Cancer Pharmacology and Chemotherapy Flashcards

Which antiemetic class is the MOST effective for preventing acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) from highly emetogenic regimens?

Answer: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists combined with NK1 antagonists and dexamethasone

Triple antiemetic prophylaxis with a 5-HT3 antagonist, NK1 antagonist (aprepitant), and dexamethasone is the guideline-recommended standard for highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

Cisplatin nephrotoxicity is best prevented by:

Answer: Aggressive pre- and post-hydration with normal saline

High-volume saline hydration before, during, and after cisplatin maintains high urine flow and dilutes the platinum in renal tubules, preventing acute kidney injury.

Capecitabine (Xeloda) is an oral prodrug of which chemotherapy agent?

Answer: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)

Capecitabine is enzymatically converted to 5-FU preferentially in tumor cells, allowing oral delivery with tumor-targeted activation.

Which biologic agent works by depleting CD20-positive B cells and is used in certain lymphomas?

Answer: Rituximab

Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that depletes CD20-expressing B cells through ADCC, CDC, and direct apoptosis induction.

The dose-limiting toxicity of vincristine is:

Answer: Peripheral neurotoxicity

Vincristine causes progressive sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy by binding tubulin and disrupting axonal transport in nerve cells.

G-CSF (filgrastim) is primarily used in oncology to:

Answer: Stimulate neutrophil production to reduce the duration of neutropenia

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor stimulates bone marrow to produce and release neutrophils, shortening neutropenia duration and lowering febrile neutropenia risk.