NUR2060 Cancer Drugs Study Guide
What does Tamoxifen do? - ANS-Binds to or blocks estrogen receptors in various
tissues. Used to treat or prevent breast cancer. It is a SERM. Can also prevent
osteoporosis.
Which type of cancer patient is taking Carmustine? - ANS-Patients who have primary
and metastatic cancers of the CNS. Like hodgkins and non hodgkins lymphomas,
myeloma, liver, colon, rectal, and stomach cancers. It can also cross the blood brain
barrier.
When and how should antiemetics be administered during chemotherapy? -
ANS-Before starting chemotherapy, usually given PO, IV or IM. Blocks the CTZ in the
brain. (chemoreceptor trigger zone).
(Zofran, Reglan, Emend, canabanoids) often combine more than one.
When and why is dexrazoxine used? - ANS-Used to prevent cardiotoxicity and as an
antidote for extravastatin.
Why do cytotoxic agents cause side effects? - ANS-They affect all rapidly dividing cells,
damaging important normal parts of the body with their toxicity.
Why is combination drug therapy used in cancer treatment? - ANS-Because it
maximizes chemotherapy benefits, and is more effective than any drug by itself.
Which chemotherapeutic drug is known to decrease the formation of blood vessels in
developing cancerous tissues? - ANS-Bevacizumab (Avastin)
What are symptoms of a potential ADR of of Vincristine that a patient should be taught
to monitor? - ANS-Neurotoxicity. Signs and symptoms include numbness and tingling in
the fingers and toes, constipation, and difficulty walking.
Which phase of cell division will cancer drugs be most effective? - ANS-Non specific can
act at any phase but mostly when they are dividing. But some of them act at very
specific points int he phases of certain cycles.
Which body tissues are more likely to receive toxic doses during routine treatment? -
ANS-Fast growing/dividing tissues, such as oral mucosa and GI mucosa bc they have a
high turnover rate.
What does Tamoxifen do? - ANS-Binds to or blocks estrogen receptors in various
tissues. Used to treat or prevent breast cancer. It is a SERM. Can also prevent
osteoporosis.
Which type of cancer patient is taking Carmustine? - ANS-Patients who have primary
and metastatic cancers of the CNS. Like hodgkins and non hodgkins lymphomas,
myeloma, liver, colon, rectal, and stomach cancers. It can also cross the blood brain
barrier.
When and how should antiemetics be administered during chemotherapy? -
ANS-Before starting chemotherapy, usually given PO, IV or IM. Blocks the CTZ in the
brain. (chemoreceptor trigger zone).
(Zofran, Reglan, Emend, canabanoids) often combine more than one.
When and why is dexrazoxine used? - ANS-Used to prevent cardiotoxicity and as an
antidote for extravastatin.
Why do cytotoxic agents cause side effects? - ANS-They affect all rapidly dividing cells,
damaging important normal parts of the body with their toxicity.
Why is combination drug therapy used in cancer treatment? - ANS-Because it
maximizes chemotherapy benefits, and is more effective than any drug by itself.
Which chemotherapeutic drug is known to decrease the formation of blood vessels in
developing cancerous tissues? - ANS-Bevacizumab (Avastin)
What are symptoms of a potential ADR of of Vincristine that a patient should be taught
to monitor? - ANS-Neurotoxicity. Signs and symptoms include numbness and tingling in
the fingers and toes, constipation, and difficulty walking.
Which phase of cell division will cancer drugs be most effective? - ANS-Non specific can
act at any phase but mostly when they are dividing. But some of them act at very
specific points int he phases of certain cycles.
Which body tissues are more likely to receive toxic doses during routine treatment? -
ANS-Fast growing/dividing tissues, such as oral mucosa and GI mucosa bc they have a
high turnover rate.
