Cancer Treatment Medications Overview

Flashcards summarizing key cancer medication information including classes, mechanisms of action, treatment indications, and side effects.

Methotrexate

An Antimetabolite used in cancer treatment.

Mechanism of action of Methotrexate

Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, blocking DNA synthesis.

Cancer treated with Methotrexate

Breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma.

Side effect of Methotrexate

Bone marrow suppression.

Tamoxifen

A Hormone antagonist used in cancer therapy.

Mechanism of action of Tamoxifen

Blocks estrogen receptors (SERM).

Cancer treated with Tamoxifen

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Serious side effect of Tamoxifen

Endometrial cancer, thromboembolism.

Trastuzumab

A Monoclonal antibody used in cancer treatment.

Mechanism of action of Trastuzumab

Targets HER2 receptors on cancer cells.

Cancer treated with Trastuzumab

HER2-positive breast cancer.

Major toxicity of Trastuzumab

Cardiotoxicity.

Paclitaxel

A Taxane (microtubule inhibitor) used in cancer therapy.

Mechanism of action of Paclitaxel

Stabilizes microtubules to block mitosis.

Cancer treated with Paclitaxel

Breast, lung, ovarian cancer.

Major toxicity of Paclitaxel

Peripheral neuropathy.

Doxorubicin

A Cytotoxic antibiotic used in cancer therapy.

Mechanism of action of Doxorubicin

Intercalates into DNA, inhibits topoisomerase II, forms free radicals.

Cancer treated with Doxorubicin

Breast cancer, lymphomas.

Major side effect of Doxorubicin

Cardiotoxicity.

Cisplatin

An Alkylating agent (platinum compound) used in cancer treatment.

Mechanism of action of Cisplatin

Cross-links DNA to block replication.

Cancer treated with Cisplatin

Testicular, bladder, ovarian, lung cancers.

Major side effects of Cisplatin

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

How to reduce Cisplatin kidney toxicity

Use IV hydration and amifostine.