Aromatase Inhibitors Miscellaneous Chemotherapy Agents Biotherapy Agents

Prepared by: Joyce Ann M. Sandoval BSN IV-4

Aromatase Inhibitors

ANDROGEN

ESTROGEN

Block the peripheral conversion of androgens to estrogens, thus supressing the postmenopausal synthesis of estrogen and slowing tumor growth Used in the treatment of hormonally sensitive breast cancer in postmenopausal women or premenopausal women who have had their ovaries removed

Generic (Brand) 1.) Anastrozole (Arimedex)

Uses and Considerations

-Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women -diarrhea, headache, hot flashes, pain, hypertension and dyspnea -Metastatic prostatic carcinoma -May also be used in breast cancer and endometriosis -gynecomastia, hot flashes and swelling -Advanced metastatic prostatic carcinoma

2.) Letrozole (Femara)

3.) Exemestane (Aromasin)

Miscellaneous Chemotherapy Agents

This includes a number of antineoplastic agents in which the mechanism of action is unclear.

L-asparaginase (Elspar)
Pegaspargase (Oncaspar)

Generic (Brand) 1.) L-asparaginase (Elspar)

Uses and Considerations -Acute lymphocytic anemia -Used in combination with another anticancer drugs -Side effects: -nausea -vomiting -anorexia -leukopenia -impaired pancreatic function -Acute lymphoblastic anemia

2.) Pegaspargase (Oncaspar)

Biotherapy Agents

Developed to augment the natural ability of the immune system Divided into 3 general categories:

Cytokines
Monoclonal antibodies Vaccines

Cytokines

Are made of recombinant DNA technology that uses genetically engineered E. coli bacteria containing DNA that code for human protein. Mechanism of action is not clear Provide ANTIVIRAL, ANTIPROLIFERATIVE, and IMMUNOMODULATORY effects

Monoclonal antibodies

Are agents that recognize proteins on specific anticancer cells

Vaccines

Used to prevent cancer

Include the hepatitis B vaccine, given to prevent hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer.

Vaccines

Quadrivalent human papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine (Gardasil) and Cervarix are used to prevent human papilloma virus