Anticancer drugs: cyclophosphamide: 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.

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Pharmacology · Anticancer drugs: cyclophosphamide

Sample item

Mesna is co-prescribed with high-dose cyclophosphamide to prevent which toxicity?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Haemorrhagic cystitis caused by acrolein

Cyclophosphamide produces the urotoxic metabolite acrolein. Mesna binds acrolein in urine, protecting the bladder; hydration is also used.

Option by option

  • A. Peripheral neuropathy

    Vincristine commonly causes peripheral neuropathy.

  • B. Cardiomyopathy caused by free radicals

    Anthracycline cardiomyopathy is managed by dose limitation and sometimes dexrazoxane.

  • C. Pulmonary fibrosis

    Bleomycin is classically associated with pulmonary fibrosis.

  • D. Haemorrhagic cystitis caused by acrolein (correct)

    Correct. Mesna neutralises the urinary metabolite responsible for cystitis.

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.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is D, Haemorrhagic cystitis caused by acrolein. Cyclophosphamide produces the urotoxic metabolite acrolein.

Why is "Peripheral neuropathy" not the answer?

Vincristine commonly causes peripheral neuropathy.

Why is "Cardiomyopathy caused by free radicals" not the answer?

Anthracycline cardiomyopathy is managed by dose limitation and sometimes dexrazoxane.

Why is "Pulmonary fibrosis" not the answer?

Bleomycin is classically associated with pulmonary fibrosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anticancer drugs: cyclophosphamide in Pharmacology. Mesna binds acrolein in urine, protecting the bladder; hydration is also used.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Anticancer drugs: cyclophosphamide?

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.