Oncology Supportive Care Quiz

A decrease in bone marrow activity, leading to lower levels of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.

A low neutrophil count, a type of leukopenia, assessed by the absolute neutrophil count (ANC).

A calculation determining the number of neutrophils in the blood, used to measure neutropenia severity; calculated by: ANC = WBC × percentage granulocytes or neutrophils.

The lowest point of white blood cell and platelet counts after chemotherapy.

The lowest point of red blood cell count after chemotherapy, occurring later than WBCs and platelets (several months later).

The period after chemotherapy when WBCs and platelets recover; 3-4 weeks.

The next dose of chemotherapy is given when WBCs and platelets reach safe levels (WBC > 3000 cells/mm3, ANC > 1000, and platelets > 100,000).

The most common dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy, a problem for many chemotherapy regimens.

A central line is a medical device placed into a large vein, often used for chemotherapy delivery.

A medical emergency where a neutropenic patient has a fever, often a sign of severe infection.

A condition with low neutrophil counts, making the body vulnerable to infections.

Antibiotics given immediately to treat a suspected infection, before lab results are back.

A type of bacteria that's particularly dangerous in febrile neutropenia, highly risk for sepsis.

Expected Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) less than 500 cells/mm³ for up to 7 days, without comorbidities.

Expected ANC less than or equal to 100 cells/mm³ for more than 7 days, or presence of comorbidities, or renal/hepatic impairment(CrCl < 30 ml/min or LFTs > 5x ULN).

Evaluation of hemoglobin (Hgb) levels to determine the presence and severity of anemia.

Anemia can resolve spontaneously, or require a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, or rarely, an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA).

Drugs that stimulate red blood cell production, like epoetin alfa, epoetin alfa-epbx, and darbepoetin alfa.

ESAs should only be used for palliation in non-myeloid malignancies with chemotherapy-induced anemia and have a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy. Initiate therapy when Hgb < 10 g/dL, use lowest possible dose.

12 - 16 g/dL.

13.5 - 18 g/dL

The number of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood, normally between 150,000 and 450,000/mm3.

A condition characterized by abnormally low platelet counts, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Transfusion of platelets to raise the platelet count, used when the count is unsafe.

Calculated to measure neutrophils; neutrophils are a type of white blood cell.

Low neutrophil count, increasing the risk of infection.

Nausea and vomiting that can be triggered by chemotherapy.

Factors like female gender, age < 50, anxiety, dehydration, or prior nausea/vomiting history.

Serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) must be sufficient for ESAs to work properly in treating anemia.

Chemotherapy with a greater than 90% chance of causing vomiting without antiemetic treatment.

Vomiting that happens despite being given antiemetic treatment.

Vomiting that keeps happening even when antiemetic treatments are used.

Antiemetic treatment given to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Categories of chemotherapy based on their likelihood of causing vomiting: high, moderate, low, and minimal.

Antiemetics given before a treatment with high or moderate chance to cause vomiting

Duration of risk for nausea/vomiting, 3 to 2 days depending on the emetogenicity of the treatment

A planned combination of medications to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially after chemotherapy treatments.

A class of drugs that block serotonin receptors to reduce nausea.

A class of drugs that block NK1 receptors to reduce nausea, often used together with other antiemetics.

Medications that reduce inflammation and can help prevent and treat nausea, often used with chemotherapy.

Drugs that block dopamine receptors, sometimes involved in the treatment of nausea, especially related to chemotherapy.

Drugs derived from the cannabis plant; used in preventing or treating intractable nausea, especially in chemotherapy patients.

Chemotherapy drugs used in lung cancer treatment; known to cause significant nausea.

Combination of antiemetics (Aprepitant, palonosetron, and dexamethasone) for most likely prevention of acute nausea in cisplatin/vinorelbine regimens.