30 Questions
Which stage of tumor growth is characterized by cells that are no longer capable of cell division?
Stage C
Which class of cytotoxic drugs acts by interfering with the biosynthesis of DNA and RNA?
Antimetabolites
Which enzyme does Methotrexate (MTX) inhibit in the folate metabolism pathway?
Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)
What is the primary mechanism of action of Folate Antagonists like Methotrexate (MTX)?
Inhibiting folic acid metabolism
Which cytotoxic drug class is structurally related to endogenous compounds in nucleic acid synthesis?
Antimetabolites
Which stage of tumor growth involves cells that are resting but capable of division?
Stage B
What are the main classes of classical anticancer drugs described in the text?
Antimetabolites, Alkylating agents, Cytotoxic antibiotics, Plant alkaloids/microtubule inhibitors
What is the primary goal of ideal chemotherapy drugs according to the text?
To target the malignant cells specifically and spare host cells
What is the rationale for targeting the cell cycle/proliferation in classical chemotherapy?
The cell cycle in cancer cells is often de-regulated
Which approach to eliminating cancer involves the systemic or targeted use of drugs?
Chemotherapy
What is the key feature that makes ideal chemotherapy drugs different from classical cytotoxics?
They spare normal, rapidly proliferating cells
Why is chemotherapy increasingly used in combination with surgery or radiation?
To target different aspects of cancer treatment simultaneously
What is the mechanism of action of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in exerting its anticancer effects?
Inhibition of thymidylate synthase
Which enzyme is responsible for converting 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) into its active metabolites?
Dihydrofolate reductase
What is the primary function of thymidylate synthase in DNA synthesis and repair?
Convert deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) into deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP)
Which of the following is NOT a purine analogue used as a nucleic acid synthesis inhibitor?
Capecitabine
What is the consequence of inhibiting thymidylate synthase in cells treated with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)?
Impaired DNA synthesis and repair
Why are purine and pyrimidine analogues used as nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors?
To form false RNA or DNA that hinders replication
How do Vinca alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine act to inhibit cell division?
Prevent spindle formation during mitosis
Which of the following represents a common cause of failed therapy when using cytotoxic drugs?
Primary drug resistance during the initial treatment
What is the role of Taxanes like Paclitaxel in interfering with cell division?
Prevent spindle formation during metaphase
How do resistant cells gain a selective advantage over sensitive cells during drug treatment?
By increasing the target enzyme concentration
Which is a mechanism of acquired drug resistance due to mutation in tumour cells?
Increased utilization of alternative metabolic pathways
In what way does Docetaxel interfere with mitosis to inhibit cell division?
By increasing the concentration of a specific target enzyme
Which class of cytotoxic drugs includes 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cytarabine (ara-C)?
Antimetabolites
What is the mechanism of action of methotrexate?
Inhibition of thymidylate synthase
Which drug is considered an alkylating-like agent?
Cisplatin
Which class of cytotoxic drugs includes anthracyclines like doxorubicin?
Cytotoxic antibiotics
What is the primary target of vinca alkaloids such as vincristine?
Microtubules
Which drug inhibits DNA synthesis by acting as a folate antagonist?
Methotrexate
Test your knowledge on the main classes of classical anticancer drugs, including Antimetabolites, Alkylating agents, Cytotoxic antibiotics, and Plant alkaloids/microtubule inhibitors. Explore the general principles of action, uses, and adverse effects of classical anticancer drugs.
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