Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

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What is the purpose of hypoxic cell sensitizers in cancer treatment?

To decrease DNA damage
To increase oxygen levels in hypoxic cells
To inhibit RNA synthesis
To block mitosis

The correct answer is: To increase oxygen levels in hypoxic cells

The purpose of hypoxic cell sensitizers in cancer treatment is to increase oxygen levels in hypoxic cells. In solid tumors, areas of low oxygen (hypoxia) can be significant due to inadequate blood supply. These hypoxic regions often respond poorly to conventional therapies like radiation, as oxygen is crucial for the efficacy of radiation therapy; it enhances the damage caused to the DNA of cancer cells. By using hypoxic cell sensitizers, the aim is to improve the conditions within these hypoxic areas by making the cells more sensitive to the effects of radiation. This can lead to an increase in tumor control and overall treatment effectiveness. While other options may involve cellular processes related to cancer and treatment, they do not address the specific function of hypoxic cell sensitizers, which is fundamentally about enhancing oxygen delivery or utilization to improve the effectiveness of treatments.