anticancer drugs
what does combination cancer therapy do? name 3
enhances tumoricidal activity, increases the chance of affecting cancer cells in all phases of cell cycle, decreases injury to normal cells, increases synergistic effects to kill cancer cells, decreases drug resistance
if a CBC with differential is done and the segmented neutrophil count decreases below 18% what needs to happen?
the patient needs to go on neutropenic precautions
methotrexate has may toxic side effects, what medication can be administered to treat the toxic side effects?
Leucovorian
what is the only anticancer drug that does NOT cause bone marrow suppression?
vincristine
what can radiation cause and what should a patient avoid?
red, dry, itchy, thin skin
avoid any skin irritants (no lotions, creams, makeup, deodorant, NO shaving)
what's "astragalus"
stimulates the immune system
cyclophosphamide mechlorethamine HCL is a severe vesicant that causes _____
tissue necrosis
what needs to be assessed/monitored when taking Fluorouracil?
assess for signs of cerebellar dysfunction such as dizziness, weakness, and ataxia- needs to be discontinued
what does Vincristine cause?
neurotoxicity (neuropathy) (stocking glove syndrome associated with plant alkaloids)
______ is a priority for patients on chemotherapy
fever
general side effects and adverse reactions of these drugs?
S/E and adverse reactions of cyclophosphamide mechlorethamine HCL?
anaphalyxis
stomatitis, GI distress, weight loss, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity
fluorouracil side effects?
alopecia, stomatitis, diarrhea, phototoxic reactions, cerebellar dysfunction
steroids may be given to suppress inflammation associated with tumor growth, what are side effects of steroids?
hyperglycemia, insomnia, irritability, psychosis, delirium, fluid retention, weakness
for a patient on chemo, why should they get labs done?
labs/blood cultures should be done from a central line and peripheral stick to know if the infection is systemic or if it is an infection of the CBL
what is Apoptosis?
programmed cell death
what is MESNA used for?
given to help irritation from cyclophosphamide mechlorethamine HCL
what is an expected S/E of Doxorubicin
reddish colored urine, sweat, tears, and hyperpigmentation of nail beds
what is tamoxifen used for? what is an expected side effect?
palliative therapy is used to _____ for cancer patients
relieve symptoms
what is nadir? and what education do the patients need regarding nadir?
when the blood counts are at their lowest values (7-10 days after initial chemo treatment)
save energy, avoid crowds, neutropenic precautions, look for s/s of infection
what does Cisplatin cause? what do you want the patient to do because of this?
renal toxicity, want patient to pee to flush the med out (increase fluid intake)
Doxorubicin may cause what problems? what medication can be administered to reduce this?
heart problems- cardio toxicity, cardiomyopathy, and electromyographic changes
dexrazoxane
if a patient has a history of a PE or DVT (clot) they should not receive ____
Tamoxifen
who can NOT receive chemotherapy?
pregnant patients