Drugs that are cell cycle-specific

• All cells, normal and malignant, progress through the different phases of the cell life cycle. • In general, antineoplastic drugs are most effective on cells in the proliferative phases. • Cell cycle-specifi c drugs exert their cytotoxicity at a particular phase or phases of the cell cycle and cause no substantial harm during the remaining phases. • The major toxicities of antineoplastic drugs act on rapidly dividing cells, such as the bone marrow, GI mucosa, hair follicles, and gonadal cells. • Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reactions, and extravasations are the most common immediate reactions associated with chemotherapy administration. • Health care workers can be exposed to chemotherapy through the following routes: skin and mucus membrane absorption, inhalation, and ingestion. • The major teaching points to emphasize with a patient receiving chemotherapy are to (1) practice good body and oral hygiene; (2) eat a nutritious diet and drink plenty of fl uids; (3) avoid injury, especially cuts to the skin; (4) avoid possible sources of infection, such as animal excrement or people with colds, chickenpox, and herpes; and (5) pace activities of daily living to provide adequate rest and exercise.