In this and the next week, we will focus on a comprehensive view on oncological patients, but we will also integrate and implement knowledge from previous sessions, whether in terms of the use of antipsychotics in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, antibiotics in the treatment of febrile neutropenia, or drug interactions.

In this first part of the oncology block we will look at the most common side effects accompanying cancer therapy, namely nausea and vomiting and febrile neutropenia. We have also included the treatment of hypercalcemia, as mineral imbalances and their treatment are interspersed throughout this subject. Let's begin by studying the pre-class reading (chapter 14 of the book). A link to it can be found below:

While reading the chapter, you probably came across references to the lecture - the first was a reference to breakthrough and anticipatory vomiting therapy and the olanzapine regimen (which we have seen before), the second was about prophylaxis for febrile neutropenia and the risks of non-adherence to G-CSF. 

Let's have a look at the mentioned video lectures. Please find them below, their length is 15 minutes and 16 minutes. Again, the handouts for the lectures can be found below.

Handouts for the video lectures can be found here:

A specific type of adverse effect of cancer therapy is the so-called immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). What is the mechanism by which these adverse effects arise, what drugs are associated with them and how do we deal with them? We will answer these questions in another short 14-minute video lecture.

Handouts for the video lecture can be found here:

Test your knowledge after reading the pre-class reading chapters and listening to the complementary lectures. 

Try taking the ROPOT test here:

And now you can look forward to the TBL lesson where we will focus on practicing the management of adverse effects of oncology therapy in a virtual patient.