For a chemotherapeutic drug to be useful for treating cancer cells, which of the following is most desirable?
A) It is safe enough to limit all apoptosis.
B) It does not alter metabolically active cells.
C) It only attacks cells that are density dependent.
D) It interferes with cells entering G₀.
E) It interferes with rapidly dividing cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemotherapeutic drugs are designed to target and kill rapidly dividing cells, which are characteristic of cancer cells. Therefore, it is most desirable for a chemotherapeutic drug to interfere with the rapid cell division process. Option A is incorrect, as limiting apoptosis would allow cancer cells to survive and potentially spread. Option B is incorrect, as the drug needs to alter cancer cells specifically, not just any metabolically active cells. Option C is incorrect, as not all cancer cells may be density dependent. Option D is incorrect, as the drug needs to interfere with cell division, not just cells entering G₀.

For a Chemotherapeutic Drug to Be Useful for Treating Cancer