Antineoplastic Agents Flashcards
What characterizes drugs that are cell cycle specific?
They affect one phase (ex. G0, G1, S, G2, M,)
What characterizes drugs that are cell cycle non-specific?
They may affect any/all phases of the cell cycle
Be able to describe the phases of carcinogenesis.
Pathogenesis, transformation, proliferation, metastasis
Antimetabolites: purine antagonist
mercaptopurine (Purinethol), inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis, cell-cycle specific = S phase
Antimetabolites: folic acid antagonist
inhibit DNA synthesis, *methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), cell-cycle specific = S phase
Antimetabolites: pyrimidine antagonist
fluorouracil (Adrucil) “5-FU”, cytarabine (Cytosar-U) “Ara-C”, cell-cycle specific = S phase
What are some key examples of antimetabolites?
folic acid antagonists, purine antagonists, pyrimidine antagonists
Identify the mechanism of action of antimetabolites.
S phase specific and interfere with growth of rapidly proliferating cells
What are some key examples of alkylating agents?
*cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)-a crossover drug also used for autoimmune disease, ifosfamide (Ifex) = nitrogen mustard, procarbazine (Matulane)
Identify the mechanism of action of alkylating agents
transfer alkyl groups (alkylate DNA, interfere with DNA, RNA and proteins to prevent cell metabolism and division) *cell-cycle non-specific
What are some key examples of platinum complexes?
carboplatin (Paraplatin), cisplatin (Platinol)-look for “plat” in name
Identify the mechanism of action of platinum complexes
inhibit DNA synthesis and repair
What are some key examples of vinca alkyloids?
vinblastine (Valban) and vincristine (Oncovin)-look for “vin” in name
Identify the mechanism of action of vinca alkyloids
inhibit mitotic division by interfering w/microtubular proteins involved in formation of spindles, M&S phases (cell cycle specific)
What are some key examples of hormonal agents used as antineoplastics?
estrogens, androgens, progestins, glucocorticoids: prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Sterapred)
What is tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
hormonal agent used as an antineoplastic that is an estrogen blocker effective in G0 and G1 phases.
What are some key examples of antibiotics used as antineoplastics?
bleomycin (Blenoxane), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), daunorubicin citrate (DaunoXome) = HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma
Identify the mechanism of action of antibiotics used as antineoplastics
bind with DNA to inhibit cell division and are most effective for solid mass tumors
Identify the mechanism of action of hormonal agents used as antineoplastics
hormones interupt cells in G phase and cause a reduction in amount of circulating hormones
Identify the mechanism of action of chemotherapy.
Most chemo agents interfere with cell proliferation and are relatively selective against cancer cells (most susceptible when actively going through the cell cycle)
What drug fits the classic model for teratogenesis AND has indications for multiple myeloma and AIDS-related apthous lesions?
thalidomide (Thalomid)
What antineoplastic antibiotic is used for HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma?
daunorubicin citrate (DaunoXome)
What is p53?
A transcription factor that acts as a tumor suppressor and regulates the cell cycle (when it is damaged, tumor suppression is severely reduced)
Why is combination chemotherapy important?
It offers synergistic benefits and typically utilizes intermittent dosing and increases efficacy and decreases cell resistance
