Hematologic cancer (blood cancer) – ANSWER -cancer that begins in bone marrow or immune
system cells.
-Ex: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
Leukemia – ANSWER cancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter bloodstream
Lymphoma – ANSWER -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 – ANSWER Reed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – ANSWER -large, diverse group of cancers in immune system cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
Myeloma – ANSWER Cancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
Chemotherapy – ANSWER 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? – ANSWER Written and signed by licensed independent
practitioners (MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy? – ANSWER NO! Only when holding/stopping
admin.
Who can mix Chemotherapy? – ANSWER Pharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO, qualified RN
Who can administer chemotherapy? – ANSWER Registered Nurses with specialized education,
prep and training. See specific state laws and statutes
How often is chemo competency reassessed> – ANSWER Annual continuing ed and
competency assessment is recommended
What is the dose verification process? – ANSWER -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? – ANSWER -Gloves: two pairs, HD tested
-Gown: disposable, back closed, long sleeved
-Respirator: NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face: face shield/mask
Neoadjuvant therapy (tumor burden) – ANSWER Chemo BEFORE primary treatment (common
in breast and colon)
Adjuvant therapy – ANSWER Chemo AFTER primary treatment (common in solid tumor)
Bone Marrow – ANSWER soft, sponge-like tissue in center of most bones, produce WBC, RBC,
and platelets.
Myelosuppression – ANSWER bone marrow activity is decreased, causing less RBC, WBC and
Platelets.
Myeloablation – ANSWER severe myelosuppression
Induction phase – ANSWER initial phase, typically in hospital, intended myelosuppression
Consolidation phase (intensification/postremission therapy) – ANSWER after successful
induction, kills cancer cells left in body (ex radiation, stem cell transplant)
Synergy – ANSWER when one chemo drug helps another work better at the same time
Complete response – ANSWER no identifiable cancer present for at least one month or longer
Partial response – ANSWER Measurable tumor reduced by 50% for at least one month with no
new tumors
Stable disease – ANSWER Tumor size reduced by less than 50% or less than 25% increase in
growth
Progressive disease – ANSWER tumor growth more than 25% or new cancer
What are the phases of the cell cycle? – ANSWER -G1 phase
-S phase
-G2 phase
-M phase
What happens in G1 phase? – ANSWER The cell increases in size and prepares to replicate its
DNA