Cancer & Chemotherapy Lecture Notes PDF

Cancer & Chemotherapy Reporter Table of Contents Overview of Understanding 1 2 the Cell Cycle Cancer Chemotherapy Major Toxicities of 3 4 Chemotherapy Principles Other Making the Chem...

Cancer & Chemotherapy Reporter Table of Contents Overview of Understanding 1 2 the Cell Cycle Cancer Chemotherapy Major Toxicities of 3 4 Chemotherapy Principles Other Making the Chemotherapy 5 6 Decision to Treat Considerations 01 Overview of Cancer Nature of Cancer Definition of Cancer Cancer is characterized by unregulated cellular proliferation, leading to abnormal growth and division of cells. This uncontrolled growth can result in the formation of tumors that can invade surrounding Cellular Characteristics tissues and metastasize to distant organs, thereby Cancer cells impairing differbody normal fromfunctions. normal cells in several ways, including loss of differentiation, unregulated growth, and the ability to evade apoptosis. These cells often exhibit genetic alterations, making them distinct in their behavior and treatment responses. Types of Cancer Cancers are broadly categorized into solid tumors, such as breast and lung cancers, and hematological malignancies like leukemias and lymphomas. Each type has unique characteristics, treatment approaches, and prognostic factors affecting patient outcomes. Goals of Cancer Treatment Decreasing Neoplasm Size Immune System Stimulation One primary objective of cancer Enhancing the immune system's treatment is to reduce the size of capability to combat cancer involves Treatment Modalities neoplasms, enhancing the body's ability various strategies, including the use of Overview to eliminate abnormal cells via the Cancer treatment can include immunotherapies that activate or immune system. Achieving a smaller multiple modalities: surgery to augment immune responses, tumor mass can improve symptom remove tumors, radiation therapy encouraging the body to recognize and management and overall prognosis. to destroy cancer cells, drug destroy cancer cells more effectively. therapy (chemotherapy) that targets various phases of the cell cycle, and stimulation of the 02 Understanding the Cell Cycle Phases of the Cell Cycle G0 Phase S Phase The G0 phase is a state of dormancy where cells are metabolically active but not actively The S phase is marked by DNA synthesis, dividing. Cancer therapies may not affect where the genetic material is replicated. these dormant cells, making it a critical Many chemotherapy drugs are particularly consideration for treatment timing and effective during this phase, aiming to disrupt efficacy. the replication process and induce cell death. G2 and M Phases G1 Phase The G2 phase prepares cells for mitosis, During the G1 phase, cells prepare for DNA while the M phase is when actual cell synthesis by synthesizing essential proteins division occurs. Chemotherapeutic agents and organelles. This phase is crucial for cell can target these phases specifically, growth and is a target for certain disrupting mitotic processes and leading to chemotherapy agents aimed at halting the death of rapidly dividing cancer cells. progression. Impact on Cancer Treatment Relevance to Chemotherapy Growth Fraction Importance Understanding the cell cycle's phases helps in the The growth fraction, which refers to the ratio of development of effective chemotherapy plans. Drugs dividing cells to quiescent ones, is significant as targeting specific phases can maximize the kill rate of tissues with a higher growth fraction tend to respond cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. better to chemotherapy. This concept drives the selection of treatment protocols based on tumor characteristics. 03 Chemotherapy Principles Chemotherapy Classification Cell Cycle-Specific Chemical Group Administration vs. Nonspecific Classifications Standards Cell cycle-specific drugs Chemotherapeutic agents Standards for target actively dividing are classified into chemotherapy cells and are most categories such as administration ensure effective during certain alkylating agents, safe practices, including phases, whereas cell antimetabolites, and calculating dosages cycle-nonspecific drugs mitotic inhibitors, each based on body surface 01 02 03 can affect cells regardless with unique mechanisms area, continuous of their division status of action targeting cancer monitoring for side and may have prolonged cells differently based on effects, and adhering to effects. their chemical properties. specific guidelines set by relevant professional organizations. Achieving Maximum Benefits Intermittent Chemotherapy 01 Intermittent chemotherapy regimens allow normal cells time to recover between treatment cycles, increasing the overall efficacy of the regimen while minimizing adverse effects. Combination Chemotherapy 02 Utilizing a combination of different chemotherapy agents can help suppress drug resistance and increase the likelihood of killing cancer cells by attacking multiple pathways simultaneously, further Dosing enhancingSchedules treatment effectiveness. 03 Careful planning of dosing schedules is crucial to maximize therapeutic effects and minimize toxicity. Adjustments are made based on individual patient responses and specific drug characteristics to improve outcomes. 04 Major Toxicities of Chemotherapy Myelosuppression Consequences of Thrombocytope Neutropenia Myelosuppressio nia n Myelosuppression results Neutropenia is Thrombocytopenia leads in reduced production of characterized by a to a reduction in platelets, blood cells, leading to decrease in circulating elevating the risk for increased risk of infection, neutrophils, heightening serious bleeding events. bleeding, and anemia. infection risk. The nadir Patients must be carefully These consequences period, typically occurring monitored, and supportive significantly impact days 10 to 14 post- care strategies may need patient management and chemotherapy, is when to be employed to prevent require vigilant patients are particularly complications. monitoring. vulnerable. Digestive Tract Injury Stomatitis Stomatitis, or inflammation of the oral mucosa, is a common side effect of chemotherapy that can cause significant discomfort and affect nutritional intake, necessitating interventions to manage oral health. Nausea and Vomiting Nausea and vomiting are prevalent chemotherapy side effects that can severely affect patients’ quality of life. Antiemetics are often used prophylactically to mitigate these symptoms and improve comfort. 05 Other Chemotherapy Considerations Hormone-Specific Adverse Effects Effects of Estrogen Inhibition Hormone-specific adverse effects often arise from the inhibition of estrogen, leading to symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes. Managing these effects is crucial for patient morale and adherence to treatment. Risk Factors for Hypercalcemia Patients undergoing cancer treatment may experience hypercalcemia due to the leaching of calcium from bones. This condition increases cardiovascular risks and necessitates active monitoring and intervention. Immune Modulators Immune Stimulants Immune Suppressants Immune stimulants, such as interferons, play a pivotal Immune suppressants are utilized to prevent organ role in boosting immune responses against tumors, rejection in transplantation and manage autoimmune enhancing T-cell activity, and reducing tumor growth disorders. These agents can also be useful in some while presenting various side effects requiring careful cancer treatments but must be carefully considered for management. their immunosuppressive effects. 06 Making the Decision to Treat Evaluating Treatment Benefits Cure, Prolongation, or Palliation Treatment decisions should weigh the potential for cure, life prolongation, or palliation. Clinicians must ensure that patients understand the likely outcomes and implications of the proposed interventions. Informed Consent Informed consent is essential, providing patients with comprehensive information about treatment options, benefits, risks, and potential side effects, thereby enabling informed decision-making regarding their care. Focus on Evidence-Based Treatments New Approaches to Angiogenesis Emerging therapies targeting angiogenesis aim to deprive tumors of necessary blood supply for growth. Research extends to familiar medications being repurposed for this purpose, highlighting the evolving landscape of cancer treatment. Metronomic Chemotherapy Metronomic chemotherapy involves administering lower drug doses more frequently without extended rest periods. This approach aims to manage cancer as a chronic disease, protecting healthy tissues while effectively targeting malignant cells. Thank you for listening. Reporter