The University of Texas at Arlington NURS 5334
Pharmacology Final Exam, Key Concepts
NURS 5334 Advanced Pharmacology Final
Exam Mastery Guide
Chemotherapy of Neoplastic Diseases Chemotherapy of neoplastic diseases refers to the use of drugs to treat cancers.
These drugs work by killing or stopping the growth of abnormal cells that divide
uncontrollably.
Mechanisms of Action of Antineoplastic Drugs Mechanisms of action of antineoplastic drugs describe how these drugs work to
stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. They may interfere with cell division,
damage DNA, inhibit enzymes, or block signals needed for cancer cells to survive
and multiply.
Alkylating Agents Alkylating agents are a class of antineoplastic drugs that work by adding alkyl
groups to DNA, leading to DNA damage. This prevents cancer cells from
replicating and causes cell death.
DNA Cross-Linking DNA cross-linking is the process by which chemical agents form covalent bonds
between two strands of DNA, preventing them from separating. This blocks DNA
replication and transcription, leading to cell death.
,Antimetabolite Chemotherapy Antimetabolite chemotherapy uses drugs that resemble normal cell metabolites.
These drugs interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis by substituting for the natural
building blocks, which prevents cancer cells from growing and dividing.
DNA Synthesis Inhibition DNA synthesis inhibition is the process by which drugs stop cells from making
new DNA, which prevents cell division and growth.
Folate Analogs Folate analogs are antimetabolite drugs that resemble the vitamin folic acid. They
block enzymes needed for making DNA, which stops cancer cells from growing.
Basic Approaches Basic approaches in chemotherapy refer to the various strategies used to target
and eliminate cancer cells, such as damaging DNA, interfering with cell division,
or disrupting essential cellular processes.
Cell Kill Hypothesis The cell kill hypothesis suggests that a fixed percentage of cancer cells are killed
with each cycle of chemotherapy, rather than a fixed number. Multiple treatment
cycles are needed to reduce the number of cancer cells to undetectable levels.
Cytotoxicity Cytotoxicity is the ability of a drug to kill or damage cells. In chemotherapy,
cytotoxic drugs are used to destroy cancer cells by interfering with their growth
and survival.
Plant Alkaloids Plant alkaloids are anticancer drugs obtained from plants that interrupt cell
division by disrupting microtubule function or spindle formation during mitosis.
Vinca Alkaloids Vinca alkaloids are a group of plant-derived chemotherapy drugs that inhibit
microtubule formation, leading to the disruption of cell division in cancer cells.
Principles of Antineoplastic Drug Use Principles of antineoplastic drug use refer to the basic guidelines for selecting,
dosing, and administering drugs that treat cancer. These principles include using
combinations of drugs, choosing the right schedule, minimizing side effects, and
aiming to kill the maximum number of cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.
Selection of Drug Regimen Selection of a drug regimen involves choosing a combination of antineoplastic
drugs, their doses, and scheduling, based on cancer type, stage, and patient
factors. The goal is to maximize cancer cell kill while minimizing side effects and
resistance.
Toxicity Profile Toxicity profile refers to the types and severity of side effects commonly
associated with a specific anticancer drug or chemotherapy regimen.
, Targeted Therapies and Biological Response Modifiers Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically block molecules involved in cancer
cell growth and survival. Biological response modifiers are agents that enhance
the body’s immune response against cancer or interfere with cancer cell
signaling, offering more precise treatment options.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block proteins used by cancer cells
to evade the immune system's attack, allowing immune cells to destroy cancer
cells better.
Monoclonal Antibodies Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that can bind to specific
targets on cancer cells. They are used to help the immune system recognize and
destroy cancer cells.
Drugs Affecting Endocrine Systems These drugs influence glands that produce hormones, such as the thyroid,
adrenal, and pancreas. They help manage hormonal imbalances in diseases like
diabetes, hypothyroidism, and adrenal disorders.
Adrenocorticosteroids Adrenocorticosteroids are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. They
include glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, and are used as drugs to manage
inflammation, immune responses, and electrolyte balance.
Glucocorticoids and the HPA Axis Glucocorticoids and the HPA axis describes how glucocorticoids, produced by
the adrenal cortex, are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
axis, which controls their release through a feedback system.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis, is a group of glands and
hormones that work together to control reactions to stress and regulate body
processes such as digestion and immune response. It involves the hypothalamus,
pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex, which produce and regulate glucocorticoids.
Suppression Suppression refers to the reduction or stopping of normal activity. In
pharmacology, it often describes how drugs like glucocorticoids can decrease
the natural function of the HPA axis, leading to lower production of endogenous
hormones.
Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Other Agents
Affecting Bone Calcium-regulating hormones, such as parathyroid hormone and calcitonin, help
control calcium levels in the blood and maintenance of bone. Drugs affecting
these pathways are used to treat bone diseases like osteoporosis and maintain
normal calcium metabolism.
Pharmacology Final Exam, Key Concepts
NURS 5334 Advanced Pharmacology Final
Exam Mastery Guide
Chemotherapy of Neoplastic Diseases Chemotherapy of neoplastic diseases refers to the use of drugs to treat cancers.
These drugs work by killing or stopping the growth of abnormal cells that divide
uncontrollably.
Mechanisms of Action of Antineoplastic Drugs Mechanisms of action of antineoplastic drugs describe how these drugs work to
stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. They may interfere with cell division,
damage DNA, inhibit enzymes, or block signals needed for cancer cells to survive
and multiply.
Alkylating Agents Alkylating agents are a class of antineoplastic drugs that work by adding alkyl
groups to DNA, leading to DNA damage. This prevents cancer cells from
replicating and causes cell death.
DNA Cross-Linking DNA cross-linking is the process by which chemical agents form covalent bonds
between two strands of DNA, preventing them from separating. This blocks DNA
replication and transcription, leading to cell death.
,Antimetabolite Chemotherapy Antimetabolite chemotherapy uses drugs that resemble normal cell metabolites.
These drugs interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis by substituting for the natural
building blocks, which prevents cancer cells from growing and dividing.
DNA Synthesis Inhibition DNA synthesis inhibition is the process by which drugs stop cells from making
new DNA, which prevents cell division and growth.
Folate Analogs Folate analogs are antimetabolite drugs that resemble the vitamin folic acid. They
block enzymes needed for making DNA, which stops cancer cells from growing.
Basic Approaches Basic approaches in chemotherapy refer to the various strategies used to target
and eliminate cancer cells, such as damaging DNA, interfering with cell division,
or disrupting essential cellular processes.
Cell Kill Hypothesis The cell kill hypothesis suggests that a fixed percentage of cancer cells are killed
with each cycle of chemotherapy, rather than a fixed number. Multiple treatment
cycles are needed to reduce the number of cancer cells to undetectable levels.
Cytotoxicity Cytotoxicity is the ability of a drug to kill or damage cells. In chemotherapy,
cytotoxic drugs are used to destroy cancer cells by interfering with their growth
and survival.
Plant Alkaloids Plant alkaloids are anticancer drugs obtained from plants that interrupt cell
division by disrupting microtubule function or spindle formation during mitosis.
Vinca Alkaloids Vinca alkaloids are a group of plant-derived chemotherapy drugs that inhibit
microtubule formation, leading to the disruption of cell division in cancer cells.
Principles of Antineoplastic Drug Use Principles of antineoplastic drug use refer to the basic guidelines for selecting,
dosing, and administering drugs that treat cancer. These principles include using
combinations of drugs, choosing the right schedule, minimizing side effects, and
aiming to kill the maximum number of cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.
Selection of Drug Regimen Selection of a drug regimen involves choosing a combination of antineoplastic
drugs, their doses, and scheduling, based on cancer type, stage, and patient
factors. The goal is to maximize cancer cell kill while minimizing side effects and
resistance.
Toxicity Profile Toxicity profile refers to the types and severity of side effects commonly
associated with a specific anticancer drug or chemotherapy regimen.
, Targeted Therapies and Biological Response Modifiers Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically block molecules involved in cancer
cell growth and survival. Biological response modifiers are agents that enhance
the body’s immune response against cancer or interfere with cancer cell
signaling, offering more precise treatment options.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block proteins used by cancer cells
to evade the immune system's attack, allowing immune cells to destroy cancer
cells better.
Monoclonal Antibodies Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that can bind to specific
targets on cancer cells. They are used to help the immune system recognize and
destroy cancer cells.
Drugs Affecting Endocrine Systems These drugs influence glands that produce hormones, such as the thyroid,
adrenal, and pancreas. They help manage hormonal imbalances in diseases like
diabetes, hypothyroidism, and adrenal disorders.
Adrenocorticosteroids Adrenocorticosteroids are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. They
include glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, and are used as drugs to manage
inflammation, immune responses, and electrolyte balance.
Glucocorticoids and the HPA Axis Glucocorticoids and the HPA axis describes how glucocorticoids, produced by
the adrenal cortex, are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
axis, which controls their release through a feedback system.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis, is a group of glands and
hormones that work together to control reactions to stress and regulate body
processes such as digestion and immune response. It involves the hypothalamus,
pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex, which produce and regulate glucocorticoids.
Suppression Suppression refers to the reduction or stopping of normal activity. In
pharmacology, it often describes how drugs like glucocorticoids can decrease
the natural function of the HPA axis, leading to lower production of endogenous
hormones.
Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Other Agents
Affecting Bone Calcium-regulating hormones, such as parathyroid hormone and calcitonin, help
control calcium levels in the blood and maintenance of bone. Drugs affecting
these pathways are used to treat bone diseases like osteoporosis and maintain
normal calcium metabolism.
