Therapeutics in Oncology

Question 1

2 goals of conventional chemotherapy

Answer 1

QOL

- stabilize, diminish or eliminate neoplastic process

Question 2

Conventional chemotherapy

Answer 2

drug target ALL rapidly dividing cells

Question 3

Frationation

Answer 3

allows recovery of normal tissue between treatment intervals

Question 4

Adjuvant

Answer 4

as adjunct to local therapy (ie after surgery

Question 5

Neoadjuvant

Answer 5

Prior to definitive tx in an attempt to shrink tumor

Question 6

Induction/Maintenance

Answer 6

sole treatment for measurable dz

Question 7

Palliative

Answer 7

improve QOL by helping alleviate signs

Question 8

Prior to administration

Answer 8

• accurate diagnosis
• appropriate staging tests performed as indicated by the tumor type
• initial stabilization performed
• client communication
• alternative tx options & discussed w/ owner

Question 9

Chemotherapy dosing

Answer 9

• based on toxicity rather than efficacy = MTD

Question 10

The 4 R’s

Answer 10

Right drug
right dose
right route
right patient

Question 11

ABCB-1 gene

Answer 11

codes for the production of p-glycoprotein (pgp) pumps, which act to remove drugs from individual cells

Question 12

ABCB-1 gene risks

Answer 12

Vincristine, Vinblastine, Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin

Adjust dose 30-40%

Question 13

ABCB-1 Breeds

Answer 13

Australian Shepherd
Collie
Long-haired Whippet

Question 14

On the day of chemo

Answer 14

CBC
Neutrophils >3000
Plt > 100,000
No tx recheck CBC in 3-7 days

Question 15

NADIR

Answer 15

• expected low point of BM insult
• check weekly after 1st dose to establish nadir
• typically 5-10 days

Question 16

if the neutrophil count at the nadir is below 1,500 neutrophils or the platelet count is below 60,000 platelets then subsequent doses of the drug should be decreased by

Answer 16

20-25%

Question 17

Myelosuppresion

Answer 17

< 1000

Question 18

thrombocytopenia

Answer 18

< 25,000