Malignant Disease and Immunosuppression

Question 1

Anthracycline Antibiotics (Doxorubicin, daunorubicin): Mechanism of Action

Answer 1

They are cytotoxic antibiotics. They intercalate in DNA and prevent the progression of DNA topoisomerase II. This halts DNA synthesis.

Question 2

Anthracycline Antibiotics (Doxorubicin, daunorubicin): ADRs

Answer 2

Alopecia
Doxorubicin is highly cardiotoxic
Extravasation causes local necrosis

Question 3

Vinca Alkaloids (Vincristine, vinblastine): Mechanism of Action

Answer 3

They are spindle poisons. They bind to tubular and inhibit its polymerisation. Cell division is therefore arrested at mitosis. They are only active against dividing cells.

Question 4

Vinca Alkaloids (Vincristine, vinblastine): ARDs

Answer 4

Mild myelosuppression
Neurotoxicity: parasthesia, weakness
Abdominal pain

Question 5

Purine analogues (mercaptopurine): Mechanism of Actoin

Answer 5

It is converted into a fraudulent nucleotide