Carcinogenesis and Anticancer Drugs: Cisplatin and Analogues

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the discovery, mechanism of action, clinical pharmacology, and resistance of cisplatin and its analogues as anticancer drugs.

Cisplatin

A platinum-based chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers by forming DNA cross-links.

Carboplatin

A derivative of cisplatin with reduced toxicity and different pharmacokinetics, commonly used in cancer treatment.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that can be triggered by cisplatin's interaction with DNA.

Resistance

The ability of cancer cells to withstand the effects of a drug, which can occur both intrinsically and through acquired mechanisms.

Nephrotoxicity

Kidney damage or toxicity that can result from certain chemotherapy agents, including cisplatin.

DNA cross-linking

A mechanism by which platinum drugs bind to DNA, causing damage that can lead to cancer cell death.

GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)

A test used to determine kidney function, significant in dosing carboplatin.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

A clinical practice of measuring drug levels in the bloodstream to optimize dosing.

Mitochondria

Cell organelles that play a crucial role in energy production and apoptosis, involved in the response to platinum drugs.

Glutathione

A tripeptide that can bind to platinum drugs, influencing their effectiveness and resistance.

Acute Toxicity

Immediate harmful effects of a drug, often seen in chemotherapy treatments like cisplatin.

Clinical Pharmacology

The study of how drugs affect human health, especially their therapeutic effects and side effects.

Oxaliplatin

A newer platinum compound with advantages over cisplatin, particularly in colorectal cancer treatment.

Etoposide

A chemotherapy drug often used in combination with cisplatin for enhanced cancer treatment efficacy.

Interstrand cross-links

Links formed between opposite strands of DNA, particularly relevant in the action of platinum-based drugs.

AUC (Area Under the Curve)

A pharmacokinetic measure of drug exposure over time, important in drug dosing strategies.

Signal transduction pathways

Biochemical pathways that transmit signals from a receptor to a target, relevant in cancer biology.