Cancer Treatment Modalities Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes about cancer treatment modalities.

Tumor Reduction

A procedure aimed at decreasing the size of a tumor.

Tumor Excision

Surgical removal of a tumor.

Lymph Node Dissection

Surgical removal of lymph nodes, often to check for cancer spread.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Biopsy of the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread.

Radiation

The use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy

The use of cytotoxic medications to treat cancer.

Immunotherapy

Treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer.

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation that can remove electrons from atoms and molecules.

Brachytherapy

Internal radiation; placing radioactive material close to the target tissue.

Teletherapy

External radiation; radiation delivered from a source outside the body.

Dosimetry Badge

A device worn to measure radiation exposure.

Cytotoxic Medications

Drugs that are toxic to cells, used in chemotherapy.

Neutropenia

A condition characterized by abnormally low levels of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell).

Alopecia

Hair loss, a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets.

Erythropoietin

A colony stimulating factor that stimulates red blood cell production.

Filgrastim/Neupogen

A colony stimulating factor that stimulates white blood cell production.

Biological Response Modifiers

Another name for immunotherapy agents.

Interleukins

A type of immunotherapy agent.

Interferons

A type of immunotherapy agent.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Stem cells that live in the bone marrow and give rise to blood cells.

GVHD

Graft-versus-host disease; immune cells from the donor attack the recipient's body.

PICC Line

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter

Erythropoiesis Stimulating Factors

Medications given SQ or IV, monitor H&H and hold for Hct >36%, ensure adequate intake of iron and B vitamins.

Colony Stimulating Factors

Given SQ or IV, monitor WBCs/differential & platelets (can cause thrombocytopenia), bone pain is a common effect