Group 5

Mitotic Inhibitors Mitotic inhibitors are drugs derived from natural plant sources. They inhibit cell division or mitosis, where a single cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. Mitotic inhibitors bind to tubulin and inhibit its polymerization into microtubules. Microtubules are structures responsible for pulling the cell apart when it divides. Mitotic inhibitors affect cancer cells more than normal cells because cancer cells divide (mitotic cell division) more rapidly therefore are more susceptible to mitotic inhibition. Different mitotic inhibitors are used to treat particular types of cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer and other types of cancers. Docetaxel

Actions Docetaxel is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Docetaxel is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and head/neck cancer. Indications for use Docetaxel is injected into a vein through an IV. The patient may need to take a steroid medicine for a few days before their docetaxel injection. This may help prevent certain side effects of docetaxel. Docetaxel can be harmful if it gets on the patients skin during an IV infusion. If this happens, wash right away with soap and water. Docetaxel can lower blood cells that help the body fight infections and help the blood to clot. The patients blood will need to be tested often. The cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. 1

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Possible side effects extreme weakness; severe vomiting or diarrhoea; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat; pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); swelling of your ankles or feet, rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; redness or peeling of the skin on your hands and feet; numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling; or redness, swelling, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given. Common side effects may include: feeling weak or tired; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation; muscle pain; altered sense of taste; temporary hair loss; or fingernail or toenail changes. Nursing considerations Assess patients condition before and regularly after therapy Continuously monitor the patient for the first 30 minutes of infusion and closely monitor throughout infusion. Monitor the patients blood counts and liver function test results frequently during therapy. Monitor the patient for adverse reactions and drug interactions. Evaluate the patients and familys knowledge of drug therapy.