Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

What does combination chemotherapy involve?

1. Using a single drug to treat cancer

2. Administering two or more chemotherapy agents

3. Applying external radiation therapy

4. Incorporating alternative therapies in treatment

The correct answer is: Administering two or more chemotherapy agents

Combination chemotherapy involves administering two or more chemotherapy agents to achieve a better therapeutic effect than what might be possible with a single agent. This approach leverages the different mechanisms of action of the drugs to target cancer cells more effectively while minimizing the likelihood of resistance. By using multiple agents, healthcare providers can address various pathways and characteristics of the cancer, which can lead to improved outcomes in terms of tumor response and overall survival. Combination chemotherapy is often carefully selected based on factors such as the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and how the cancer cells have responded to previous treatments. This strategy can enhance the overall efficacy of the treatment, potentially resulting in a synergistic effect where the combined agents work together to increase cancer cell kill rates. The other approaches mentioned do not align with the definition of combination chemotherapy. Using a single drug would be considered monotherapy, while applying external radiation therapy focuses on targeting and destroying cancer cells through radiation rather than using a chemical agent. Incorporating alternative therapies might supplement conventional treatment but does not constitute the use of combination chemotherapy, which specifically refers to the simultaneous use of multiple chemotherapeutic agents.