Clinical management Flashcards
(24 cards)
what is radical treatment
curative attempt at eradicating tumour
what is palliative treatment
non curative but improves symptoms and quality of life
what is adjuvant treatment
post surgical treatment to reduce tumour recurrence
what is neo-adjuvant treatment
pre-surgical treatment to shrink tumour prior to removal
what is overall survival
time alive
what is disease free survival
time with no signs/symptoms of cancer
what is progression free survival
time with cancer when it doesnt get any worse
what is local control
time without recurrence or progression at tumour-specific site
mechanism of action of alkylating agents
attach alkyl group to DNA
mechanism of action of platinum salts
DNA cross linking
mechanism of action of anti-metabolites
prevent DNA/RNA growth
mechanism of action of taxanes
mitotic inhibitors
mechanism of action of anthracyclines
interfere with DNA copying enzymes
mechanism of action of topoimerase inhibitor
prevents DNA unwinding
side effects of chemotherapy
malaise, fatigue alopecia peripheral neuropathy nail changes renal/liver impairment fertility changes neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia diarrhoea, nausea, altered taste, mouth ulcer
radiotherapy mechanism of action
wavelength of radiation causes break to DNA double strand to prevent cell division
acute radiotherapy toxicities
fatigue erythema diarrhoea cystitis mucositis oral pain oesophagitis nausea/vomiting
late toxicities of radiotherapy
skin fibrosis dysphagia bowel dysfunction incontinence pneumonitis menopause infertility secondary cancer
what prescription dose is given for radical radiotherapy
usually 25-30 fractions over 4-6 weeks
what prescription dose is given for palliative radiotherapy
lower radiation doses over less fractions than radical, over 1-2 weeks
what is HER2
EGFR gene overexpressed in 25% breast cancer
what is the action of herceptin
blocks ligand binding to HER2 so prevents cell signalling to kill cancer cell
what is palliative care
attempt to improve QOL to patient and family by preventing/relieving suffering/pain
treatment options in palliative care
drug therapy
non drug therapy
surgical/invasive intervention
