Oncology AI Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is the primary goal of cancer therapy?
To sustain or improve the animal’s quality of life.
The secondary goal is to stabilize, decrease, or eliminate the neoplastic process.
Define neoplasia
The process of tumor formation.
What are the two types of tumors?
- Benign
- Malignant
What characterizes a malignant tumor?
It will cause harm to the host.
What is staging the tumor?
The evaluation of body involvement, including tissues/organs at the primary tumor site, regional lymph nodes, metastasis, and paraneoplastic syndromes.
What is a chemotherapy protocol?
A treatment plan that includes several different chemotherapy drugs in a specific sequence, spacing, and dose.
True or False: Most chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells.
True
What are common side effects of chemotherapy?
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea
- Low white count (Nadir)
- Risk of sepsis
- Anemia or low platelets
- Tissue trauma at injection site
- Neurologic signs
- Organ damage (heart, kidneys, liver)
- Hair loss
What is adjuvant therapy?
A second modality of therapy needed if the surgical margin is ‘dirty’.
What are paraneoplastic syndromes?
Signs caused at sites distant from the primary tumor due to hormones or other substances produced by the tumor.
What should be included in surgical margins?
A specific amount of normal tissue in all directions removed with the tumor.
What are the structural groups of tumors?
- Sarcomas
- Carcinomas
- Round Cell Tumors
What is the most common canine cancer?
Lymphoma
What is the treatment of choice for Vaccine-induced Fibrosarcoma?
Surgery
Fill in the blank: A ________ is a growth or mass.
tumor
What types of tumors are classified as sarcomas?
- Fibrosarcoma
- Osteosarcoma
What is the common treatment response of carcinomas to chemotherapy?
Moderate response
What is the risk associated with low white count during chemotherapy?
Increased risk of sepsis
What is the definition of ‘nadir’ in chemotherapy?
The lowest point of blood cell counts after chemotherapy.
What precautions should be taken when handling chemotherapy agents?
- Proper marking of animals treated within 48 hrs
- Proper handling and disposal of urine & feces
- Use of safety equipment (gowns, gloves, goggles)
- Only trained personnel to administer chemotherapy
What are the common side effects of radiation therapy?
- Acute skin reactions (erythema, pruritis)
- Oral cavity issues (mucositis)
- Eye problems (conjunctivitis)
- Late effects (xerostomia, cataracts)
What is the response of sarcomas to chemotherapy?
Low response
What is a common characteristic of round cell tumors?
They exfoliate to individual cells.
