Which anti-cancer drug affects DNA as well as RNA?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of a specific class of anti-cancer drugs that target both DNA and RNA. These drugs are known as **anticancer agents** that interfere with nucleic acid synthesis, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is a type of **antimetabolite** drug. Antimetabolites are a class of anticancer agents that inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis by interfering with the normal metabolic processes of the cell. They do this by **mimicking** the structure of naturally occurring **pyrimidine nucleotides**, such as **thymidine** and **uracil**. By incorporating into DNA and RNA, these drugs **inhibit DNA polymerase** and **ribonucleotide reductase**, leading to cell death. An example of an antimetabolite is **methotrexate**, which is used to treat various types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because **alkylating agents**, such as **cyclophosphamide**, primarily damage DNA by introducing alkyl groups, which interfere with DNA replication and repair.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because **topoisomerase inhibitors**, such as **etoposide**, primarily target DNA by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase, which is involved in DNA replication and repair.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because **taxanes**, such as **paclitaxel**, primarily target microtubules, which are involved in cell division.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Antimetabolites are a broad class of anticancer agents that can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. It is essential to understand the mechanism of action of these drugs to select the most effective treatment option for a patient.
**Correct Answer:** C.