FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
IMMUNOTHERAPY ADMINISTRATION
EXAM
Hematologic cancer (blood cancer) - -cancer that begins in bone marrow or
immune system cells.
-Ex: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
Leukemia - cancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter bloodstream
Lymphoma - -cancer that begins in immune system (WBC=lymphocytes)
-hodgkin and non-hodgkins
-B lymphocytes (B cells) - make antibodies (bacteria and viruses, most common
lymphoma
-T lymphocytes (T cells) - boost/slow immune, destroy germs and abnormal cells
Hodgkin lymphoma - Reed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - -large, diverse group of cancers in immune system
cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
Myeloma - Cancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
,FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy - All antineoplastic agents used to treat cancer, given through oral
and parenteral routes or other routes as specified in the standard, not including
hormonal therapies.
Who can order chemotherapy? - Written and signed by licensed independent
practitioners (MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy? - NO! Only when holding/stopping
admin.
Who can mix Chemotherapy? - Pharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO, qualified RN
Who can administer chemotherapy? - Registered Nurses with specialized
education, prep and training. See specific state laws and statutes
How often is chemo competency reassessed> - Annual continuing ed and
competency assessment is recommended
What is the dose verification process? - -confirm plan with patient
-two practitioners verify: drug name, dose, volume, rate, route, expiration date,
appearance
-document verification in chart
What PPE is required for IV Chemotherapy? - -Gloves: two pairs, HD tested
-Gown: disposable, back closed, long sleeved
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
, FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
-Respirator: NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face: face shield/mask
Neoadjuvant therapy (tumor burden) - Chemo BEFORE primary treatment
(common in breast and colon)
Adjuvant therapy - Chemo AFTER primary treatment (common in solid tumor)
Bone Marrow - soft, sponge-like tissue in center of most bones, produce WBC,
RBC, and platelets.
Myelosuppression - bone marrow activity is decreased, causing less RBC, WBC
and Platelets.
Myeloablation - severe myelosuppression
Induction phase - initial phase, typically in hospital, intended myelosuppression
Consolidation phase (intensification/postremission therapy) - after successful
induction, kills cancer cells left in body (ex radiation, stem cell transplant)
Synergy - when one chemo drug helps another work better at the same time
Complete response - no identifiable cancer present for at least one month or longer
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
IMMUNOTHERAPY ADMINISTRATION
EXAM
Hematologic cancer (blood cancer) - -cancer that begins in bone marrow or
immune system cells.
-Ex: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
Leukemia - cancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter bloodstream
Lymphoma - -cancer that begins in immune system (WBC=lymphocytes)
-hodgkin and non-hodgkins
-B lymphocytes (B cells) - make antibodies (bacteria and viruses, most common
lymphoma
-T lymphocytes (T cells) - boost/slow immune, destroy germs and abnormal cells
Hodgkin lymphoma - Reed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - -large, diverse group of cancers in immune system
cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
Myeloma - Cancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
,FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy - All antineoplastic agents used to treat cancer, given through oral
and parenteral routes or other routes as specified in the standard, not including
hormonal therapies.
Who can order chemotherapy? - Written and signed by licensed independent
practitioners (MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy? - NO! Only when holding/stopping
admin.
Who can mix Chemotherapy? - Pharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO, qualified RN
Who can administer chemotherapy? - Registered Nurses with specialized
education, prep and training. See specific state laws and statutes
How often is chemo competency reassessed> - Annual continuing ed and
competency assessment is recommended
What is the dose verification process? - -confirm plan with patient
-two practitioners verify: drug name, dose, volume, rate, route, expiration date,
appearance
-document verification in chart
What PPE is required for IV Chemotherapy? - -Gloves: two pairs, HD tested
-Gown: disposable, back closed, long sleeved
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
, FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
-Respirator: NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face: face shield/mask
Neoadjuvant therapy (tumor burden) - Chemo BEFORE primary treatment
(common in breast and colon)
Adjuvant therapy - Chemo AFTER primary treatment (common in solid tumor)
Bone Marrow - soft, sponge-like tissue in center of most bones, produce WBC,
RBC, and platelets.
Myelosuppression - bone marrow activity is decreased, causing less RBC, WBC
and Platelets.
Myeloablation - severe myelosuppression
Induction phase - initial phase, typically in hospital, intended myelosuppression
Consolidation phase (intensification/postremission therapy) - after successful
induction, kills cancer cells left in body (ex radiation, stem cell transplant)
Synergy - when one chemo drug helps another work better at the same time
Complete response - no identifiable cancer present for at least one month or longer
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
