What is the role of antimetabolites in chemotherapy?

What is the role of antimetabolites in chemotherapy?

• A. They enhance immune response
• B. They interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis
• C. They act as pain relievers
• D. They increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy

Answer: (B)

Antimetabolites play a crucial role in chemotherapy by interfering with the synthesis of DNA and RNA. These agents are structurally similar to the normal metabolites used in cellular processes and can substitute for these substances during critical phases of cell division. This interference disrupts the normal cellular functions as the cancer cells attempt to divide and proliferate. By mimicking nucleotides, antimetabolites can inhibit key enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of nucleic acids, thereby preventing cells from synthesizing adequate DNA and RNA necessary for replication and function. This action is particularly effective in rapidly dividing cancer cells, which have a high demand for DNA and RNA to sustain their growth, leading to cell death or growth cessation. Understanding this mechanism is essential for appreciating how antimetabolites differentiate between cancerous and normal cells, as their primary efficacy lies in targeting the high proliferation rates typical of tumors. This makes them a foundational component in various chemotherapy regimens aimed at treating different types of cancer.

Antimetabolites play a crucial role in chemotherapy by interfering with the synthesis of DNA and RNA. These agents are structurally similar to the normal metabolites used in cellular processes and can substitute for these substances during critical phases of cell division. This interference disrupts the normal cellular functions as the cancer cells attempt to divide and proliferate.

By mimicking nucleotides, antimetabolites can inhibit key enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of nucleic acids, thereby preventing cells from synthesizing adequate DNA and RNA necessary for replication and function. This action is particularly effective in rapidly dividing cancer cells, which have a high demand for DNA and RNA to sustain their growth, leading to cell death or growth cessation.

Understanding this mechanism is essential for appreciating how antimetabolites differentiate between cancerous and normal cells, as their primary efficacy lies in targeting the high proliferation rates typical of tumors. This makes them a foundational component in various chemotherapy regimens aimed at treating different types of cancer.