Chemotherapy

Question 1

How do alkylating agents work?

Answer 1

• impair DNA replication
• example: platinum compounds
• platinated inter- and intrastrand adducts leads to inhibition of DNA synthesis

Question 2

How do anti-metabolites (methotrexate and 5-Flurouracil) work?

Answer 2

• fluorouracil activates thymidylate synthase which damages DNA
• methotrexate inhibits a critical point in the folate cycle; therefore no purines can be formed

Question 3

How do spindle poisons work?

Answer 3

• affect the spindle fibres during the mitosis cycle in metaphase and anaphase
• inhibits polymerization
• or stimulates polymerization and prevents depolymerization
• the taxoids promote assembly and prevent disassembly, so the spindles become so rigid that division cannot occur properly
• the vinca alkaloids prevent spindle formation