Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

Which type of chemotherapy agent is NOT given as a continuous dosing method?

1. Alkylating agents

2. Antimetabolites

3. Topoisomerase inhibitors

4. Antitumor antibiotics

The correct answer is: Alkylating agents

Alkylating agents are typically administered using intermittent dosing rather than continuous dosing. This approach allows for recovery of normal cells during treatment, as continuous dosing could lead to excessive toxicity and damage to healthy tissues. Alkylating agents work by binding to DNA and preventing cancer cell replication, and the intermittent schedule helps to maximize their efficacy while reducing the risk of cumulative side effects. In contrast, other classes of chemotherapy agents, such as antimetabolites, topoisomerase inhibitors, and antitumor antibiotics, may be given in continuous dosing regimens under certain circumstances to maintain therapeutic levels of the drug in the bloodstream, thus increasing their effectiveness against cancer cells. Each of these drug classes operates on different mechanisms and may have distinct dosing schedules optimized for their specific therapeutic actions and side effect profiles.