Anticancer Agents

• Anticancer agents are medications used to treat cancer, aiming to kill cancer cells or stop their growth
• Cytotoxic agents are a type of anticancer drug that directly kills cells, including cancer cells, by interfering with cell division or damaging cellular components
• Hormonal agents affect hormone levels in the body, used in cancers sensitive to hormones like breast or prostate cancer
• Radiation therapy involves using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors
• Medical dressings are materials applied to wounds or skin to protect them, promote healing, and prevent infection
• Nursing considerations involve the specific care and attention nurses provide to patients undergoing cancer treatment, including managing side effects and ensuring patient comfort

Anticancer Agents

• Anticancer agents target rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells
• These agents are administered through various routes, including oral, intravenous, and subcutaneous
• Chemotherapy, a common form of anticancer treatment, uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body
• Targeted therapy is a type of anticancer treatment that targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival
• Immunotherapy enhances the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells
• Some anticancer drugs can damage DNA, preventing cancer cells from replicating
• Others interfere with the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow
• Anticancer agents are often used in combination to increase their effectiveness and reduce the risk of resistance
• Common side effects of anticancer agents include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and immunosuppression

Cytotoxic Agents

• Cytotoxic agents work by disrupting essential cell functions, leading to cell death
• These agents are often used in combination to target cancer cells at different stages of their life cycle
• Alkylating agents damage DNA by adding alkyl groups, preventing DNA from unwinding and replicating
• Antimetabolites interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis by mimicking natural building blocks
• Topoisomerase inhibitors block topoisomerase enzymes, which are needed for DNA replication
• Mitotic inhibitors disrupt cell division by interfering with microtubule function
• Cytotoxic agents affect both cancer cells and normal cells, leading to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and low blood counts
• Dosage adjustments are often required to minimize side effects and maximize therapeutic benefit
• Monitoring blood counts is critical to detect and manage myelosuppression, a common side effect of cytotoxic agents
• Extravasation, the leakage of cytotoxic drugs from the vein into surrounding tissue, can cause severe tissue damage

Hormonal Agents

• Hormonal agents are used in cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer
• These agents work by blocking the effects of hormones on cancer cells or by reducing hormone levels in the body
• Anti-estrogens, such as tamoxifen, block estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells
• Aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole, reduce estrogen production in postmenopausal women
• Anti-androgens, such as bicalutamide, block androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells
• LHRH agonists, such as leuprolide, reduce testosterone production in men
• Hormonal therapy can cause side effects such as hot flashes, fatigue, and decreased libido
• Monitoring hormone levels is important to assess the effectiveness of hormonal therapy
• Adjuvant hormonal therapy is often used after surgery or radiation to reduce the risk of recurrence
• Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy is used before surgery or radiation to shrink tumors

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors
• External beam radiation therapy delivers radiation from a machine outside the body
• Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) involves placing radioactive materials inside the body near the cancer cells
• Stereotactic radiation therapy delivers high doses of radiation to a small area, minimizing damage to healthy tissue
• Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments
• Common side effects of radiation therapy include skin changes, fatigue, and organ-specific effects depending on the treatment area
• Radiation oncologists work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans
• Patients receiving radiation therapy should follow specific skin care instructions to minimize skin irritation
• Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor for late effects of radiation therapy

Medical Dressings

• Medical dressings protect wounds from infection, absorb drainage, and promote healing
• Different types of dressings are available, each with specific properties and uses
• Gauze dressings are absorbent and can be used for a variety of wounds
• Film dressings are transparent and allow for visualization of the wound bed
• Hydrocolloid dressings absorb drainage and maintain a moist wound environment
• Foam dressings provide cushioning and absorb large amounts of drainage
• Alginate dressings are derived from seaweed and are highly absorbent
• Hydrogel dressings hydrate the wound bed and promote autolytic debridement
• Antimicrobial dressings contain agents that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
• Wound assessment is important to select the appropriate dressing and monitor healing progress
• Changing dressings according to established protocols helps prevent infection and promote wound healing

Nursing Considerations

• Nurses play a crucial role in caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment
• Monitoring and managing side effects of treatment is a key nursing responsibility
• Nurses administer medications, including chemotherapy, and monitor for adverse reactions
• Assessing and managing pain is essential for patient comfort
• Providing emotional support and education to patients and families is an important aspect of nursing care
• Nurses monitor patients for signs of infection and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat infections
• Nutritional support is important to maintain patients' strength and energy levels
• Nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care and ensure optimal outcomes
• Educating patients about self-care strategies and warning signs is essential for promoting independence
• Nurses advocate for patients and ensure their needs are met throughout the cancer journey
• Safe handling and disposal of cytotoxic drugs is critical to protect healthcare workers
• Nurses should be knowledgeable about the specific protocols for managing anticancer agents to reduce risk of exposure
• Nurses should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and gowns, when handling chemotherapy drugs
• Spill kits should be readily available in areas where chemotherapy drugs are prepared and administered
• Nurses provide wound care, including dressing changes, and educate patients about wound management
• Assessing the wound for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage, is crucial
• Nutrition plays a vital role in cancer treatment and recovery
• Adequate protein intake is essential to help repair tissues and maintain muscle mass
• Patients may experience decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can lead to malnutrition
• Nurses can provide education on managing side effects of treatment and improving nutritional intake
• Collaboration with a registered dietitian can help develop individualized nutrition plans to meet patients' needs
• Maintaining hydration is also important to prevent dehydration and support kidney function