blocks muscarinic Ach receptors (M3 to stop detrussor muscle contraction)
• Quatrinary amine that cannot cross BBB (no central side effects!)
• Poor oral bioavailabilty (
o Solifenacin
Urinary Incontinence
– blocks muscarinic Ach receptors (M3 to stop detrussor muscle contraction)
• Strong oral bioavailability (90%)
o Adverse Effects
• Peripheral: dry mouth, mydriasis, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia
• Central: sedation, confusion, hallucinations, slow cognitive function, poor sleep
o Concerns with these drugs
• Elderly patients taking multiple anti-cholinergics can be extremely difficult to manage-
• Contradindications: narrow-angle glaucoma, GU/GI obstruction, alzhemer’s dementia, need for mental alertness (they’re an airplane pilot)
o Darifenacin
Urinary Incontinence
– only blocks muscarinic M3 Ach receptor to stop detrussor muscle contraction
o Adverse Effects
• Peripheral: dry mouth, mydriasis, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia
• Central: sedation, confusion, hallucinations, slow cognitive function, poor sleep
o Concerns with these drugs
• Elderly patients taking multiple anti-cholinergics can be extremely difficult to manage-
• Contradindications: narrow-angle glaucoma, GU/GI obstruction, alzhemer’s dementia, need for mental alertness (they’re an airplane pilot)
o Mirabegron
Urinary Incontinence
– B3 agonist – relaxes detrusor muscle to increase holding capacity
• 50-hour half-life (super long!)
• Increased Blood pressure/tachycardia (concern in HTN patients)
o Pseudoephedrine
Urinary Incontinence
– a>B agonist, can stimulate B3/a1 but is non-specific
• Hypertension, Atrial fibrillation, insomnia, anxiety
• Interacts with MAOIs, must check patient history
o Ephedra
Urinary Incontinence
– indirect a/B agonist – can stimulate B3/a1 but non-specific
• Hypertension, Atrial fibrillation, CHF/MI, insomnia
• Interacts with MAOIs, must check patient history
o Ma Huang
Urinary Incontinence
– indirect a/B agonist – can stimulate B3/a1 but non-specific
• Hypertension, Atrial fibrillation, CHF/MI, insomnia
• Interacts with MAOIs, must check patient history
o Botox
Urinary Incontinence
– stops Ach release by cutting pre-synaptic SNARE/SNAP proteins, halting vesicle fusion
• Injections into urothelial wall to limit Ach receptor signaling
• Patients responding the anti-cholinergic drugs but cannot tolerate adverse effects are the best candidates for this therapy
• May result in initial hyper-responsive bladder due to initial cholinergic firing not occurring to keep the bladder retaining urine
o Methionine
Urinary Incontinence
– acidifies urine (decrease pH) to eliminate ammonia, limits odor/dermatitis/ ulceration from leaking urine
• Take with milk/food
• Adverse effects: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting
o Bovine Collagen
Urinary Incontinence
– injected into urethra to increase bulk of sphincter, aiding with incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency
• Used in patients that fail other therapies for >1 year
• Bethanechol
Urinary Retention
– muscarinic agonist for bladder and GI tract (stimulates M3 receptors)
o Does not cross BBB so no central side effects
o Super short half life (1 hour orally)
o Adverse effects: syncope, diarrhea, dizziness, excessive tear production, urgent urination