Cancer Chemotherapy and Development

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What is the primary role of apoptosis in the development of an organism?

To facilitate proper development and destroy cells that would affect the integrity of the organism (correct)

To initiate the process of uncontrolled cell division

To promote the proliferation of abnormal cells

To inhibit the process of programmed cell death

What is the characteristic that distinguishes malignant tumours from benign tumours?

Metastasis (correct)

De-differentiation

Uncontrolled proliferation

Invasive nature

What is the result of mutations in genes that regulate apoptosis?

The inhibition of uncontrolled cell division

The development of cancer cells (correct)

The initiation of cellular differentiation

The promotion of programmed cell death

What is the age-related factor that influences the development of cancer?

Increased risk of cancer development with increased age Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of cancer development?

Mutations in genes that facilitate normal physiological function Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of normal cells that is lacking in cancerous cells?

The components that instruct them to stop dividing and to die Signup and view all the answers

Which type of carcinogen is known to stimulate cell proliferation and is referred to as a tumor promoter?

Estrogen at excess levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of cancer chemotherapy?

To produce total tumor cell kill, with the elimination of all neoplastic cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is derived from the periwinkle plant (Catharantus roseus)?

Vincristine Signup and view all the answers

At which stage of the cell cycle do Vinca alkaloids exert their effect?

During mitosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of Vinca alkaloids?

Disruption of microtubule formation Signup and view all the answers

Why is early treatment critical in cancer chemotherapy?

Because the greater the tumor burden, the more difficult it is to treat the disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of vinca alkaloids in cancer treatment?

Interference with chromosome segregation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of excretion for vincristine sulfate?

Fecal excretion Signup and view all the answers

What is the enzyme responsible for converting folate to tetrahydrofolate (FH4)?

Dihydrofolate reductase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in toxicity between vincristine and vinblastine?

Vincristine is more neurotoxic Signup and view all the answers

What is the protein binding percentage of vinblastine?

98-99% Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of vincristine?

Triphasic: 5 minutes, 2 hours, 85 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of Methotrexate's inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase?

Indirect inhibition of DNA synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Methotrexate's metabolic products?

Retained in the cell for weeks or months Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of excretion for Methotrexate?

Urine Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of alkylating agents?

Binding covalently to DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Folinic acid (leucovorin) rescue technique'?

To reduce the toxicity of Methotrexate Signup and view all the answers

What is the target of alkylating agents in DNA?

N-7 of guanine Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the metabolism of cyclophosphamide in the liver?

Formation of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide and subsequent nonenzymatic cleavage to aldophosphamide Signup and view all the answers

What is the indication for the use of alkylating agents like cyclophosphamide in cancer treatment?

To treat malignant lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the ability of nitrosoureas to cross the blood-brain barrier?

It allows for the treatment of brain tumors and meninges Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of alkylating agents like nitrogen mustards and nitrosoureas?

Inhibition of DNA replication by forming inter-strand cross links Signup and view all the answers

What is the common adverse effect of alkylating agents like cyclophosphamide and lomustine?

Bone marrow depression and hemorrhagic cystitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of CYP3A4 in the metabolism of cyclophosphamide?

It converts cyclophosphamide to its active form Signup and view all the answers