Methotrexate is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of cancer. One of its side effects is that it can cause a patient to become deficient in _____.

Question

Methotrexate is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of cancer. One of its side effects is that it can cause a patient to become deficient in _____.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Methotrexate inhibits the action of dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme needed for the metabolism of folic acid. This leads to a deficiency in folate, which is important for DNA synthesis and cell division. Supplementation with folic acid is often recommended to prevent or alleviate this side effect.

Methotrexate Is a Chemotherapeutic Agent Used in the Treatment of Cancer