Medication Therapy for Cancer Treatment

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to chemotherapy and cancer treatment, aiding students in their understanding and exam preparation.

Chemotherapy

Any chemical used to treat malignant and non-malignant conditions, may also be called antineoplastic drugs, cancer drugs, or cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Antineoplastic drugs

Chemotherapy drugs that are the treatment of choice for widespread cancers.

Cell cycle-specific drugs

Chemotherapy agents that are cytotoxic during a specific phase of the cell cycle.

Cell cycle-nonspecific drugs

Chemotherapy agents that are cytotoxic in any phase of the cell cycle.

Adjuvant treatment

Chemotherapy combined with other treatments, such as radiation or surgery.

Neoadjuvant treatment

Chemotherapy used to shrink a tumor prior to surgery or other treatments.

Palliative treatment

Chemotherapy aimed at reducing growth in metastatic disease, though it is not a cure.

Biological Response Modifiers

Immunotherapy that enhances the immune response to diseases.

Filgrastim (Neupogen)

A drug that stimulates the production of white blood cells.

Darbepoetin alpha (Aranesp)

A drug that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Febrile Neutropenia

An oncology emergency defined by a low WBC count and elevated temperature.

Bone Marrow Suppression

Reduced function of the bone marrow leading to conditions like leukopenia and anemia.

Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can occur as acute, delayed, persistent, or anticipatory.

Extravasation

The leakage of chemotherapy into surrounding tissues that can lead to harm, requiring specific care.

Supportive medications

Medications provided to help manage side effects such as nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Required gear during chemotherapy administration to protect healthcare workers from cytotoxic exposure.