Chapter 52: Antineoplastic Drugs Part 1: Cancer Overview and Cell Cycle–Specific Drugs

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by cellular transformation, uncontrolled cellular growth, invasion into surrounding tissue, and metastasis to distant organs.

Metastasis

The spreading of cancer from the original site to a new part of the body.

Benign Tumour

A tumour with uniform size and shape that does not invade other tissues or metastasize.

Malignant Neoplasms

Cancer cells that invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to other organs.

Cell Growth Cycle

Normal cells divide in a controlled manner; chemotherapy is effective in rapidly dividing tumours.

Antineoplastic Drugs

Medications used to treat cancer, also known as cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy

Pharmacological treatment of cancer using antineoplastic drugs.

Antimetabolites

Cell cycle-specific drugs that antagonize key cellular metabolites.

Mitotic Inhibitors

Drugs that work during mitosis to retard cell division.

Topoisomerase II Inhibitors

Drugs that cause breaks in DNA strands by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase II.

Topoisomerase I Inhibitors

Drugs that inhibit proper DNA function in the S phase by binding to the DNA-topoisomerase I complex.

Antineoplastic Enzymes

Enzymes used for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Nursing Process

Assessment and care considerations for patients receiving chemotherapy.

Stomatitis Management

Various interventions may be recommended for the treatment of stomatitis, such as oral hygiene practices, using soft-bristle toothbrushes, and avoiding certain foods and substances.

Oral Hygiene

Instructing the patient to maintain oral cleanliness by brushing before and after meals, using soft-bristle toothbrushes, and cleaning dentures regularly.

Stimulating Saliva Flow

Recommending the use of sugarless candy or gum to help stimulate saliva production and keep the lips moist.

Antifungal Treatment

Oral antifungal suspensions may be prescribed to address white patches on the oral mucosa.

Nausea and Vomiting Management

Educating patients on strategies to enhance comfort during nausea and vomiting episodes, including slow breathing, small frequent meals, and clear liquids.

Infection Risk

Patients with leukopenia or immunosuppression are at risk of infections and should be cautious around individuals with infections or recent vaccinations.

Reproductive Tract Effects

Informing patients about the potential negative impact of antineoplastics on the reproductive tract, including damage to the testes, ovaries, and potential teratogenic effects.

GI Adverse Effects

GI adverse effects may occur around the fourth day of treatment, necessitating preplanning for pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions.

Therapeutic Responses

Monitoring for therapeutic responses such as clinical improvement, tumor size reduction, and decreased metastatic spread during treatment.