Chemotherapy: taxanes: 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: taxanes

Sample item

A woman receiving paclitaxel develops flushing, dyspnoea and hypotension within minutes of starting the infusion. How is this reaction prevented?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Premedication with corticosteroid and antihistamines, because of the Cremophor vehicle

Paclitaxel stabilises microtubules and arrests cells in mitosis, and the Cremophor EL solvent causes hypersensitivity reactions, so dexamethasone and H1 and H2 blockers are given beforehand. Peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia are other toxicities.

Option by option

  • A. Premedication with corticosteroid and antihistamines, because of the Cremophor vehicle (correct)

    Correct. Premedication prevents the vehicle reaction.

  • B. Giving a faster infusion

    A faster infusion would worsen the reaction.

  • C. Adding mesna

    Mesna is not relevant.

  • D. Giving leucovorin

    Leucovorin is not relevant.

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.

More Pharmacology questions

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is A, Premedication with corticosteroid and antihistamines, because of the Cremophor vehicle. Paclitaxel stabilises microtubules and arrests cells in mitosis, and the Cremophor EL solvent causes hypersensitivity reactions, so dexamethasone and H1 and H2 blockers are given beforehand.

Why is "Giving a faster infusion" not the answer?

A faster infusion would worsen the reaction.

Why is "Adding mesna" not the answer?

Mesna is not relevant.

Why is "Giving leucovorin" not the answer?

Leucovorin is not relevant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chemotherapy: taxanes in Pharmacology. Peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia are other toxicities.

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: taxanes?

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.