vinca alkaloids

Question 1

name 3

Answer 1

vinblastine
vincristine
vindesine

Question 2

name 1 semi synthetic vinca alkaloid

Answer 2

vinorelbine

Question 3

Which of the following is the ONLY appropriate method of administration?
- SC
- IV
- Intrathecal
- IM
- Oral

Answer 3

IV only
Inadvertent intrathecal administration can cause severe neurotoxicity, usually fatal

Question 4

Important safety info re administration

Answer 4

IV administration ONLY
inadvertent intrathecal administration can cause severe neurotoxicity, usually fatal

Question 5

The National Patient Safety Agency has advised that adult & teenage pt treated in an adult or adolescent unit should receive their vinca alkaloid dose in a ….

Answer 5

50ml minibag

Question 6

The National Patient Safety Agency has advised (August 2008) that teenagers and children treated in a child unit may receive their vinca alkaloid dose in a ….

Answer 6

syringe

Question 7

True or false - neurotoxicity (e.g. peripheral or autonomic neurpathy) occurs less often with vindesine than with vincristine

Answer 7

True

Question 8

Common symptoms of neurotoxicity

Answer 8

Peripheral paraesthesia
Loss of deep tendon reflexes
Ototoxicity

Question 9

Vincristine & vinorelbine - bronchospasm

Answer 9

Severe bronchospasm following administration is more common when used in combination with mitomycin-C

Question 10

Vincristine - neurotoxicity

Answer 10

• sensory and motor neuropathies are common and cumulative
• monitor pt for symptoms of neuropathy both before and during treatment
• dose reduction, treatment interruption or discontinuation based on severity

Question 11

Vincristine - motor weakness

Answer 11

Can occcur
Dose reduction or discont may be appropriate if it increases
Recovery from neurotoxic effects is usually slow but complete

Question 12

Vinorelbine - contraindications

Answer 12

• intrathecal admin
• concurrent radiotherapy if treating liver
• oral use: long term oxygen therapy, prev significant surgical resection of small bowel, or of stomach

Question 13

Which one can be given orally aswell as IV?

Answer 13

vinorelbine

Question 14

A patient is to be initiated on vinorelbine for breast cancer or non-small cell lung cancer (only 2 indications).
What would you advise them re contraception ?

Answer 14

Manufacturer advises effective contraception during and for 3 months after treatment; men must avoid fathering a child during and for at least 3 months after treatment.

Question 15

MOA vinca alkaloids

Answer 15

Inhibit microtubule formation by binding to tubulin
= arrests diving cells by inhibiting mitosis