NURS 2004 Chapter Notes - Chapter 103: Sertraline, Hyperkalemia, Tumor Lysis Syndrome
28 Jan 2017
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Nearly all the anti-cancer drugs discussed are cell-cycle phase nonspecific, different than that of. Nearly all of the drugs discussed lack the characteristic toxicities of the cytotoxic agents including bone marrow suppression, stomatitis, alopecia and severe nausea and vomiting. Nonetheless, most can cause severe toxicities on their own. Hormonal agents, used primarily for breast cancer and prostate cancer, mimic or suppress the actions of endogenous hormones. Targeted drugs bind with specific molecular targets on cancer cells, suppressing tumor growth and promoting cell death. Breast cancer is treated with surgery, radiation and cytotoxic drugs and hormonal agents, of which there are two major groups: (1) antiestrogens and (2) aromatase inhibitors. Antiestrogens block the estrogen receptors (ers), whereas aromatase inhibitors block estrogen synthesis. For either of these drugs to work the cancer must be er receptor positive. [tamoxifen] is an antiestrogen approved for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Benefits are derived from blocking ers on tumor cells.
