Chemotherapy: carboplatin versus cisplatin: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pharmacology · Chemotherapy: carboplatin versus cisplatin

Sample item

A patient with ovarian cancer has poor renal function and prior hearing loss, and a platinum agent with less nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and emesis is needed. Which is chosen, and what is its main dose-limiting effect?

ACarboplatin, with cold-induced neuropathyBCarboplatin, with myelosuppression, especially thrombocytopeniaCCisplatin, with myelosuppressionDOxaliplatin, with nephrotoxicity

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Carboplatin, with myelosuppression, especially thrombocytopenia

Carboplatin is less nephrotoxic, ototoxic and emetogenic than cisplatin, with myelosuppression being dose-limiting. Oxaliplatin causes a cold-triggered peripheral neuropathy.

Option by option

A. Carboplatin, with cold-induced neuropathy
Cold-induced neuropathy is characteristic of oxaliplatin.
B. Carboplatin, with myelosuppression, especially thrombocytopenia (correct)
Correct. Carboplatin trades renal toxicity for marrow suppression.
C. Cisplatin, with myelosuppression
Cisplatin is more nephrotoxic and ototoxic.
D. Oxaliplatin, with nephrotoxicity
Oxaliplatin is neurotoxic rather than nephrotoxic.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is B, Carboplatin, with myelosuppression, especially thrombocytopenia. Carboplatin is less nephrotoxic, ototoxic and emetogenic than cisplatin, with myelosuppression being dose-limiting.

Why is "Carboplatin, with cold-induced neuropathy" not the answer?

Cold-induced neuropathy is characteristic of oxaliplatin.

Why is "Cisplatin, with myelosuppression" not the answer?

Cisplatin is more nephrotoxic and ototoxic.

Why is "Oxaliplatin, with nephrotoxicity" not the answer?

Oxaliplatin is neurotoxic rather than nephrotoxic.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chemotherapy: carboplatin versus cisplatin in Pharmacology. Oxaliplatin causes a cold-triggered peripheral neuropathy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Chemotherapy: carboplatin versus cisplatin?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.