Cancer Chemotherapy

Question 0

Give an example of an alkylating agent.

Answer 0

Cis-platin

Question 1

Name three classes of cytotoxic agents.

Answer 1

• Alkylating agents
• Anti-metabolites
• Spindle poisons

Question 2

What is the MoA of Alkylating agents?

Answer 2

Carbonoid ions form covalent bonds with amine, hydroxyl and sulfhydroxyl groups on DNA causing intra and inter strand cross linking of DNA preventing transcription and replication.

Question 3

Give two examples of anti metabolites.

Answer 3

• Methotrexate

- 5-Fluorouracil

Question 4

What is the MoA for methotrexate?

Answer 4

Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, preventing synthesis of purines and thymine. Cells are therefore unable to form DNA.

Question 5

What is the MoA of 5-Fluorouracil?

Answer 5

5-FU is activated to 5-dUMP which inhibits thymidylate synthase, preventing pyrimidines from being incorporated into DNA.

Question 6

What is the MoA of anti metabolites in general terms?

Answer 6

Prevent formation of DNA, thus preventing proper DNA replication and cell division.

Question 7

What is the MoA of vinca-alkaloids?

Answer 7

Prevents the polymerisation of tubulin to microtubules, thus preventing spindle formation, causing the cell cycle to arrest in metaphase.