Ch. 32-Drugs Used in the Treatment of Cancerx
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Transcript Ch. 32-Drugs Used in the Treatment of Cancerx
CHAPTER
32
Drugs Used in the
Treatment of Cancer
cells reproduce for tissue growth and repair, cells divide
in an orderly way.
cell division and growth can be out of control, a mass or
clump of cells develops
this new growth of abnormal cells is called a tumor
tumors are benign or malignant
malignant tumors (cancer): invade and destroy nearby
tissue (fig 32-2), can spread to other body parts, may be
life-threatening, sometimes will grow back after removal
benign tumors: do NOT spread to other body parts, can
grow to a large size but rarely threaten life, usually do not
grow back when removed
metastasis: spread of cancer to other body parts (fig 32-3),
cells break off of tumor and travel to other part of body,
new tumors grow in other body parts, this occurs if cancer
is not treated and controlled
cancer can occur almost anywhere
common sites: skin, lung, bronchus, colon, rectum,
breast, prostate, uterus, ovary, urinary bladder, kidney,
mouth, pharynx, pancreas, thyroid gland (fig 32-4)
cancer is 2nd leading cause of death in United States
certain factors increase risk of cancer:
growing older: cancer occurs at all ages, most occur in
persons 65 years or older
tobacco: includes smoking, snuff, chewing tobacco, and
being around tobacco smoke.
sunlight: sun, sunlamps and tanning booths cause early
aging of skin and skin damage, these can lead to skin
cancer. Time in sun should be limited
certain factors increase risk of cancer cont….
ionizing radiation: can cause cell damage that leads to
cancer, X-rays are one source, so is radon gas that forms in
soil and some rocks, people who work in mines are at risk,
radon is found in homes in parts of the country.
Radioactive fallout is another source, it can come from
nuclear power plant accidents, also from
producing/testing or use of atomic weapons
certain chemicals and other substances: painters,
construction workers, and those in chemical industry are
at risk. Household substances also contain risk- paint,
pesticides, used oil
some viruses and bacteria: infection from viruses
increases the risk of these cancers-cervical, liver,
lymphoma, leukemia, Kaposi’s sarcoma, stomach
certain factors increase risk of cancer cont….
certain hormones: hormone replacement therapy for menopause
may increase risk of breast cancer. Diethystilbestrol (DES), a form of
estrogen, was given to pregnant women between 1940-1971. women
who took this are at risk for breast cancer, their daughters are at risk
for a certain type of cervical cancer
family history of cancer: certain cancers tend to occur in families,
including: melanoma, and cancers of breast, ovary, prostate and
colon
alcohol: risk of certain cancers increases with more than 2
drinks/day. Cancers include: mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, liver
and breast. Women should have no more than 1 drink/day
poor diet, lack of physical activity, being overweight: high-fat diet
increases the risk of cancers of colon, uterus, prostate. Lack of
activity and being overweight increase risk of : breast, colon,
esophagus, kidney, uterine cancers
if detected early cancer can be treated and controlled (box
32-1, signs/symptoms of cancer)
treatment depends on type of tumor, its site and size, and
if it has spread
goal of cancer treatment:
cure cancer
control disease
reduce symptoms as long as possible
cancer treatments also damage healthy cells and tissues
side effects depend on type and extent of treatment
surgery: removes tumors, done to cure or control cancer,
can relieve pain from advanced cancer, some surgeries are
disfiguring, self-esteem and body image are affected
radiation therapy: kills cells, x-ray beams are aimed at
tumor, sometimes radioactive material is implanted in or
near tumor, cancer cells and normal cells receive radiation
and both are destroyed
radiation therapy:
destroys certain tumors
shrinks a tumor before surgery
destroys cancer cells that remain in area after surgery
controls tumor growth to prevent/relieve pain
side effects depend on area being treated
fatigue is common, extra rest is needed
discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of
appetite are other side effects
chemotherapy: involves drugs that are used to kill cells
it’s used to:
shrink a tumor before surgery
kill cells that break off the tumor, goal is to prevent
metastasis
relieve symptoms caused by cancer
cancer cells and normal cells affected
side effects depend on drug used:
hair loss (alopecia)
GI irritation, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
stomatitis: inflammation of mouth, may occur
bone marrow depression (decreased production of blood
cells) bleeding and infection are risks
person may feel weak and tired
hormone therapy: prevents cancer cells from getting or
using hormones needed for their growth
drugs are given to prevent the production of certain
hormones, organs or glands that produce a certain
hormone are removed
side effects of hormone therapy:
fatigue
fluid retention
weight gain
hot flashes
nausea
vomiting
appetite changes
blood clots
fertility can be effected in men and women
men may experience impotence and loss of sexual desire
biological therapy: (immuno-therapy)
helps immune system fight the cancer
protects body from the side effects of treatment
side effects include:
flu-like symptoms
chills
fever
muscle aches
weakness
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
bleeding, bruising and swelling may occur
Drug therapy for Cancer:
chemotherapy is most effective when tumor is small and
when cells rapidly divide
agent used depends of type of tumor cells, rate of growth
and tumor size
see pgs 390-396 for chemotherapeutic
Delegation Guidelines
Drugs Used in the Treatment of Cancer:
Some drugs used to treat cancer are given parenterally- by
subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection. Because
you do NOT give parenteral dose forms, they are NOT
included in this chapter. Should a nurse delegate the
administration of such to you, you must:
- remember that parenteral dosages are often very different
from dosages other routes
-Refuse the delegation. Make sure to explain why. Do NOT just
ignore the request. Make sure the nurse knows that you cannot
give drug and why
Your state and agency may allow you to give some oral dose
forms. Make sure you receive the necessary education about
any chemotherapy agents that you will give