Normal Cells

• Reproduce when tissue growth and repair is needed
• Stops reproducing when need is met
• Normal cell cycle= birth->division into daughter cells->resting phase (G₀) OR reproductive cycle
• Well differentiated

Malignant Cells

• Undifferentiated
• Occupy space
• Take blood and nutrients fr. normal tissues
• Grow uncontrollably
• Loosely connected=metastasis

Hematologic Malignancies

Bone marrow and lympoid tiss.

• (leukemias-->bone marrow, increased WBCs

1. acute lymphocytic
2. acute myelogenous
3. chronic lymphocytic
4. chronic myelogenous

• lymphmas-->tumors of lymphoid tiss., abnormal WBC proliferation
  
• multiple myeloma-->bone marrow tumor, abnormal plasma cells proliferate

Solid Neoplasms

*Mass of malignant cells (parenchyma), supporting conn. tiss., blood vessels and lymphatics (stroma).

1. Carcinomas: Derived fr. epith. tiss. (Skin, mucous memb., lingings & coverings of viscera) -- Most common malignant tumors.
2. Sarcomas:Derived fr. connective tissue (muscle, bone, cartilage, fibrous tiss., fat, blood vessels)

Effects of Cancer on Host

• anemia
• malnutrition
• pain
• immunosuppression
• infection
• hemorrhagic tendencies
• thromboembolism
• hypercalcemia
• cachexia (wasting syndrome)

Characteristics of Cytotoxic Antineoplastic Drugs

• Act during reproductive cycle, interfering with replication, supply and use of nutrients and DNA
• Most active against rapidly dividing normal and malignant cells
• Normal cells of bone marrow, GI tract and hair follicles are usually damaged but can recover
• pregnancy should be avoided for several months after treatment because of the risk of birth defects

Alkylating Drugs

1. Nitrogen Mustard Derivatives
2. Nitrsoureas
3. Platinum Compounds
4. Antimetabolites