Chapter 16: Breast Cancer

Chapter 16. Breast Cancer

Select the agent that is administered via intramuscular (IM) injection for the treatment of metastatic estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

a. Anastrozole

b. Avastin

c. Herceptin

d. Faslodex

Answer d is correct. Faslodex is administered by IM injection to women with estrogen receptor (ER)+ metastatic breast cancer.

Answer a in incorrect. Anastrozole is administered orally to patients with ER+ metastatic breast cancer.

Answer b is incorrect. Avastin is administered intravenously to patients with breast cancer.

Answer c is incorrect. Herceptin is administered intravenously to patients with breast cancer characterized by an overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2).

Which of the following conditions would be a contraindication to administration of tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer in a “high risk” premenopausal patient?

a. History of deep venous thrombosis.

b. First-degree relative with estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer.

c. History of diabetes mellitus.

d. History of seizures.

Answer a is correct. Tamoxifen is associated with an increased risk for developing thromboembolic events. Administration of tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer is contraindicated in patients with a history of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary emboli.

Answer b is incorrect. The ER status of first-degree relatives is not a contraindication to prescribing tamoxifen to reduce the risk for developing breast cancer.

Answer c is incorrect. Diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication to prescribing tamoxifen to reduce the risk for developing breast cancer.

Answer d is incorrect. A history of seizures is not a contraindication to prescribing tamoxifen to reduce the risk for developing breast cancer.

A premenopausal woman with estrogen receptor-negative, node-positive breast cancer is starting doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide adjuvant treatment. What would you recommend to determine the severity of the most common toxicity associated with this treatment regimen?

a. An electrocardiogram.

b. A complete blood count including platelets 1 week after administration of the chemotherapy.

c. Serum bilirubin and aspartate transaminase.

d. Urinalysis.

Answer b is correct. Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) is the most common treatment-related adverse effect associated with this adjuvant treatment regimen. Nearly 100% of patients receiving this treatment regimen will experience myelosuppression.

Answer a is incorrect. Although ...