Chemotherapy Drugs/Intro

Question 1

Overview

generally, what is chemotherapy?

Answer 1

• cytotoxic (meaning agents which cause cell death/prevent cell growth)
• used to treat cancers, leukemias, lymphomas
• work at different stages of the cell cycle

Question 2

Overview

describe the 4 phases of the cell cycle

Answer 2

• G0: normal functions
• G1: cell is growing, DNA doubles
• G2: cell prepares for mitosis
• M phase: division of nucleus

Question 3

Chemo Meds

During which phase does L-asparginase work?

Answer 3

G 1

Question 4

Chemo Drugs

which phase do anti-metabolites work on?

Answer 4

S phase

Question 5

Chemo Drugs

which drugs are antimetabolites

5

Answer 5

• pyrimidine antagonists
• antifolates
• hydroxyurea
• purine antagonists
• purine analogues

Question 6

Chemo Drugs

which phase do topoisomerase inhibitors work on?

Answer 6

G2

Question 7

Chemo Drugs

what phase do miotic inhibitors work on?

Answer 7

M phase

Question 8

Chemo Drugs

which meds are mitotic inhibitors?

2

Answer 8

taxanes, vinca alkaloids

Question 9

Chemo Drugs

timing of:
* immediate side effects
* short to medium term effects
* medium to long effects

Answer 9

• immediate: within 30 min of administration
• short/med: within hrs to 7d of administration
• med/long: 7+ days after administration

Question 10

Chemo Drugs

describe potential immediate side effects

8

Answer 10

1. venous pain
2. facial/body flushing
3. cardiac arrhythmias
4. hypotension
5. hypersensitivity
6. anaphylaxis
7. hemorrhagic cysts
8. abnormal taste/smell

Question 11

Chemo Drugs

list of short/medium term effects

7

Answer 11

1. discolored urine
2. tumor lysis syndrome
3. n/v/d/c
4. mucositis
5. CNS toxicity
6. fatigue
7. anorexia

Question 12

Chemo Drugs

list med/long term effects

9

Answer 12

1. bone marrow depression
2. alopecia
3. liver dysfunction
4. renal toxicity
5. cardiac toxicity
6. peripheral neuropathy
7. pulm fibrosis
8. changes in fertility

Question 13

Chemo Drugs

how does chemo induce n/v

Answer 13

simulation of 5-hydroxytrypatmine subtype 3 and neurokinin subtype I receptors

Question 14

Chemo Drugs

Classify the emetogenic risks of:
* cisplatin
* oxaliplatin
* doxetaxel
* rituximab

Answer 14

• high risk: cisplatin
• moderate: oxaliplatin
• low: docetaxel
• minimal: rituximab

Question 15

Chemo Drugs

which antiemetic meds can be used?

3 categories

Answer 15

1. 5HT3 Receptor Antagonists (ondansetron, palonosetron)
2. NKI receptor antagonists (aprepitant)
3. can’t swallow: prochlorperzine

Question 16

Chemo Drugs

what toxicities can occur?

Answer 16

• GI
• skin
• cardiac
• nephrotoxicity
• CNS

Question 17

Chemo Drugs

describe intravesical therapy

Answer 17

• deliver meds directly into the bladder via urethral catheter
• can make voiding irritating

Question 18

Chemo Drugs

most common targeted agent meds

Answer 18

• monoclonal antibodies (rituximab)
• kinase inhibitors (ibrutinib)

Question 19

Chemo Drugs

types of immunotherapy

4

Answer 19

• immune checkpoint therapy (helps T cells respond)
• adoptive cell therapy (chimeric antigen cell [CAR-T] T-cell therapy)
• cytokine therapy (interferons + interleukins trigger immune response)
• Vaccine therapy (stimulate immune system)