Lobert 1

PTP 546Module 8

Pharmacology of Cancer

Jayne Hansche Lobert, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, NP

Lobert 2

Pharmacology of Cancer• Antineoplastic Agents

• Many types because want to kill cancer at several different stages.• Want biggest cell kill from smallest side effects

– Alkylating Agents• Ex: Cylcophosphamide (Cytoxan)

– Antimetabolites• Ex: Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)

– Antibiotics• Ex: Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

– Plant Alkaloids• Ex: Vincristine (Oncovin)

– Hormones/Hormone Antagonists• Ex: Dexamethasone (Decadron)/Tamoxifen (Tamofen)

– Biologic Response Modifiers• Ex: Interferons, Interleukin-2, Monoclonal antibodies (MAB’s)

Lobert 3

Pharmacology of Cancer

• Antineoplastic Agents– Action: limit excessive growth and proliferation of cancer

cells by impairing DNA synthesis and function or by directly limiting cell division; both cell cycle specific and non-specific

– Therapeutic Effect: treatment of solid tumors, lymphomas, leukemias

– Side Effects: hair loss, gi disorders such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia & stomatitis, blood disorders such as anemia with profound fatigue, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia=bleeding, bruising), profound fatigue, cns disorders such as convulsions, ataxia & peripheral neuropathies=can’t feel anything,