Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

Which agent is known for being a chemical radiosensitizer?

1. Fluorouracil

2. Cyclophosphamide

3. Cisplatin

4. Floxuridine

The correct answer is: Cisplatin

Cisplatin is recognized as a chemical radiosensitizer, primarily due to its ability to enhance the effects of radiation therapy in cancer treatment. This enhancement occurs because cisplatin works by forming DNA cross-links, which disrupts DNA repair mechanisms that are typically activated after radiation-induced damage. When combined with radiation, cisplatin increases the likelihood of cancer cell death as it increases the accumulation of damage in the cancer cells that have already been compromised by radiation. This synergistic effect can lead to improved treatment outcomes for various malignancies, particularly in cases where these therapies are used in tandem to attack cancer cells more effectively. In contrast, the other agents listed, while effective in their roles in oncology, do not possess the same radiosensitizing properties. Fluorouracil and floxuridine are primarily cytotoxic agents that impede nucleotide synthesis, affecting cell division and growth, but they do not directly enhance the effect of radiation. Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that damages DNA, but its primary role is not to sensitize tissues to radiation. Thus, while all these agents have significant roles in cancer therapy, cisplatin stands out as a key chemical radiosensitizer.