WK5 - Anticancer Therapy 1

Question 1

Alkylating Agents

Answer 1

Damages DNA structure by covalently adding alkyl groups –> crosslinks DNA and blocks replication –>apoptosis

Question 2

Platinum Compounds

Answer 2

crosslinks DNA and blocks replication –> apoptosis

Question 3

Anthracyclines

Answer 3

1. Reacts w/ molecular 02 to produce free radicals –> cause DNA strand breaks
2. Inhibits topoisomerase II
3. Interculates b/w bp to inhibit synthesis

Question 4

Topoisomerase Inhibitors

Answer 4

Stabilizes topoisomerases –> induce DNA strand breaks

Question 5

Antimetabolites - Folate Analogues

Answer 5

Inhibit dihydrofolate reductase –> depletes cell of reduced folate –>blocks downstream synthesis of DNA, RNA & protein –> cells arrest in S Phase

Question 6

Antimetabolites - Pyrimidine Analouges

Answer 6

Inhibits thymidylate synthase –>depletes cells of thymidine –> blocks downstream DNA synthesis –> cells arrest in S Phase

Question 7

Antimitotic Agents - Taxanes

Answer 7

drug binds microtubules –> stabilizes them in polymerized state –> inhibits through depolymerization (shrinking) step necessary of cell division –> cells arrest in mitosis

Question 8

Antimitotic Agents - Vinca Alkaloids

Answer 8

drug binds cytoplasmic tubulin –> stabilizes them in dimer form –> inhibits the microtubule polymerization (growth) step necessary for cell division –> cells arrest in mitosis

Question 9

Hormone Therapy - Aromatase Inhibitors

Answer 9

Inhibits aromatase that coverts testosterone to estradiol

Question 10

Hormone Therapy - Anti Estrogens

Answer 10

selective estrogen response modifiers (SERMs) compete w/ estrogen for binding to estrogen receptor, thereby inactivating them –> blocks transcription of signals for growth and proliferation

Question 11

Hormone Therapy - LHRH Analogues

Answer 11

blocks testosterone production via pituitary

Question 12

Hormone Therapy - Anti Androgens

Answer 12

blocks action of testosterone in prostate cells

Question 13

What are the 6 hallmarks of cancer?

Answer 13

• self-sufficiency in growth signals
• insensitivity to anti-growth signals
• evasions of apoptosis
• limitless replicative potential
• tissue invasion and metastasis
• sustained angiogenesis

Question 14

What are the common toxicities chemotherapies?

Answer 14

• bone marrow suppression –> primary dose-limiting toxicity (incl. neutropenia and thrombocytopenia)
• GI (N/V)
• cardiotoxicity (arrythmias)
• hair loss
• infertility
• secondary cancer