Questions and Answers
What does innate resistance refer to in the context of cancer treatment?
Which mechanism is NOT associated with acquired resistance in cancer cells?
Which of the following cytotoxic agents is known for its renal toxicity?
Which statement about myelosuppression is accurate?
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Which of the following correctly identifies a characteristic toxicity of doxorubicin?
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What is a common result of mutations in tumor suppressor genes in malignancies?
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Which mechanism is associated with the evolution of acquired resistance in cancer cells?
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What distinguishes cell cycle-specific agents from cell cycle-nonspecific agents?
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What is the primary use of chlorambucil in treatment?
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What adverse effect is associated with cisplatin and carboplatin?
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How does mesna function in reducing cystitis incidence?
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Which drug is primarily used for advanced colon cancer?
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Which of the following statements about busulfan is accurate?
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What is a long-term risk of using chlorambucil?
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What pre-treatment can significantly reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting caused by platinum-based drugs?
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Which drug is given intravenously as a first-line treatment for multiple types of cancer, including testicular and ovarian?
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Which of the following cancer types is NOT treated with methotrexate (MTX)?
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What is the primary mechanism of action for hydroxyurea?
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Which of the following adverse effects is most associated with methotrexate toxicity?
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In which scenario must the dosage of mercaptopurine be adjusted?
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What is the primary indication for which gemcitabine is used as a first-line treatment?
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Which drug class do doxorubicin and bleomycin belong to?
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What is a consequence of chemotherapy related to uric acid levels?
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Which of these options is NOT a therapeutic use of hydroxyurea?
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What is one key factor that allows neoplastic cells to invade unaffected organs?
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What are the two main categories of antineoplastic drugs?
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Which of the following is NOT a role of antineoplastic drugs in cancer treatment?
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Which of the following medications is part of the R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen?
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What is a unique characteristic of immunomodulators?
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How is drug selection for cancer treatment primarily determined?
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What is a potential use of chemotherapy for a patient with inoperable tumors?
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Cytotoxic agents function by primarily targeting which of the following processes?
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What is a common adverse effect of Vinca alkaloids such as Vincristine?
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In which type of cancer is Mitomycin specifically indicated for treatment?
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Rituximab primarily targets which antigen on NHL cells?
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Which of the following cytotoxic agents is classified as an anti-neoplastic antibiotic?
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What is the earliest sign of neurotoxicity when using Vinca alkaloids?
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Which chemotherapy agent is synergistic with platinum compounds for treating cancer?
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Daunorubicin and Idarubicin are primarily indicated for which type of therapy?
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Which statement regarding the administration of Mitomycin is true?
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Study Notes
Antineoplastic Drugs Overview
- Antineoplastic drugs target cancer by altering genetic material, expressing oncogenes, and inhibiting tumor suppressor genes, leading to uncontrolled cellular growth.
- Cancer metastasis involves neoplastic cells invading new organs, requiring angiogenesis for survival and growth.
Drug Categorization
- Antineoplastic drugs are categorized into cytotoxic agents, which inhibit DNA replication and mitosis non-specifically, and targeted anticancer drugs, which inhibit specific proteins in tumor cell growth.
Immunomodulators
- Immunomodulators modify immune system activity and include immunosuppressants and immunostimulants; some drugs can have both effects.
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) can be used as immunosuppressants for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Cancer Treatment Regimens
- Antineoplastic drugs treat hematologic cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, often in combination with surgery or radiation for solid tumors.
- Chemotherapy eliminates micrometastases and helps to prevent tumor recurrence; inoperable tumors may receive palliative treatment.
Drug Selection and Progression
- Drug choice is based on clinical trial outcomes, and treatment varies by cancer type and stage.
- First-line drugs address initial treatment needs; other drugs are reserved for relapses.
Cell Cycle Role
- Cytotoxic agents can be classified as cell cycle-specific or nonspecific, affecting different phases of cell division.
Resistance Mechanisms
- Innate Resistance: Initial drug exposure may not trigger a response due to cancer cell genome mutations, common in over 50% of malignancies.
- Acquired Resistance: Develops through genomic mutations and altered gene expression, involving mechanisms like drug efflux pumps and diminished activation of drugs.
Myelosuppression and Toxicity
- Myelosuppression often results in leukopenia (low WBC count) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), increasing infection risks and bleeding tendencies.
- Various antineoplastic drugs have distinct organ toxicities, such as cardiotoxicity from doxorubicin and nephrotoxicity from cisplatin.
Cytotoxic Agents Specifics
- Types: Include folate antagonists (e.g., MTX), purine and pyrimidine analogues, ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors, alkylating agents, and topoisomerase inhibitors.
- Methotrexate (MTX): Historically used for childhood leukemia; extensively utilized as a chemotherapy agent and for treatment of RA.
MTX Uses and Effects
- MTX treats trophoblastic tumors, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, and ALL.
- Adverse effects prominently affect bone marrow and GI mucosa, causing severe oral ulcers (stomatitis).
Drug Interactions
- Allopurinol is administered to manage hyperuricemia during chemotherapy; it interacts with mercaptopurine, necessitating dose adjustments to avoid toxicity.
Specific Drug Indications
- Gemcitabine: First-line for pancreatic carcinoma and other cancers; effective with cisplatin for non-small cell lung cancer.
- Hydroxyurea: Inhibits DNA synthesis, used for CML and sickle cell anemia management, has dose-limiting myelosuppression.
- Cisplatin: Effective for various cancers including testicular and ovarian; pre-treatment improves tolerance by reducing nausea and nephrotoxicity.
Additional Drug Considerations
- Busulfan: Targets myeloid cells, previously used for CML, associated with pulmonary fibrosis.
- Dacarbazine and Mitomycin: Inhibit nucleic acid synthesis, used in various regimens for cancers like Hodgkin's disease and bladder cancer.
- Vincristine and Vinblastine: Vinca alkaloids administered IV, with neurotoxicity as a primary side effect.
Targeted Therapies
- Rituximab: First chimeric mAb for cancer, effective in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma by targeting CD20 antigen on tumor cells.
- Cytokines and Interferons: Interferons enhance immune response and can directly suppress tumor activity.
This concise overview emphasizes the mechanisms, classifications, treatments, and pertinent drug information in the context of antineoplastic agents and their clinical significance.
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Description
Explore the world of antineoplastic drugs that are crucial in cancer treatment. This quiz covers their functions, classifications, and the mechanisms by which they target cancer cells. Learn about the importance of drug categorization in treating various types of cancers, including hematologic conditions.
