Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Saaliha Part 4 – PM4B > (SYNOPTIC) Complications of Chemotherapy > Flashcards

(SYNOPTIC) Complications of Chemotherapy Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two main routes of administration for chemotherapy drugs?

A

Orally or IV

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Briefly, what is the rationale of chemotherapy?

A
  • 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
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What do conventional chemotherapy treatments target?

A

Rapidly dividing cells

Not cancer cell specific

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the bone marrow?

A
  • Immunosuppression
  • Bleeding
  • Anaemia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the chemoreceptor trigger zone?

A

N+V

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the GIT?

A
  • Ulceration
  • Diarrhoea
  • Mucositis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the NS?

A

Neuropathy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the heart?

A

Cardiomyopathy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the liver?

A

Cirrhosis + fibrosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the kidney?

A

Nephrotoxicity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the bladder?

A

Haemorrhagic cystitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the lungs?

A

Pulmonary fibrosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the hair follicles?

A

Alopecia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which organs/ systems do most chemotherapy drugs affect?

A

(1) Bone marrow

(2) GIT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Which monitoring is most important when trying to minimise side effects of chemotherapy?

A

FBCs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is pre and post-hydration so important in chemotherapy?

A

To reduce contact time + urine concentration

High urine output required for 24hrs post-treatment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is myelosuppression?

A

Fewer red/ white blood cells + platelets

As a result of decreased bone marrow activity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How can myelosuppression, as a side effect of chemotherapy, be minimised?

A
  • Transfusions
  • Growth factors
  • Timing of doses + careful monitoring
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is Filgrastim?

A

Type of growth factor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is acute N+V?

A

Experienced in 24hr window after chemotherapy treatment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What duration is delayed N+V?

A

24hrs-> 6-7 days

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is anticipatory N+V?

A

Occurs prior to the beginning of a new cycle

Learned behaviour from anxiety

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is breakthrough N+V?

A

Development of symptoms despite standard anti-emetic therapy

Requires additional pharmacological management

24
Q

What is refractory N+V?

A

Patients who are still experiencing symptoms despite being on both standard and rescue medication

25
What are some low N+V risk chemotherapy regimens?
- Single agent fluorouracil regimens | - Dopamine antagonist alone
26
What medicine is given TTA for diarrhoea prophylaxis, following chemotherapy treatments?
Loperamide
27
How can mucositis be prevented in chemotherapy patients?
Difflam/ chlorhexidine mouthwash
28
What are the performance status categories of chemotherapy patients?
(0) No symptoms (1) Symptomatic but normal daily activities (2) Symptomatic, in bed less than 1/2 the day (3) Symptomatic, in bed >1/2 the day (4) Bedridden
29
What is the term for bone marrow suppression?
Myelosuppression
30
When are FBCs taken in chemotherapy treatment?
Prior to administration of every cycle
31
Where do most infections that chemotherapy patients get originate from?
Endogenous gut/ skin organisms
32
What is tumour lysis syndrome?
Chemotherapy causes mass cell lysis Uric acid + electrolytes released as they breakdown
33
What is the pharmacological treatment of tumour lysis syndrome?
Allopurinol or rasburicase Helps to promote excretion of uric acid
34
Name 3 platinum chemotherapy drugs.
(1) Cisplatin (2) Carboplatin (3) Oxaliplatin
35
What types of toxicity do platinum drugs cause?
Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity
36
What is aprepitant?
Anti-emetic used in chemotherapy N+V treatment NK1 inhibitor
37
What is an aprepitant licensed for use with?
Conjunction with dexamethasone and 5HT-3 antagonist - Ondansetron/ granisetron
38
Name some examples of 5HT3 antagonists.
(1) Ondansetron | (2) Granisetron
39
What is methotrexate?
Anti-folate
40
What type of toxicity does methotrexate cause?
Nephrotoxicity
41
What supplement is required, in chemotherapy, in conjunction with methotrexate treatment?
Folinic acid NOT folic acid
42
Name some examples of anti-metabolites.
(1) 5-fluorouracil | (2) Capecitabine
43
What is the most common side effect of anti-metabolite use as a chemotherapy agent?
Diarrhoea Palmar-plantar erythema (PPE) with capecitabine
44
How do vinca alkaloids function?
Inhibit spindle formation
45
What type of toxicity do vinca alkaloids tend to cause?
Neurotoxicity
46
What is the most common side effect of vinca alkaloid use as a chemotherapy agent?
Constipation
47
What are some examples of nitrogen mustards?
(1) Cyclophosphamide | (2) Ifosfamide
48
What is the most common side effect of nitrogen mustard use as a chemotherapy agent?
Haemorrhagic cystitis
49
What receptor does trastuzumab target?
HER2 receptor Thought to selectively target cancer cells
50
What is a potential side effect of trastuzumab?
Selectively targets HER2 receptors HER2 receptors also present in myocardium
51
What is extravasation?
Complication of IV injection therapy Tissue damage/ irritation
52
What is a drug classified as if it causes direct damage to vasculature?
Vesicant
53
What is a vesicant?
A drug that causes damage directly to vasculature
54
What is a side effect of a vesicant?
Extensive necrosis
55
How can the risk of extravasation be minimised?
(1) Correct reconstitution to avoid damaging concentrations (2) Optimal location is usually forearm (3) Limb should be elevated w/ gentle pressure as needle is withdrawn
56
If multiple vesicant drugs are required, how should they be administered?
3-5mL saline flush between each drug

Saaliha Part 4 – PM4B (73 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions