(SYNOPTIC) Complications of Chemotherapy Flashcards
What are the two main routes of administration for chemotherapy drugs?
Orally or IV
Briefly, what is the rationale of chemotherapy with multiple drugs?
- Use drugs with synergistic effects
ø e.g. 5-fluorouracil + oxaliplatin - Combination of drugs that kill cancer cells at different stages of the cell cycle
- Alternating cycles of different combinations
What do conventional chemotherapy treatments target?
Rapidly dividing cells
Not cancer cell specific
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the bone marrow?
- Immunosuppression
- Bleeding
- Anaemia
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the chemoreceptor trigger zone?
N+V
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the GIT?
- Ulceration
- Diarrhoea
- Mucositis
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the NS?
Neuropathy
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the heart?
Cardiomyopathy
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the liver?
Cirrhosis + fibrosis
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the kidney?
Nephrotoxicity
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the bladder?
Haemorrhagic cystitis
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the lungs?
Pulmonary fibrosis
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the hair follicles?
Alopecia
Which organs/ systems do most chemotherapy drugs affect?
(1) Bone marrow
(2) GIT
Which monitoring is most important when trying to minimise side effects of chemotherapy?
FBCs
Why is pre and post-hydration so important in chemotherapy?
To reduce contact time + urine concentration
High urine output required for 24hrs post-treatment
What is myelosuppression?
Fewer red/ white blood cells + platelets
As a result of decreased bone marrow activity
How can myelosuppression, as a side effect of chemotherapy, be minimised?
- Transfusions
- Growth factors
- Timing of doses + careful monitoring
What is Filgrastim?
Type of growth factor
What is acute N+V?
Experienced in 24hr window after chemotherapy treatment
What duration is delayed N+V?
24hrs-> 6-7 days
What is anticipatory N+V?
Occurs prior to the beginning of a new cycle
Learned behaviour from anxiety