Understanding Cancer Treatment and Terminology

Aug 17, 2024

Cancer Lecture Notes

Key Terminology

  • Tumor/Neoplasm: New, abnormal growth, uncontrolled and progressive.
  • Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, feeding growing tumors.
  • Bev Zumab: Angiogenesis inhibitor, slows tumor growth.
  • Benign Neoplasm: Non-cancerous, uniform in shape and size, non-invasive.
  • Malignant Neoplasm: Cancerous, invasive, harder to remove.
  • Metastasis: Spread of cancer from original site.

Chemotherapy and Antineoplastic Agents

  • Antineoplastic Agents/Chemotherapy: Drugs used to treat cancer.
  • Cell Cycle Specific (CCS): Cytotoxic during specific cellular growth phases.
  • Cell Cycle Non-Specific (CCNS): Cytotoxic in any phase of cellular growth.
  • Nadir: Lowest point in fluctuating values, e.g., lowest WBC and platelet count after chemo.

Antimetabolites

  • Role: Act as false substitute for folic acid, inhibit DNA/RNA synthesis.
  • Methotrexate: Folate antagonist, decreases toxic effects with leucovorin.
  • Uses: Solid tumors, hematologic cancers, autoimmune diseases.

Mitotic Inhibitors

  • Role in Cancer Treatment: Activity before/during mitosis, decreases cell division.
  • Paclitaxel: Prototype for mitotic inhibitors (CCS).

Topoisomerase Inhibitors

  • Role: Binds DNA, impairs relegation, used for ovarian/colorectal cancers.
  • Topotecan: Prototype.

Alkylating Agents

  • Role in Cancer Treatment: Attach alkyl group to DNA, prevent replication.
  • Cisplatin: Prototype, nephrotoxic, requires renal function monitoring.

Cytotoxic Antibiotics

  • Role in Cancer Treatment: Insert between DNA strands, blocks synthesis.
  • Doxorubicin: Prototype, cardiotoxic, requires ejection fraction monitoring.

Side Effects and Management

  • Typical Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, renal damage, bone marrow suppression.
  • Management:
    • Allergic Response: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
    • Inflammatory Response: Dexamethasone.
    • Nausea/Vomiting: Ondansetron (Zofran).
    • Renal Damage: Hydration, monitor labs, adjust drug dosage.
    • Bone Marrow Suppression: Limit exposure, avoid fresh produce, rest.

Diagnostic Studies

  • Diagnosis: Blood work, biopsy, clinical manifestations.
  • Staging (TNM): Tumor extent (T), lymph nodes spread (N), metastasis presence (M).
  • CBC: Monitor WBCs, platelets.
  • Tumor Markers: CEA, higher in people with cancer.
  • Imaging: CT scans, PET scans (radioactive tracers to reveal cancer cells).

Patient Education

  • Disease Process: Understanding diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Drug Action and Side Effects: Education on medication effects and management strategies.
  • Avoiding Infections: Monitoring nadir, managing bone marrow suppression.
  • Special Considerations:
    • Post-chemotherapy contact precautions, especially for pregnant individuals and children.
    • Radioactive implants require no contact for two months.

Note: Reach out for clarification if needed.