What are the indications 5-FU? What are the side effects of 5-FU? What is the mechanism of action of 5-Fu? What are the typical drugs used with 5-FU? What is the typical route, and pharmacodynamics of 5-FU? When does the WBC nadir occur with 5-FU? What should be avoided when using 5-FU? What are the classes of anti-mitotic plant derived agents? What is mechanism of action of the Vinca drugs? What is the prototype Vinca drug?

1. What are the indications 5-FU?

GI tumors

2. What are the side effects of 5-FU?

bone marrow supression GI effects (stomatits, N/v, ulcers and bleeding)

3. What is the mechanism of action of 5-Fu?

20% is converted to the active form of the drug, which inhibits thymidylate synthesis so there is an insufficient nucleotide pool resulting in RNA/DNA damage and cell death -- and blocks S phase of DNA synthesis

4. What are the typical drugs used with 5-FU?

Cisplatin, levamisole, or leucovorin

5. What is the typical route, and pharmacodynamics of 5-FU?

usually given IV, crosses the BBB so it is used in CNS tumors, metabolized in liver and excreted by kidneys

6. When does the WBC nadir occur with 5-FU?

usually 10-14 days after use; monitor the pt WBCC closely -- warn about mouth sores and blood in stool 1 week after use

7. What should be avoided when using 5-FU?

the use of aspirin and anticoagulants because these can indicate a greater risk for bleeding

8. What are the classes of anti-mitotic plant derived agents?

Vinca alkaloids from periwinkle and Paciltaxel from the pacific yew tree

9. What is mechanism of action of the Vinca drugs?

Block m-phase leading to cell death by blocking spindles -- made by tubuline necessary to pull the chromosomes apart - cell will die and be eliminated because it can't progress

10. What is the prototype Vinca drug?

Vincristine