**Core Concept**
Pemetrexed is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of breast cancer, specifically for patients with metastatic disease. It works by inhibiting thymidylate synthase, a key enzyme involved in DNA synthesis, thereby inducing cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pemetrexed is a folate antagonist, which means it blocks the action of folic acid, an essential nutrient for DNA synthesis. By inhibiting thymidylate synthase, an enzyme that requires folic acid as a cofactor, pemetrexed prevents the formation of thymidine, a nucleotide necessary for DNA replication. This leads to cell death in cancer cells, which rely heavily on rapid cell division.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Pemetrexed is not an anthracycline, a class of drugs that includes doxorubicin and daunorubicin, which intercalate DNA strands and inhibit topoisomerase II.
**Option B:** Pemetrexed is not a platinum-based chemotherapy agent, such as cisplatin, which forms platinum-DNA adducts and induces DNA cross-links.
**Option C:** Pemetrexed is not a taxane, such as paclitaxel, which stabilizes microtubules and prevents cell division.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pemetrexed is often used in combination with other agents, such as cisplatin, to enhance its efficacy and reduce toxicity. It's essential to note that pemetrexed can cause severe myelosuppression, requiring regular monitoring of blood counts.
**Correct Answer:** C. Antifolate.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.