Pathophysiology

Question 1

Describe 4 phases of cell cycle & the DRUG classes for each phase

• M
• G1
• S
• G2

Answer 1

M: MVT
- Undergo mitosis (cell devision) => Vinca alkaloids, Taxanes

G1: G1AA
- Cell making enzymes necessary for DNA synthesis
=> Alkylating & anti-tumor antibiotics

S: SAM
- synthesis (replication) of DNA
=> Antimetabolites & MTX

G2: G2P
- RNA and other proteins r synthesized to prepare for cell division during the M phase
=> Plants Alkaloids =>Etoposide, Teniposide, Irinotecan

Question 2

Cell cycle specific drugs (VAA)

Answer 2

• Effective for high growth fraction malignancies
• Antimetabolites (MXT): interfere w/ normal synthesis of nucleic acids
• Antibiotic (Bleomycin): interaction w/ DNA, leading to disruption of DNA function
• Vinca Plant Alkaloids

Question 3

Cell cycle non-specific drugs

Answer 3

• Effect for both low growth fraction malignancies (solid tumor) & high growth fraction malignancies
• Alkylating agents
• Antibiotics

Question 4

Problems associated with chemo

Answer 4

• N/V
• Bone marrow suppression: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia
• Tumor lysis syndrome