Platinum compounds — MCQs

A 67-year-old woman with advanced bladder cancer comes to the physician for a follow-up examination. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy with an agent that forms cross-links between DNA strands. Serum studies show a creatinine concentration of 2.1 mg/dL and a blood urea nitrogen concentration of 30 mg/dL. Urine dipstick of a clean-catch midstream specimen shows 2+ protein and 1+ glucose. Prior to initiation of chemotherapy, her laboratory values were within the reference range. In addition to hydration, administration of which of the following would most likely have prevented this patient's current condition?

A 72-year-old man has been recently diagnosed with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. After the necessary laboratory workup, concurrent chemoradiation therapy has been planned. Radiation therapy is planned to take place over 7 weeks and he will receive radiation doses daily, Monday–Friday, in 2.0 Gy fractions. For concurrent chemotherapy, he will receive intravenous cisplatin at a dosage of 50 mg/m2 weekly for 7 weeks. Which of the following best explains the mechanism of action of the antineoplastic drug that the patient will receive?

A 60-year-old female presents to her primary care physician complaining of bloating and fatigue over the past year. On examination, she has abdominal distension and ascites. Abdominal imaging reveals a mass-like lesion affecting the left ovary. A biopsy of the lesion demonstrates serous cystadenocarcinoma. She is subsequently started on a chemotherapeutic medication known to stabilize polymerized microtubules. Which of the following complications should this patient be monitored for following initiation of this medication?

A 62-year-old woman presents to her oncologist to discuss the chemotherapy options for her newly diagnosed breast cancer. During the meeting, they discuss a drug that inhibits the breakdown of mitotic spindles in cells. Her oncologist explains that this will be more toxic to cancer cells because those cells are dividing more rapidly. Which of the following side effects is closely associated with the use of this chemotherapeutic agent?

A 65-year-old male presents to the physician after noticing gross blood with urination. He reports that this is not associated with pain. The patient smokes 1.5 packs per day for 45 years. Dipstick analysis is positive for blood, with 5 RBC per high-power field (HPF) on urinalysis. A cystoscopy is performed, which is significant for a lesion suspicious for malignancy. A biopsy was obtained, which is suggestive of muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma. Before radical cystectomy is performed, the patient is started on cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Which of the following is most likely associated with this chemotherapeutic drug?

A 67-year-old woman who was diagnosed with cancer 2 months ago presents to her oncologist with a 6-day history of numbness and tingling in her hands and feet. She is concerned that these symptoms may be related to progression of her cancer even though she has been faithfully following her chemotherapy regimen. She is not currently taking any other medications and has never previously experienced these symptoms. On physical exam, she is found to have decreased sensation to pinprick and fine touch over hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. Furthermore, she is found to have decreased reflexes throughout. Her oncologist assures her that these symptoms are a side effect from her chemotherapy regimen rather than progression of the cancer. The drug most likely responsible for her symptoms has which of the following mechanisms?

A 7-year-old girl presents with a low-grade fever, lethargy, and fatigue for the past week. The patient’s mother says she also complains of leg pain for the past couple of weeks. No significant past medical history. The patient was born at term via spontaneous transvaginal delivery with no complications. On physical examination, the patient shows generalized pallor. Cervical lymphadenopathy is present. A bone marrow biopsy is performed which confirms the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The patient is started on a chemotherapy regimen consisting of vincristine, daunorubicin, L-asparaginase, and prednisolone for induction, followed by intrathecal methotrexate for maintenance. Following the 4th cycle of chemotherapy, she develops bilateral ptosis. Physical examination shows a normal pupillary reflex and eye movements. She is started on pyridoxine and pyridostigmine, and, in 7 days, she has complete resolution of the ptosis. Which of the following drugs is most likely associated with this patient’s adverse reaction?

A 67-year-old man presents to his primary care physician for a decline in his hearing that he noticed over the past week. The patient has a past medical history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer which is currently appropriately being treated. The patient is a hunter and often goes shooting in his spare time. His recent sick contacts include his grandson who is being treated with amoxicillin for ear pain. Physical exam is notable for decreased hearing bilaterally. The Weber test does not localize to either ear, and the Rinne test demonstrates air conduction is louder than bone conduction. Which of the following is the most likely etiology for this patient's hearing loss?

A hospitalized 70-year-old woman, who recently underwent orthopedic surgery, develops severe thrombocytopenia of 40,000/mm3 during her 7th day of hospitalization. She has no other symptoms and has no relevant medical history. All of the appropriate post-surgery prophylactic measures had been taken. Her labs from the 7th day of hospitalization are shown here: The complete blood count results are as follows: Hemoglobin 13 g/dL Hematocrit 38% Leukocyte count 8,000/mm3 Neutrophils 54% Bands 3% Eosinophils 1% Basophils 0% Lymphocytes 33% Monocytes 7% Platelet count 40,000/mm3 The coagulation tests are as follows: Partial thromboplastin time (activated) 85 seconds Prothrombin time 63 seconds Reticulocyte count 1.2% Thrombin time < 2 seconds deviation from control The lab results from previous days were within normal limits. What is the most likely cause of the thrombocytopenia?

A 74-year-old female with a history of lung adenocarcinoma status post lobectomy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy presents to clinic complaining of hearing loss. Over the last week, she has noticed that she has had difficulty hearing the telephone or the television. When sitting in a quiet room, she also has noticed a high-pitched ringing in her ears. She denies any vertigo or disequilibrium. Further review reveals ongoing dyspnea on exertion and worsening cough productive of whitish sputum for the last month. The patient was recently discharged from the hospital for a congestive heart failure exacerbation. She lives alone and keeps track of all her medications, but admits that sometimes she gets confused. She has a 20 pack-year tobacco history. Her home medications include aspirin, lisinopril, furosemide, short-acting insulin, and a long-acting ß-agonist inhaler. Two weeks ago she completed a course of salvage chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin. Her tympanic membranes are clear and intact with no signs of trauma or impaction. Auditory testing reveals bilateral hearing impairment to a whispered voice. The Weber test is non-lateralizing. Rinne test is unrevealing. Hemoglobin: 11.8 g/dL Leukocyte count: 9,400/mm^3 Platelet count: 450,000/mm^3 Serum (Present visit): Na+: 134 mEq/L K+: 3.8 mEq/L Cl-: 95 mEq/L HCO3-: 30 mEq/L BUN: 45 mg/dL Creatinine: 2.1 mg/dL Serum (1 month ago): Na+: 135 mEq/L K+: 4.6 mEq/L Cl-: 102 mEq/L HCO3-: 24 mEq/L BUN: 22 mg/dL Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL On follow up visit two weeks later, the patient's hearing has significantly improved. Which of the following is the most likely cause of her initial hearing loss?