Drugs for Cancer Treatment - Chapter 17

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to cancer treatment, chemotherapy, and the biological processes involved in cancer and its therapies.

Cancer

Result of abnormal cell growth characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells.

Neoplasia

Abnormal cell growth that is not needed for normal development or tissue replacement.

Malignant transformation

The multistep process of converting a normal cell into a cancer cell.

Carcinogens

Substances or events that can damage normal cell DNA and lead to cancer development.

Metastasis

The process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to establish new tumors in other areas.

Antineoplastic drugs

Drugs used to treat cancer, also known as cancer drugs or chemotherapy.

Cytotoxic

Drugs that kill or damage cancer cells.

Alkylating agents

A category of chemotherapy drugs that work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells.

Antimetabolites

Cell-cycle-specific drugs that interfere with DNA synthesis, used in cancer treatment.

Topoisomerase inhibitors

Drugs that interfere with the action of topoisomerase enzymes involved in DNA replication.

Mitotic inhibitors

Chemotherapy agents that interfere with microtubule formation during cell division.

Hormone therapy

A treatment that aims to decrease hormone levels or block hormone receptors to slow the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors.

Extravasation

Leaking of an antineoplastic drug into surrounding tissues during intravenous administration.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

An oncologic emergency characterized by metabolic abnormalities that occur after the rapid destruction of tumor cells.

Bone marrow suppression

Decreased production of blood cells due to damage to the bone marrow, a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Alopecia

Hair loss, an expected side effect of many chemotherapy agents.

Myelosuppression

Suppression of bone marrow activity leading to reduced blood cell production, particularly during chemotherapy.

Nausea and vomiting

Common adverse effects of chemotherapy that may require premedication with antiemetics.

Gynecomastia

Breast tissue enlargement in males often associated with hormonal therapies.