Graft-Verses-Tumor Effect - the donor immune cell response against the malignancy; a desirable
response
Anaplasia - pattern of growth in which cells lack normal characteristics & differ in shape &
organization with respect to their cells of origin; usually are malignant
Angiogenesis - growth of new blood vessels that allow cancer cells to grow
Apoptosis - a normal cell mechanism of programmed cell death
Benign - not cancerous, tumors may grow but are unable to spread to other organs or body parts
Brachytherapy - Internal Radiation Therapy: delivery of radiation therapy through internal
implants placed inside or adjacent to the tumor. Implant radiation seeds slowly release radiation over a
few months targeted towards neoplastic cells.
-Avoid pregnant women/infants for 2 months, strain urine, use condom to catch any seeds. Local effects:
rectum, bowel, bladder due to proximity to seeds
Cancer - A group of disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, in which cells ignore
growth-regulating signals in the surrounding environment
Carcinogenesis - Process of transforming normal cells into malignant cells.
Carcinogens - Chemicals, physical factors, & other agents that cause cancer.
Chemotherapy - the use of medications to kill tumor cells by interfering with cellular functions &
reproduction. The goal is to decrease the tumor burden to a point where the body can remove the
remaining cancer cells
,Cytokines - Substances produced primarily by cells of the immune system to enhance production
& functioning of components of the immune system.
Extravasation - Leakage of intravenous medication from the veins into the subcutaneous tissues
-Use central line for vesicants/chemotherapy drugs
-If a peripheral vein is used monitor site, don't use a small vein
-Stop the infusion if suspected & call physician
-Educate pt to report changes to the site, feelings, swelling, pain
-Antidotes exist depending on med
-Occurrence report
Alopecia - Hair loss
Grading - Identification of the type of tissue from which the tumor originated & the degree to
which the tumor cells retain the functional & structural characteristics of the tissue or origin
Graft-Verses-Host Disease (GVHD) - an immune response initiated by T lymphocytes of donor
tissue against the recipients tissues (skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver); an undesirable response
Malignant - having cells or processes that are characteristic of cancer
Metastasis - spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant sites
Mucositis - Inflammation of the lining of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract often
associated with cancer therapies
Myleosuppression - suppression of the blood cell producing function of the bone marrow
,Nadir - Highest Risk of Infection
-Lasts for 5-7 days stays at lowest point of Neutrophils (white blood cell)
-Blood count decreases 7-12 days after chemo.
-depression after therapy that has toxic effects on the bone marrow
-Highest Risk of Infection
-Teach Pt. to take precautions to prevent infections here.
Neoplasia - uncontrolled cell growth that follows no physiologic demand: cancer
Neutropenia - abnormally low absolute neutrophil count
Oncology - Field or study of cancer
Palliation - Relief of symptoms & promotion of comfort and quality of life regardless of the disease
stage
Precision Medicine - Using advances in research, technology, & policies to develop individualized
plans of care to prevent & treat disease
Radiation Therapy - the use of ionizing radiation to kill malignant cells
Staging - Process of determining the extent of disease, including tumor size & spread or
metastasis to distant sites
Stomatitis - Inflammation of the oral tissues, often associated with some chemotherapeutic
agents & radiation therapy to the head and neck region
Targeted Therapies - Cancer treatments that seek to minimize the negative effects on healthy
tissues by disrupting specific cancer cell functions (such as malignant transformation), metabolism,
communication pathways, processes for growth & metastasis, & genetic coding
, Thrombocytopenia - decrease in number of circulating platelets; associated with the potential for
bleeding
Vesicant - Substance that can cause inflammation, damage, & necrosis with extravasation from
blood vessels & contact with tissues.
Chemotherapy Administration - Generally given via a central line due to vesicant tissue due to
extravasation. Hypersensitivity reactions
Septic Shock - a life-threatening condition caused by an overwhelming inflammatory response.
Patients who are neutropenic and/or who have hematologic malignancies are at greatest risk. Infections
that are a concern are viral, bacterial and fungal.
Factors Contributing to Infection - Impaired skin, mucous membrane integrity
Chemotherapy/Radiation Therapy affect bone marrow
Biologic response modifiers-medications that help fight infection.
Malignancy/Malnutrition/Medications/ Urinary Catheter
Intravenous catheter/Contaminated equipment/Age/Chronic Illness/Prior infections/Recent travel/Pet
Excreta/prolonged hospitalizations
Compensatory Stage of Shock - This is the stage you want to help someone.
-BP lower than what is used to be but not below normal because the body is compensating.
-SNS causes vasoconstriction,
-Increased HR >100 bpm, increased heart contractility
this maintains BP, CO
-RR increases to >20 bpm due to acidosis, may cause compensatory respiratory alkalosis and a little
hypoxic
-PaCo2 <32 mmHg
-Body shunts blood from skin, kidneys, GI tract, result in cool, clammy skin, hypoactive bowel sounds,