Anticancer Drugs Practice Questions

Q: Which drug specifically acts during the 'S' phase of the cell cycle?

Methotrexate. ***Methotrexate*** - This drug is an **antimetabolite** that acts as a **folate analog**, directly inhibiting **dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)**. - By blocking DHFR, methotrexate prevents the synthesis of **thymidylate** and other **purine nucleotides**, essential components for DNA synthesis during the **S phase**. *Chlorambucil* - Chlorambucil is an **alkylating agent** that forms **covalent bonds** with DNA, leading to DNA damage and cross-linking. - Its action is **cell cycle non-specific**, meaning it can affect cells in various phases of the cell cycle, not exclusively the S phase. *Vincristine* - Vincristine is a **vinca alkaloid** that acts by binding to **tubulin**, thereby inhibiting its polymerization into **microtubules**. - This disruption prevents the formation of the **mitotic spindle**, arresting cells in **metaphase** during the **M phase** of the cell cycle. *Paclitaxel* - Paclitaxel belongs to the **taxanes** and functions by stabilizing **microtubules**, preventing their depolymerization. - This stabilization also leads to the arrest of cells in **metaphase** during the **M phase**, similar to vincristine but through a different mechanism (stabilizing rather than inhibiting formation).

Q: Estramustine is a combination of ?

Estradiol + normustine. ***Estradiol + normustine*** - **Estramustine** is a **cytotoxic drug** used in the treatment of **prostate cancer**. - It is a chemical conjugate of **estradiol** (an estrogen) and **normustine** (a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent). *Estriol + normustine* - **Estriol** is a weaker estrogen compared to **estradiol** and is not the estrogen component in estramustine. - The combination of estriol with normustine does not form estramustine. *Estriol + mechloroethamine* - **Mechlorethamine** is another type of **nitrogen mustard** alkylating agent, but it is not the specific cytotoxic component of estramustine. - **Estriol** is also incorrect as the estrogen component. *Estriol + cyclophosphamide* - **Cyclophosphamide** is a different **alkylating agent** from the nitrogen mustards, and it is not part of the estramustine structure. - As with previous options, **estriol** is not the correct estrogen component.

Q: Which of the following is not a commonly reported adverse effect of imatinib?

Hepatotoxicity. ***Hepatotoxicity*** - **Hepatotoxicity IS a commonly reported adverse effect** of imatinib, occurring in approximately **10-15% of patients** with elevated liver enzymes. - However, compared to the **extremely high frequency** of fluid retention manifestations (occurring in 50-70% of patients), hepatotoxicity is **relatively less characteristic** of imatinib's adverse effect profile. - **Regular liver function monitoring** is required during imatinib therapy, and the FDA labeling includes hepatotoxicity warnings. - Among the listed options, this represents the **least predictable** adverse effect compared to the nearly universal fluid retention issues. *Periorbital edema* - **Fluid retention** with **periorbital edema** is the **most characteristic and common** adverse effect of imatinib, occurring in **60-70% of patients**. - This is due to imatinib's effect on **PDGF and c-KIT receptors** affecting vascular permeability and interstitial fluid regulation. - Often one of the first adverse effects patients notice. *Myalgia* - **Muscle aches and cramps** occur in **40-50% of patients** taking imatinib. - Often managed with **magnesium supplementation**, hydration, and dose adjustment. - Represents a very commonly reported musculoskeletal adverse effect. *Pleural effusion* - Part of the **fluid retention spectrum** associated with imatinib therapy. - Occurs in **5-10% of patients**, particularly with higher doses or in elderly patients. - May require dose reduction, diuretics, or temporary drug discontinuation in severe cases.

Q: What is the major side effect of Rubidomycin?

Cardiotoxicity. ***Cardiotoxicity*** - **Rubidomycin** (also known as **daunorubicin**) is an **anthracycline antibiotic** chemotherapy drug, which is well-known for its dose-dependent **cardiotoxic effects**. - This can manifest as acute arrhythmias or delayed, irreversible **dilated cardiomyopathy** leading to heart failure. *Nephrotoxicity* - While some chemotherapy agents are nephrotoxic, **daunorubicin** is not primarily associated with significant kidney damage. - **Cisplatin** and **carboplatin** are examples of chemotherapy drugs more commonly linked to nephrotoxicity. *Hepatotoxicity* - Liver damage can occur with many drugs, but **daunorubicin**'s hepatic side effects are generally less severe and less common than its cardiac effects. - Drugs like **methotrexate** and **6-mercaptopurine** are more frequently associated with dose-limiting hepatotoxicity. *Ototoxicity* - **Ototoxicity**, causing hearing loss or tinnitus, is a known side effect of certain drugs like **cisplatin** and **aminoglycoside antibiotics**. - It is not a primary or significant side effect of **rubidomycin**.

Q: Which of the following is the most characteristic adverse effect of cyclophosphamide?

Hemorrhagic cystitis. ***Hemorrhagic cystitis*** - **Hemorrhagic cystitis** is a unique and characteristic adverse effect of cyclophosphamide due to the accumulation of its metabolite, **acrolein**, in the bladder. - This toxicity can be prevented by adequate hydration and co-administration of **mesna**. *Infertility* - While **cyclophosphamide** can cause **infertility** due to its cytotoxic effects on gonadal cells, this is a less specific and less immediate adverse effect compared to hemorrhagic cystitis. - Infertility is a common side effect of many chemotherapeutic agents, but hemorrhagic cystitis is particularly associated with **cyclophosphamide** and **ifosfamide**. *Bone marrow suppression* - **Bone marrow suppression**, leading to **myelosuppression** (leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia), is a very common and expected dose-limiting toxicity of most chemotherapy drugs, including cyclophosphamide. - Although serious, it is not the most *characteristic* or unique adverse effect of cyclophosphamide in the way **hemorrhagic cystitis** is. *Diabetes insipidus* - **Diabetes insipidus** is not a known or characteristic adverse effect of cyclophosphamide. - Other drugs, such as **lithium**, are more commonly associated with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Q: Which of the following conditions is Cetuximab primarily used to treat?

Colorectal cancer. ***Colorectal cancer*** - **Cetuximab** is an **epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor** primarily used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. - It is particularly effective in patients with **RAS wild-type tumors**, as mutations in RAS can confer resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. *Basal cell carcinoma* - This is a **skin cancer** typically treated with local excision, topical therapies, or hedgehog pathway inhibitors like vismodegib or sonidegib. - **Cetuximab** is not a standard treatment for basal cell carcinoma. *Crohn's disease* - This is an **inflammatory bowel disease** treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, and biologics like anti-TNF agents (e.g., adalimumab, infliximab). - **Cetuximab** targets EGFR and is not indicated for Crohn's disease. *Adamantinoma of bone* - This is a rare, low-grade malignant **bone tumor** that is typically treated with surgical resection. - There is no established role for **Cetuximab** in the management of adamantinoma.

Q: What is the preferred method for the disposal of cytotoxic drugs?

Incineration. ***Incineration*** - **High-temperature incineration** (typically 1,000°C to 1,200°C) is the most effective method for rendering cytotoxic drugs **harmless** by breaking down their chemical structure. - This method ensures the complete destruction of active cytotoxic compounds and minimizes environmental contamination. *Autoclaving* - **Autoclaving** uses high-pressure steam for sterilization, primarily effective against **microorganisms**, but it does not chemically inactivate cytotoxic drugs. - Many cytotoxic drugs are heat-stable and simply autoclaving them would not destroy their **pharmacological activity**. *Chemical disinfection* - **Chemical disinfection** methods are generally not sufficient to completely inactivate the complex chemical structures of most cytotoxic drugs. - Some cytotoxic agents can react with disinfectants to form other hazardous byproducts, or the disinfection process may not ensure **complete degradation**. *Microwaving* - **Microwaving** is primarily used for heating and has no significant role in the **destruction or inactivation** of cytotoxic compounds. - It does not generate the necessary temperatures or conditions to break down the chemical structure of **cytotoxic waste**.

Q: Anticancer drug with disulfiram-like action?

Procarbazine. ***Procarbazine***- **Procarbazine** inhibits **aldehyde dehydrogenase**, leading to an accumulation of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed.- This accumulation results in symptoms similar to those experienced with **disulfiram-alcohol reactions**, such as flushing, headache, nausea, and vomiting.*Nitrosourea*- **Nitrosoureas** like carmustine and lomustine are **alkylating agents** that cross the blood-brain barrier and are primarily used in brain tumors. [1]- They do not exhibit a recognized disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol.*5 FU*- **5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)** is a **pyrimidine analog** that acts as an antimetabolite, interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis. [2]- While it has various side effects, a disulfiram-like reaction is not among its common or significant adverse drug interactions.*Methotrexate*- **Methotrexate** is an **antifolate drug** that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, thereby blocking DNA synthesis. [2]- It is known for side effects like myelosuppression and mucositis but does not have disulfiram-like properties.

Q: Mechanism of action of actinomycin D is ?

Inhibits DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. ***Inhibits DNA-dependent RNA synthesis*** - **Actinomycin D** (dactinomycin) is a chemotherapeutic agent that primarily acts by intercalating into the **DNA double helix** [1]. - This intercalation selectively inhibits the movement of **RNA polymerase**, thereby blocking **DNA-dependent RNA synthesis** (transcription) and subsequently protein synthesis [1]. *Inhibits RNA-dependent DNA synthesis* - This mechanism describes the action of drugs targeting **reverse transcriptase**, such as those used in **HIV treatment** [2]. - Actinomycin D does not affect enzymes involved in synthesizing DNA from an RNA template [1]. *Activates RNA-dependent DNA synthesis* - There are no known therapeutic drugs that deliberately activate **RNA-dependent DNA synthesis**. - Such an action would typically promote viral replication in the context of **retroviruses**. *Activates DNA-dependent RNA synthesis* - Activating **DNA-dependent RNA synthesis** (transcription) would increase gene expression and protein synthesis. - Actinomycin D is an **anti-cancer drug** designed to suppress cell growth by *inhibiting* this process, not activating it [1].

Q: All of the following are known adverse effects of thalidomide, except:

Diarrhoea. ***Diarrhoea*** - **Diarrhoea** is generally *not* considered a common or significant adverse effect of thalidomide. Constipation is more frequently reported. - While individual reactions vary, thalidomide's primary adverse effect profile does not typically include diarrhoea. *Teratogenicity* - **Teratogenicity** is the most notorious adverse effect of thalidomide, causing severe birth defects like **phocomelia** (shortened or absent limbs) in infants exposed during pregnancy. - Due to this, stringent **risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS)** are in place for thalidomide use. *DVT* - Thalidomide is known to increase the risk of **venous thromboembolism (VTE)**, including **deep vein thrombosis (DVT)** and pulmonary embolism, especially in patients with multiple myeloma. - Prophylactic anticoagulation is often recommended for patients receiving thalidomide, particularly in combination with corticosteroids. *Neuropathy* - **Peripheral neuropathy** is a common and dose-limiting adverse effect of thalidomide, often presenting as numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. - It can be progressive and potentially irreversible, requiring careful monitoring and dose adjustments.

Question 1

Which drug specifically acts during the 'S' phase of the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Methotrexate

Answer

Chlorambucil

Answer

Vincristine

Answer

Paclitaxel

Question 2

Estramustine is a combination of ?

Accepted Answer

Estradiol + normustine

Answer

Estriol + normustine

Answer

Estriol + mechloroethamine

Answer

Estriol + cyclophosphamide

Question 3

Which of the following is not a commonly reported adverse effect of imatinib?

Accepted Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Myalgia

Answer

Periorbital edema

Answer

Pleural effusion

Question 4

What is the major side effect of Rubidomycin?

Accepted Answer

Cardiotoxicity

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Nephrotoxicity

Answer

Ototoxicity

Question 5

Which of the following is the most characteristic adverse effect of cyclophosphamide?

Accepted Answer

Hemorrhagic cystitis

Answer

Infertility

Answer

Bone marrow suppression

Answer

Diabetes insipidus

Question 6

Which of the following conditions is Cetuximab primarily used to treat?

Accepted Answer

Colorectal cancer

Answer

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer

Crohn's disease

Answer

Adamantinoma of bone

Question 7

What is the preferred method for the disposal of cytotoxic drugs?

Accepted Answer

Incineration

Answer

Autoclaving

Answer

Chemical disinfection

Answer

Microwaving

Question 8

Anticancer drug with disulfiram-like action?

Accepted Answer

Procarbazine

Answer

Nitrosourea

Answer

5 FU

Answer

Methotrexate

Question 9

Mechanism of action of actinomycin D is ?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits DNA-dependent RNA synthesis

Answer

Inhibits RNA-dependent DNA synthesis

Answer

Activates RNA-dependent DNA synthesis

Answer

Activates DNA-dependent RNA synthesis

Question 10

All of the following are known adverse effects of thalidomide, except:

Accepted Answer

Diarrhoea

Answer

DVT

Answer

Neuropathy

Answer

Teratogenicity

Anticancer Drugs — MCQs

Anticancer Drugs — MCQs

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