Session 3 Prework_Targeted Therapies and NSCLC Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is targeted therapy?
Medications that block oncogenic drivers that are essential for tumor proliferation or survival.
What is an oncogene?
A mutated gene in the body that has the potential to cause cancer.
Protooncogene
a normal cellular gene that plays a role in regulating normal cell growth and division. It has the potential to turn into an oncogene that lead to cancer.
Tumor suppressor gene
normal genes that help regulate cell growth and division, acting like “brakes” to prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation.When these genes are mutated or inactivated, cells can grow out of control, potentially leading to cancer.
Differentiate between immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Immunotherapy exploits the patient’s immune system to fight cancer, while targeted therapy targets specific molecules or pathways in the cancerous tissue.
Durable Response
a complete or partial remission (shrinkage or disappearance of tumor) that lasts for a prolonged period, typically defined as six months or longer
Why does Small Cell Lung Cancer have a poorer prognosis compared to non-small cell lung cancer?
Because, although SCLC is very responsive to chemotherapy and radiation initially, it very commonly recurs and subsequent treatments are not as effective. Essentially, lesser treatment options that prolong life. With the exception of newer data coming out related to BiTE therapy
What are the 4 most common side effects of platinum based chemotherapy?
Myelosuppression, Nausea, Neuropathy, Nephrotoxicity
What are the 4 most common acute side effects of IMRT (a type of EBRT) to the Head and Neck?
Mucositis, Skin toxicities (localized skin breakdown/burning/itchiness), Dysphagia, Hoarseness
What are common LATE side effects of IMRT (a type of EBRT) to the Head and Neck?
Xerostomia (dry mouth), Fibrosis, jaw trismus, pharyngeal dysfunction, Thyroid dysfunction, secondary cancers
When would you expect acute side effects to H&N radiation to start developing?
2-4 weeks after initiation of radiation
When would you expect acute side effects to H&N radiation to hit its peak?
Right at the completion of Radiation therapy
What is histology?
The study of tissue under the microscope to identify the type of cells the cancer originated from.
Central to diagnosing a cancer.
What are molecular studies in oncology?
Includes techniques like FISH, chromosomal microarray analysis, cytogenetic analysis, and Next Generation Sequencing, Oncomine.
Ways to identify targetable mutations like oncogenes.
What is immunohistochemistry (IHC)?
Identifies specific proteins expressed on tissue. Exploits the specific binding between an antibody and antigen.
What is overall survival?
Time from treatment initiation until death.
What is progression-free survival?
Time from treatment initiation until disease progression or worsening OR death
What are the 3 most common side effects of immunotherapy?
Dermatologic toxicities (rash), GI Toxicities (diarrhea), Musculoskeletal toxicities (Myalgias/Arthralgias)
If a patient has a targetable mutation in advanced NSCLC, what is first line therapy typically?
Targeted therapies
If a patient with advanced NSCLC has no targetable mutation, what is typically part of first line therapy?
Immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy
