Antimitotic Agents

Question 1

What is the drug target for vinca alkaloids?

Answer 1

free beta-tubulin

Question 2

What is the result of Vincas binding to free beta-tubulin?

Answer 2

1. promotes depolymerization
2. inhibits microtubule and mitotic spindle formation

Question 3

What is the ONLY route of administration for vincas?

Answer 3

IV

Question 4

How is vinca extravasation managed?

Answer 4

1. warm compress
2. Hyaluronidase

Question 5

What is the drug target for taxanes?

Answer 5

beta-tubulin within microtubules

Question 6

Why do taxanes need premedicated with corticosteroids and antihistamines?

Answer 6

unique solvents used cause HSRs

Question 7

What is the effect of unique delivery vehicles associated with Paclitaxel and Docetaxel on PVC based bags?

Answer 7

leaching of DEHP into PVC-based IV bags and tubing

Question 8

What formulation is Paclitaxel is associated with less HSRs and does not cause leaching of DEHP?

Answer 8

albumin-bound paclitaxel (ABRAXANE)

Question 9

Why should taxanes be given before platinating agents?

Answer 9

1. taxanes are CCS and platinating gents are CCNS
2. platinating agents can decrease elimination of taxanes
3. taxanes can upregulate thymidine phosphorylase leading to increased activation of Capecitabine

Question 10

What agent is synthesized from pacific yew tree?

Answer 10

Taxol