Chemotherapy Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for cytotoxic chemotherapy agents?

Enhancing immune response against cancer cells

Stimulating cell growth

Increasing nutrient absorption in cells

Inhibiting microtubule function, protein function, or DNA synthesis (correct)

Which phase of treatment aims to induce complete remission in a patient?

Palliative

Induction (correct)

Consolidation

Maintenance

What is a potential downside of chemotherapy targeting rapidly dividing cells?

It prevents the body from healing

It exclusively targets cancer cells

It exclusively enhances cell growth in the body

It can also damage fast-growing healthy cells (correct)

What is the goal of palliative chemotherapy?

Providing comfort and improving quality of life Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chemotherapy is administered after achieving complete remission to prevent relapse?

Maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What component of the cell does chemotherapy primarily damage?

Nucleus and its genes Signup and view all the answers

Why might patients undergoing chemotherapy experience fatigue or infections?

Destruction of healthy fast-growing blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of chemotherapy is designed for the complete eradication of cancer cells?

Curative Signup and view all the answers

Which drug class works by blocking the action of the dopamine transporter to improve dopamine levels?

Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect associated with the use of vilazodone (Viibryd)?

Blurry vision Signup and view all the answers

Which of these drugs is classified as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)?

Phenelzine Signup and view all the answers

What is one major difficulty associated with taking MAOIs?

They interact with many substances. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of CNS stimulants primarily increases behavioral alertness and agitation?

Psychomotor stimulants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of CNS stimulants?

Euphoria Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do 5-HT1A receptor antagonists such as vilazodone employ to treat depression?

Balance serotonin levels Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is commonly associated with the use of antidepressants like vilazodone?

Vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is a common withdrawal symptom from steroid creams?

Weight loss Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Type 1 diabetes from Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes involves immune system attacks on insulin-producing cells. Signup and view all the answers

How do most people with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood glucose levels?

With lifestyle changes and medications, including insulin if necessary Signup and view all the answers

Why can insulin not be taken by mouth?

Insulin is destroyed in the stomach. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of lifestyle changes in managing diabetes?

To achieve a regulated blood glucose level Signup and view all the answers

What method is commonly used for administering insulin?

Subcutaneous injection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential treatment for Type 2 diabetes in some individuals?

Diet and exercise without medication Signup and view all the answers

What symptom can occur from extended withdrawal from steroid creams?

Agonizing itchy skin Signup and view all the answers

Which antidepressant is known for potentially alleviating pain in addition to treating depression?

Duloxetine Signup and view all the answers

What is a commonly prescribed class of antidepressants that are often used when SSRIs fail?

Tricyclic Antidepressants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common side effect associated with tricyclic antidepressants?

Irregular heart rate Signup and view all the answers

Maprotiline is classified as which type of antidepressant?

Tetracyclic Antidepressant Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitters does bupropion primarily affect?

Dopamine and norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of tetracyclic antidepressants?

Fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential serious side effect of tricyclic antidepressants?

Seizures Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is typically addressed by tetracyclic antidepressants?

Major depressive disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of psychomotor stimulants on the central nervous system?

They stimulate the central nervous system to increase motor activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a medical indication for the use of stimulants?

Severe hypertension Signup and view all the answers

How are stimulants primarily administered?

Oral intake. Signup and view all the answers

Which patient group should avoid using stimulants due to increased risks?

Patients with advanced arteriosclerosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is a relative contraindication for stimulant use?

Untreated hyperthyroidism. Signup and view all the answers

What type of drug is methamphetamine classified as?

Psychomotor stimulant. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is listed as a relative contraindication for stimulant use?

Glaucoma. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common recreational method of administering stimulants?

Intranasal administration. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chemotherapy

Cytotoxic chemotherapy agents treat cancers, leukemias, and lymphomas with over 50 available drugs.
Administration methods include oral, intravenous (IV), and subcutaneous routes.
Mechanisms of action involve cell death or growth inhibition, impacting microtubules, proteins, or DNA synthesis.
Treatment can be cell cycle-dependent, arresting growth at specific phases.
Combination therapies enhance efficacy by targeting different cell division stages.

Goals of Chemotherapy

Curative: Aim for complete remission through induction, consolidation, and maintenance phases.
Induction: Initial treatment to eradicate cancer.
Consolidation: Repeated induction to prevent relapse.
Maintenance: Long-term low-dose therapy after remission to sustain control.
Palliative: Focus on improving comfort and quality of life for those not responding to curative therapy.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Aims to destroy fast-dividing cancer cells but may also harm quickly dividing healthy cells, causing side effects.
Common side effects include fatigue, weakness, infection susceptibility.
Damage to mucous membranes can lead to symptoms in the mouth, throat, and stomach (e.g., nausea, vomiting).
Withdrawal symptoms may mimic other medical issues, complicating clinical assessments.

Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells, leading to insulin dependence.
Type 2 Diabetes: Development of insulin resistance; many require medication alongside lifestyle changes for glucose control.
Management includes diet, exercise, and monitoring blood glucose levels; insulin therapy is essential for Type 1 and may be necessary for Type 2.

Insulin Therapy

Insulin is primarily administered via subcutaneous injection; inhaled forms exist but are less common.
Oral forms of insulin are under development due to destruction by stomach acids.
Injection methods involve small syringes with fine needles for comfort.

Antidepressants Overview

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Used when SSRIs fail. Common examples include amitriptyline and imipramine. Side effects: dry mouth, constipation, potential cardiac issues.
Tetracyclic Antidepressants: Maprotiline balances neurotransmitters for depressive symptoms; side effects include drowsiness and weakness.
Dopamine Reuptake Blockers: Bupropion used for depression and smoking cessation; side effects include gastrointestinal upset and dizziness.
5-HT1A Receptor Antagonists: Vilazodone balances serotonin levels; side effects include sleep disruptions and gastrointestinal issues.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Older class requiring careful medication interactions; examples: phenelzine, isocarboxazid.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants

Used for ADHD and narcolepsy to enhance alertness and motor activity.
Common stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate; they increase catecholamine levels in the body.
Administration methods primarily involve oral intake, but recreational use may include injections or inhalation.
Contraindications: Advanced arteriosclerosis, severe hypertension, untreated hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or recent strokes; caution advised in young children and pregnant patients.

Parkinson's Disease

A progressive brain disorder manifesting as gradual shaking, stiffness, and balance difficulties.
Symptoms typically worsen over time impacting quality of life and mobility.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of chemotherapy, focusing on cytotoxic agents used in treating various cancers, leukemias, and lymphomas. Explore the mechanisms of action, drug types, and administration methods. Ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of cancer treatment.