Lecture 8 - Chemotherapy Flashcards
Lecture 8:
What is Chemotherapy?
Different kinds & combinations of drugs used to treat cancer by targeting rapidly dividing cells
Lecture 8:
Does everyone experience chemo the same?
No, everyone has different experiences due to different combinations of drugs & individuals differences in reactions
Lecture 8:
What are 3 ways Chemotherapy is used?
1.) Primary Treatment
2.) Adjuvant Therapy
3.) Neoadjuvant Therapy
Lecture 8:
How is Chemo used as Primary Treatment?
Typically used for treatment when surgery is not possible
- eg; tumour is too larger or scattered (inoperable)
Lecture 8:
How is Chemo used for Adjuvant Therapy?
Used after surgery to get any metastasized cells or parts of tumour that weren’t removed/excised
Lecture 8:
How is Chemo used for Neo-adjuvant Therapy?
Used before surgery to help shrink the tumour prior to operating
Lecture 8:
What is Oral Chemotherapy?
- advantages & disadvantages of it?
Oral chemo = pill, capsule, or liquid
~ Advantages = taken at home, good for if squeamish around injections
~Disadvantages = variable absorption, variation in bioavailability, & patient compliances (actually take & when supposed to)
Lecture 8:
What is Intravenous Chemotherapy?
Chemo injection through a single vein puncture (new injection each time) or an be injected/attached to a drip bag
Lecture 8:
When discussing intravenous Chemotherapy, What is a Central Line?
A central line remains inserted through duration of chemo & is placed in the central vessel of the chest
- can be outside the body with connections or an implantable port
Lecture 8:
When discussing intravenous Chemotherapy, What is a PICC Line?
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter line that is inserted in the cuboidal space of the elbow (right side)
Lecture 8:
What is a Chemotherapy Cycle & how long is it?
Chemotherapy cycle is a schedule of treatment that can be;
One day on & many rest days; everyday followed by a long rest; or even every other day
*ultimately it varies on a case by case basis
Lecture 8:
What are the 3 main Goals of Chemotherapy?
1.) Cure - hope cancer goes away
2.) Control - stop spread & manage like a chronic disease
3.) Palliation - improve quality of life rather than extending life
Lecture 8:
What causes the side effects of chemotherapy?
1.) Chemo drugs target fast dividing cells which impacts hair follicles, mouth (mucucitis), reproductive system, & bone marrow
2.) Chemo travels around body
3.) Normal tissue can be damaged
Lecture 8:
What are the 5 most commonly damages tissues from chemotherapy?
1.) Bone Marrow (red, white, & platelets)
2.) Mouth
3.) Digestive Tract
4.) Reproductive Systems
5.) Hair Follicles
Lecture 8:
What are the 6 most tissues that are sometimes damaged from chemotherapy?
1.) Heart - PA implications & cardiotoxicity
2.) Kidneys
3.) Bladder
4.) Liver
5.) Lungs
6.) Nervous System
Lecture 8:
What are the most common side effects of chemotherapy?
1.) Nausea/vomiting - due to body bing “poisoned”
2.) Hair loss
3.) Fatigue - very debilitating
4.) Blood Counts - red & white decrease, reducing O2 levels
5.) Appetite & weight changes - eg weight gain for breast cancer due to hormone fluctuations
Lecture 8:
Give a few points on the side effect of Nausea & Vomiting
- occurs in 7-8/10 people receiving chemo
- it is a reaction from the perceived poisoning but antiemetics can help with his
Lecture 8:
What can Nausea & Vomiting lead to?
Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, dehydration, slow wound healing, & loss of appetite
Lecture 8:
What are the 3 types of Nausea/Vomiting?
1.) Acute = occurs soon after chemo administration & goes away within 24hrs
2.) Delayed = onset atleast 24hrs after chemo
3.) Anticipatory = occurs before chemo, as person is preparing for it
Lecture 8:
What are some points on Physical Activity & Chemotherapy Induced Nausea?
Nausea can interfere with PA during chemo & no known evidence of PA improving nausea
- Nausea accounted for 17% of missed exercises in the START trial exercise study of breast cancer survivors
Lecture 8:
What is the most common side effects of chemotherapy?
Fatigue - 90% of chemo patients experience this
Lecture 8:
What is the side effect of Fatigue caused by?
Caused by low blood counts, sleep disruption, stress, not eating enough, etc
*fatigue = worst during chemo but can continue years into survivorship
Lecture 8:
How does fatigue impact daily living?
Makes everyday tasks more difficult so it’s suggested to limit activities to what’s most important to you
Lecture 8:
What are some points on Physical Activity & Chemotherapy Induced Fatigue?
7 studies examined fatigue & chemo patients;
- 4/7 showed benefit in Breast cancer & 3/3 showed benefit in hematoligic cancer
- Fatigue accounted for 11% of missed exercises sessions in the START trial exercise
