Drug Regimens for Cancer Treatment

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Which compartment of a solid tumor contains cells that are actively dividing?

Compartment A (correct)

Compartment B

Compartment C

None of the above

Which statement best describes the relationship between tumor size and treatment effectiveness?

Larger tumors respond better to treatment.

Tumor size only impacts the choice of treatment, not its effectiveness.

Tumor size has no impact on treatment effectiveness.

Smaller tumors are more responsive to treatment. (correct)

What is the key principle behind the 'log kill hypothesis' mentioned in the text?

Each course of therapy eliminates a constant fraction of the remaining tumor cells.

Both (a) and (b) (correct)

Repeated courses of treatment will reduce tumor cells to a level where the immune system can eradicate them.

Frequent treatment is more effective than infrequent treatment.

Which type of systemic anticancer treatment specifically targets cells in the cell cycle?

Cytotoxic therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of 'systemic anticancer treatment' mentioned in the text?

To prolong life by reducing tumor size. Signup and view all the answers

Which compartment of a solid tumor contains cells that are not able to divide?

Compartment C Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of induction therapy in cancer treatment?

To reduce the tumor cell burden and improve symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Why are cancer treatments administered in intermittent courses rather than continuous therapy?

To allow the bone marrow and other normal cells to recover between treatments Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, which statement best describes the relationship between tumor size and the effectiveness of cytotoxic drugs?

Cytotoxic drugs destroy a constant fraction of malignant cells, regardless of tumor size Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the three different compartments (A, B, and C) described in the passage?

They indicate the sensitivity of tumor cells to cytotoxic drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary goal of consolidation therapy in cancer treatment?

To complete and extend the remission achieved during induction Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of a solid tumor impact the effectiveness of cytotoxic drugs?

Cytotoxic drugs are only effective against the rapidly dividing cells in compartment A, which may form as little as 5% of some solid tumors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of combination therapy over single-agent treatment?

Reduces the possibility of developing resistance to individual agents Signup and view all the answers

Why are anticancer drugs often given in large doses intermittently rather than in small doses continuously?

To allow the bone marrow to regenerate during the intervals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strategy used to control myelosuppression (bone marrow toxicity) during chemotherapy?

Removing the patient's bone marrow prior to chemotherapy, purging it of cancer cells, and replacing it after Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which combination therapy decreases the development of drug resistance?

By reducing the pressure on the cancer cells to develop resistance to individual agents Signup and view all the answers

How do 5HT3 receptor antagonists, such as ondansetron and granisetron, help control emesis (nausea and vomiting) during cancer treatment?

They are 5HT3 receptor antagonists that block the serotonin receptor Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of a solid tumor impact the effectiveness of systemic anticancer treatments?

Larger tumors have a higher proportion of proliferating cells, making them more resistant to cytotoxic drugs Signup and view all the answers