Anticancer Medications Flashcards
What is the difference between cell cycle non-specific (CCNS) and cell cycle specific (CCS) anticancer medications?
CCNS: Attack a cell at ANY phase of the cell cycle
CCS: Attack a cell at SPECIFIC phase(s) of the cell cycle
- Effective on rapid growing tumors
What are some precautions that those taking anticancer medication must follow?
Don’t be around crowds
Don’t be near people who recently got a vaccine or was recently sick
MUST get oncologist’s permission before taking ANY kind of vaccine (esp. live vaccines)
INCREASE fluid intake, especially right b4 Tx as it can reduce nausea and vomiting
REVERSE PRECAUTIONS (4 healthcare providers): Where rather than us protecting ourselves from any bacteria the pt may have, we must protect the PATIENT from any bacteria WE have
Before each treatment: Pt must get their liver and renal function tests and blood counts done
- If ANYTHING is too low, Tx is withheld so pt can recover
What are some important points for Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan/Procytox)?
Is an alkylating drug (which are mustard gas derivatives)
AT RISK 4: Hemorrhagic cystitis
- Cystitis = Inflammation of bladder (UTI basically)
- B/c of this, pt should take their meds in the MORNING, rather than at night to prevent the medication from sitting in the bladder
Increase fluid intake
What are common SE between ALL anticancer medications?
N/V Constipation and diarrhea Immunosuppression Weight loss Alopecia (hair loss) Dizziness and headache Bone marrow depression Anemia Most of these SHOULD NOT be used in pregnancy (there are other specific anticancer drugs specifically for pregnant women, but don't cover that in this class)
What are some important points with Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)?
Is an antitumor antibiotic
Can cause cardiac toxicity
- Must do an echocardiogram before each treatment and other cardiac checks
What are some important points with Vincristine (Oncovin)?
Is a plant alkaloid
Affects the NERVES
- Can decrease nerve sensitivity and deep tendon reflex
- Can cause peripheral neuropathy and paralytic ileus (which can lead to an obstruction)
What is Liposomal Chemotherapy and what does it do?
Liposomal Chemotherapy = Type of Tx where the chemo is put into FAT TISSUE
- Allows for slower absorption of the chemo - Decreases SE the pt experiences
What are some important points with 5 fluorouracil/5-FU (Adrucil)?
Is an antimetabolite
Has MANY drug interactions:
- Bone marrow depressants (increase 5-FU toxicity)
- Live virus vaccines
- Increased toxicity w/ leucoviron and flagyl
- Cimetidine increases 5-FU’s effects
- Thiazide diuretics can increase myelosuppression
What are some important points with Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec)?
Is a Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor
Majority of its SE are on the GI system
- Decreased appetite
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach (NOT nausea)
- Nausea
- Muscle crampsWhat is Erythropoietin and how does it help with anticancer Tx?
Erythropoietin = A biological response modifier and increases the bone’s production of RBCs
Helps with anemia cause by chemo by increasing RBC and platelet counts in the pt’s body
Purpose: Not to get back 2 normal, just enough to give treatment
- Usually around 10g/dL
- Only used if pt’s Hbg is UNDER 10g/dL
- A Hbg of OVER 12g/dL puts the pt at risk 4 cardiovascular and thromboembolic events
What are some important points with Filgrastim (Neupogen)? How does this help with chemo Tx?
Filgrastim (Neupogen) = A Granulocyte colony-stimulating
factor and increases the body’s WBC production
Comes in patch form (in addition w/ IV and SubQ)
Helps decrease the immunosuppression that chemo causes
Muscle pain and shakes common SE
- Can pre-medicate w/ acetaminophen
What are some important points with Sargramostim (Leukine)? How does it help with normal chemo Tx?
Sargramostim (Leukine) = A Granulocyte Macrophage colony
stimulating factor and stimulates NEUTROPHIL production
CROSS SENSITIVITY: With pts allergic to yeast products
Muscle pain and shakes common SE
- Can pre-medicate w/ acetaminophen
