Fundamentals of Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy Administration/ 89
Questions and Answers
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)
-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
-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
Immunotherapy Administration/ 89
Questions and Answers
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)
-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
-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
