Sketchy Pharm: Imatinib, Erlotinib, Sorafenib, Sunitinib, Vemurafenib

Question 1

How might you hear CML described?

Answer 1

As an overproduction of cells with mature granules (like the granules in the shipping crate that the bell came in)

Question 2

Imatinib is used to treat what hematologic malignancy?

Answer 2

CML with the BCR:abl fusion protein (like the IMATation that Washington is doing in front of the tire swing tyrosine with the box of granules in front of his feet)

Question 3

Imatinib is also used to treat ________________.

Answer 3

gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), which stain positive for C-kit

(Think of the legislator with the protruding belly and the Congress KIT on it.)

Question 4

Side effects of imatinib include ________________.

Answer 4

edema (like the edematous pantaloons worn by Washington)

Question 5

What does erlotinib inhibit?

Answer 5

EGFR intermediates (like the EaRL Of TINIB: GeofFRey)

Question 6

Erlotinib is used to treat _______________.

Answer 6

non-small cell lung cancer (like the LARGE cancer crab on the Earl’s chest)

Question 7

What are side effects of erlotininb?

Answer 7

• Acne (like the spots on the Earl’s face)

* Diarrhea (like the mud on his pants)

Question 8

Which drugs inhibit VEGF?

Answer 8

Sunitinib (rising sun over vegetable patch) and sorafenib (soaring eagle over vegetable patch)

Question 9

The classic cancer in which sorafenib and sunitinib is used is _____________.

Answer 9

RCC

This is because RCC overexpresses VEGF.

(Think of the bilateral crab suspender buckles worn by the farmer.)

Question 10

Side effects of sorafinib and sunitinib include _____________.

Answer 10

hyperkeratosis and skin rash (like the sunburned farmer in the fields); hemorrhage (like the bleeding wound on the farmer)

Question 11

Explain how the name vemurafenib helps you remember the genetic mutation that leads to melanoma.

Answer 11

More than half of all melanomas present with the V600E mutation in RAF: VEmuRAFenib.