For a chemotherapeutic drug to be useful for treating cancer cells, which of the following characteristics is most desirable?
A) It is safe enough to prevent all apoptosis.
B) It does not interfere with metabolically active cells.
C) It specifically inhibits cells entering G₀.
D) It specifically inhibits rapidly dividing cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most desirable characteristic for a chemotherapeutic drug for cancer treatment would be to specifically inhibit rapidly dividing cells. Cancer cells divide rapidly and continuously, hence targeting these cells with a drug that inhibits their cell division would be an effective strategy. Inhibiting metabolically active cells or preventing apoptosis would not be desirable as it may harm normal healthy cells, which can lead to adverse side effects. Targeting cells in G₀ phase may also not be effective as cancer cells can exit this phase and enter the cell cycle at any time.

For a Chemotherapeutic Drug to Be Useful for Treating Cancer