Learning objectives
1.
To describe the spectrum of radiological manifestations in chemotherapy induced toxicity.
Background
Cancer chemotherapy now has evolved from cytotoxic therapy to molecular targeted therapy.
Classic chemotherapy agents target the rapidly dividing cells and inhibit the cell division.
The targeted therapies are directed against cell surface antigens (like in monoclonal antibodies) or signaling molecules (like in kinase inhibitors).
In an oncology set up radiologists need to be aware of the mechanism of action of various chemotherapeutic drugs to help them recognize the early imaging manifestations of chemotherapy induced toxicities.
Many of these cases are asymptomatic initially,
thus Radiologists...
Findings and procedure details
Cytotoxic chemotherapy agents usually interfere with RNA ,DNA synthesis or cell division and,
therefore,
affect cell growth by various mechanisms of action.
Some of the most commonly used drugs include classic agents such as cyclophosphamide (an alkylating agent),
cisplatin (a DNA intercalating agent),
fluorouracil (5-FU; an antimetabolite),
doxorubicin (an anthracycline),
vincristine (a mitotic spindle inhibitor),
and bleomycin.
Some of the more recently developed cytotoxic agents include gemcitabine (another antimetabolite),
oxaliplatin (a cisplatin analog),
paclitaxel and docetaxel (the “taxanes,” which are mitotic spindle poisons),
and irinotecan...
Conclusion
In an oncologic set up it is imperative that radiologists are aware of various imaging findings in chemotherapy induced toxicity so that they can provide an early diagnosis thus playing a crucial role in patient care.
Personal information
Section: Personal information
Dr.Nikita.K.Jain ,
Fellow in Onco-Radiology,HCG Oncology,
Bangalore
[email protected]
Dr.Shivakumar Swamy Shivalingappa,
Senior Consultant,Dept.
of Onco Imaging,HCG Oncology,
Bangalore
[email protected]
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