Cancer Drugs

Question 1

Vinblastine: MOA, SE

Answer 1

MOA:
* inhibits MT formation of mitotic spindle SE:
* alopecia
* constipation
* myelosuppression
* neurotoxicity (rare)

Question 2

Cancer drugs that act in the M phase of the cell cycle

Answer 2

vinca alkaloids=inhibit MT fxn/spindle formation
* vincristine
* vinblastine paclitaxel
* binds to tubulin and hyperstabilizes MTs that have already polymerized ==> prevents spindle breakdown

Question 3

5-fluorouracil: MOA, use

Answer 3

• anti-metabolite
• prevents formation of thymidine vua inhibition of thymidylate synthase uses
• slow-growing solid tumors:
• breast
• ovarian
• pancreatic
• colorectal
• gastric carcinomas

Question 4

6-mercaptopurine: MOA, use

Answer 4

• anti-metabolite
• inhibits formation of purines
• use = cancer drug

Question 5

Methotrexate: MOA, use

Answer 5

• anti-metabolite
• inhibts dihydrofolate reductase ==> inhibition of DNA synthesis (via same pathway as 5-fluorouracil)
• use = cancer drug

Question 6

Busulfan: MOA, use

Answer 6

• DNA alkylating agent (cell cyle nonspecific)
• use = CML

Question 7

Bleomycin: MOA, use, SE

Answer 7

• inhibit replication by inducing DNA strand breaks via free radical formation
• strand breakage interrupts G2 phase of cell cycle (after DNA synthesis)
• uses: testicular tumors, lymphomas, squamous cell carcinoma SE
• rales, cough
• infiltration ==> fibrosis

Question 8

Cyclophosphamide: MOA, uses, SE

Answer 8

DNA alkylating agent (cell cycle nonspecific)
* activated by CYP450
* ==> apoptosis via DNA crosslinking uses
* leukemias, lymphomas
* testicular and gyn cancers SE
* hemorrhagic cystitis

Question 9

How to prevent major side effect of cycloposphamide

Answer 9

prevent hemorrhagic cystitis via:
* adequate hdration
* IV injection of mesna