Vinca alkaloids and taxanes — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: Vincristine is associated with neurotoxicity, specifically _____

Answer: peripheral neuropathy (glove & stocking)

Flashcard 2: Paclitaxel (taxanes) can result in _____ (hair pathology)

Answer: alopecia

Flashcard 3: Which phase of the cell cycle does paclitaxel (taxanes) act at?_____

Answer: M phase

Flashcard 4: Which of the cytotoxic microtubule inhibitors is associated with hypersensitivity reaction?_____

Answer: Paclitaxel (taxanes)

Flashcard 5: Which of the vinca alkaloids is more commonly used in Hodgkin's lymphoma?_____

Answer: Vinblastine

Flashcard 6: Paclitaxel can result in _____-suppression

Answer: myelo

Flashcard 7: Mechanism and indication of Anastrozole?

Answer: Aromatase inhibitor used in postmenopausal breast cancer

Extra: Mechanism: Competitively inhibits aromatase, decreasing estrogen synthesis. Indication: ER-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Examples of other aromatase inhibitors: Letrozole, Exemestane.

Flashcard 8: Mechanism of action of Exemestane:

Answer: Irreversible (Steroidal) Aromatase Inhibitor

Extra: Mechanism: Irreversible inhibition of the enzyme aromatase. Indication: Breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Note: Exemestane is a steroidal inhibitor, unlike Anastrozole and Letrozole which are non-steroidal (reversible).

Flashcard 9: alkylating agents

Answer: absence of digits (and multiple varied anomalies)

Flashcard 10: Teratogenic effect of folate antagonists?

Answer: Neural tube defects (NTDs)

Extra: Folate antagonists (e.g., Methotrexate, Aminopterin) interfere with DNA synthesis and are potent teratogens. Maternal use, especially during the first trimester (organogenesis), is strongly associated with neural tube defects. Low folate levels in general are a risk factor, which is why folic acid supplementation is recommended preconceptionally.