Which statement about chemotherapy is correct?

Which statement about chemotherapy is correct?

• A. It includes hormonal therapies
• B. It is only administered orally
• C. It uses antineoplastic agents
• D. It is the first treatment option for all cancers

Answer: (C)

Chemotherapy is correctly defined as a treatment that uses antineoplastic agents, which are drugs specifically designed to inhibit the growth and reproduction of cancer cells. These agents work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a hallmark of cancerous tissues. Antineoplastic agents can be derived from various sources and may include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, natural products, and targeted therapies, among others. Therefore, the understanding that chemotherapy utilizes these agents to combat cancer establishes why this statement is accurate. In contrast, hormonal therapies, while significant in the treatment of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, are not classified under chemotherapy. The statement regarding chemotherapy being solely administered orally is misleading, as chemotherapy can be administered through various routes, including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous. Lastly, while chemotherapy is a common first-line treatment for many cancers, it is not universally the first option for all types of cancer, as treatment plans are often tailored based on the specific type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer.

Chemotherapy is correctly defined as a treatment that uses antineoplastic agents, which are drugs specifically designed to inhibit the growth and reproduction of cancer cells. These agents work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a hallmark of cancerous tissues. Antineoplastic agents can be derived from various sources and may include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, natural products, and targeted therapies, among others. Therefore, the understanding that chemotherapy utilizes these agents to combat cancer establishes why this statement is accurate.

In contrast, hormonal therapies, while significant in the treatment of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, are not classified under chemotherapy. The statement regarding chemotherapy being solely administered orally is misleading, as chemotherapy can be administered through various routes, including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous. Lastly, while chemotherapy is a common first-line treatment for many cancers, it is not universally the first option for all types of cancer, as treatment plans are often tailored based on the specific type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer.