Anticancer drugs are an important topic in pharmacology for B.Pharm, D.Pharm, GPAT, Drug Inspector, and pharmacist recruitment examinations. Questions commonly cover the classification of anticancer drugs, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and important adverse effects.
In this article, you will practise 30 important multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on anticancer drugs, with correct answers and explanations to help you revise key concepts.
📝Top 30 Anticancer Drugs MCQs
1. Which of the following is an alkylating agent?
A. Methotrexate
B. Cyclophosphamide
C. Vincristine
D. Paclitaxel
Correct Answer: B. Cyclophosphamide
Explanation: Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that damages DNA and interferes with cancer cell replication.
2. Methotrexate inhibits which enzyme?
A. DNA gyrase
B. Dihydrofolate reductase
C. Cyclooxygenase
D. Xanthine oxidase
Correct Answer: B. Dihydrofolate reductase
Explanation: Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), reducing the availability of folate cofactors required for nucleotide synthesis.
3. Which anticancer drug is a pyrimidine analogue?
A. 5-Fluorouracil
B. Vincristine
C. Cisplatin
D. Cyclophosphamide
Correct Answer: A. 5-Fluorouracil
Explanation: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a fluorinated pyrimidine analogue. Its active metabolites interfere with DNA synthesis, including through inhibition of thymidylate synthase.
4. Which drug belongs to the vinca alkaloid group?
A. Paclitaxel
B. Vincristine
C. Doxorubicin
D. Etoposide
Correct Answer: B. Vincristine
Explanation: Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid that inhibits microtubule polymerisation and disrupts mitotic spindle formation.
5. Which anticancer drug stabilises microtubules?
A. Vinblastine
B. Vincristine
C. Paclitaxel
D. Methotrexate
Correct Answer: C. Paclitaxel
Explanation: Paclitaxel stabilises microtubules and prevents their normal disassembly, interfering with cell division.
6. Cisplatin primarily acts by which mechanism?
A. Inhibiting folate absorption
B. Forming DNA adducts and cross-links
C. Blocking oestrogen receptors
D. Inhibiting bacterial cell-wall synthesis
Correct Answer: B. Forming DNA adducts and cross-links
Explanation: Cisplatin forms DNA adducts and cross-links that interfere with DNA replication and transcription.
7. Which adverse effect is particularly associated with cisplatin?
A. Nephrotoxicity
B. Severe hypoglycaemia
C. Tooth discolouration
D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: A. Nephrotoxicity
Explanation: Cisplatin can cause kidney damage and is also associated with ototoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and significant nausea and vomiting.
8. Which anticancer drug is associated with cumulative dose-related cardiotoxicity?
A. Doxorubicin
B. Vincristine
C. Methotrexate
D. Bleomycin
Correct Answer: A. Doxorubicin
Explanation: Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic associated with cumulative dose-related cardiac toxicity.
9. Which anticancer drug is particularly associated with pulmonary toxicity?
A. Bleomycin
B. Tamoxifen
C. Imatinib
D. Vinblastine
Correct Answer: A. Bleomycin
Explanation: Bleomycin can cause lung toxicity, including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis.
10. Which drug is a topoisomerase II inhibitor?
A. Etoposide
B. Irinotecan
C. Methotrexate
D. Tamoxifen
Correct Answer: A. Etoposide
Explanation: Etoposide inhibits topoisomerase II, interfering with DNA processing and causing DNA damage.
11. Irinotecan inhibits which enzyme?
A. Dihydrofolate reductase
B. Topoisomerase I
C. Aromatase
D. Tyrosine hydroxylase
Correct Answer: B. Topoisomerase I
Explanation: Irinotecan inhibits topoisomerase I. Its active metabolite, SN-38, contributes to its anticancer activity.
12. Which anticancer drug is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM)?
A. Tamoxifen
B. Anastrozole
C. Cisplatin
D. Imatinib
Correct Answer: A. Tamoxifen
Explanation: Tamoxifen acts as an oestrogen receptor antagonist in breast tissue and is used in selected hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
13. Anastrozole works by inhibiting which enzyme?
A. Aromatase
B. Dihydrofolate reductase
C. Topoisomerase II
D. Cyclooxygenase-2
Correct Answer: A. Aromatase
Explanation: Anastrozole inhibits aromatase, reducing oestrogen production. It is used in selected hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
14. Imatinib is best classified as a:
A. Platinum compound
B. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
C. Vinca alkaloid
D. Folate antagonist
Correct Answer: B. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Explanation: Imatinib inhibits specific tyrosine kinases, including BCR-ABL, and is used in conditions such as chronic myeloid leukaemia with the relevant molecular abnormality.
15. Trastuzumab targets which protein?
A. HER2
B. CD20
C. VEGF
D. Dihydrofolate reductase
Correct Answer: A. HER2
Explanation: Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets HER2 and is used in selected HER2-positive cancers.
16. Rituximab targets which antigen?
A. CD20
B. HER2
C. EGFR
D. PD-1
Correct Answer: A. CD20
Explanation: Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B cells. It is used for certain B-cell malignancies and other selected conditions.
17. Pembrolizumab acts on which immune checkpoint?
A. PD-1
B. CD20
C. HER2
D. BCR-ABL
Correct Answer: A. PD-1
Explanation: Pembrolizumab blocks the PD-1 immune checkpoint, helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells in appropriate settings.
18. Which drug is an alkylating agent used in cancer chemotherapy?
A. Ifosfamide
B. Paclitaxel
C. Vincristine
D. Anastrozole
Correct Answer: A. Ifosfamide
Explanation: Ifosfamide is an alkylating agent. It can cause adverse effects including bone marrow suppression and bladder toxicity; mesna is used in appropriate regimens to reduce urothelial toxicity.
19. Which drug is a purine analogue?
A. 6-Mercaptopurine
B. 5-Fluorouracil
C. Cisplatin
D. Paclitaxel
Correct Answer: A. 6-Mercaptopurine
Explanation: 6-Mercaptopurine is a purine analogue that interferes with purine metabolism and nucleic acid synthesis.
20. Which drug is commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy and constipation?
A. Vincristine
B. Bleomycin
C. Tamoxifen
D. Trastuzumab
Correct Answer: A. Vincristine
Explanation: Vincristine can cause peripheral neuropathy and autonomic nervous system effects, including constipation and, in severe cases, paralytic ileus.
21. Which drug is associated with dose-limiting bone marrow suppression and thrombocytopenia?
A. Carboplatin
B. Tamoxifen
C. Anastrozole
D. Leuprolide
Correct Answer: A. Carboplatin
Explanation: Carboplatin is a platinum compound. Bone marrow suppression, particularly thrombocytopenia, is an important dose-limiting toxicity.
22. Which enzyme is inhibited by 5-fluorouracil’s active metabolite FdUMP?
A. Thymidylate synthase
B. Aromatase
C. Acetylcholinesterase
D. Monoamine oxidase
Correct Answer: A. Thymidylate synthase
Explanation: FdUMP inhibits thymidylate synthase, reducing the production of thymidylate needed for DNA synthesis.
23. Which drug is an example of a monoclonal antibody used in cancer treatment?
A. Trastuzumab
B. Methotrexate
C. Cyclophosphamide
D. Vinblastine
Correct Answer: A. Trastuzumab
Explanation: Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets HER2 in selected cancers.
24. Which anticancer drug is associated with haemorrhagic cystitis?
A. Cyclophosphamide
B. Tamoxifen
C. Imatinib
D. Anastrozole
Correct Answer: A. Cyclophosphamide
Explanation: Cyclophosphamide can cause haemorrhagic cystitis due to its metabolite acrolein. Mesna and adequate hydration are used in appropriate treatment settings to reduce this risk.
25. Which anticancer drug is a taxane?
A. Docetaxel
B. Vincristine
C. Etoposide
D. Methotrexate
Correct Answer: A. Docetaxel
Explanation: Docetaxel belongs to the taxane group and disrupts cell division by stabilising microtubules.
26. Which drug inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)?
A. Bevacizumab
B. Vincristine
C. Cisplatin
D. 6-Mercaptopurine
Correct Answer: A. Bevacizumab
Explanation: Bevacizumab targets VEGF and inhibits tumour angiogenesis in selected cancers.
27. Which of the following is a common adverse effect of many cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs?
A. Bone marrow suppression
B. Improved night vision
C. Permanent immunity to infection
D. Increased red blood cell production in all patients
Correct Answer: A. Bone marrow suppression
Explanation: Many cytotoxic agents affect rapidly dividing bone marrow cells, potentially causing anaemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
28. Which anticancer drug inhibits EGFR tyrosine kinase in selected cancers?
A. Erlotinib
B. Cyclophosphamide
C. Bleomycin
D. Doxorubicin
Correct Answer: A. Erlotinib
Explanation: Erlotinib inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. Its use depends on the cancer type and relevant clinical or molecular factors.
29. Which statement about anticancer drugs is correct?
A. All anticancer drugs work through the same mechanism.
B. All anticancer drugs are free from serious adverse effects.
C. Different classes act on different cellular targets or pathways.
D. Anticancer drugs are suitable for self-medication.
Correct Answer: C. Different classes act on different cellular targets or pathways.
Explanation: Anticancer drugs act through diverse mechanisms, including DNA damage, inhibition of cell division, hormonal blockade, targeted inhibition, and immune checkpoint modulation.
30. Which factor is important when selecting an anticancer treatment?
A. Only the patient’s age
B. Only the price of the drug
C. Cancer type, stage, tumour characteristics, and patient’s health
D. The colour of the medicine
Correct Answer: C. Cancer type, stage, tumour characteristics, and patient’s health
Explanation: Treatment decisions depend on the cancer diagnosis, stage, relevant biomarkers, previous treatment, overall health, and other clinical considerations.
📑Quick Revision: Important Anticancer Drugs
- Cyclophosphamide: Alkylating agent; can cause haemorrhagic cystitis.
- Methotrexate: DHFR inhibitor.
- 5-Fluorouracil: Inhibits thymidylate synthase through its active metabolite.
- Vincristine: Inhibits microtubule polymerisation; associated with neuropathy.
- Paclitaxel: Stabilises microtubules.
- Cisplatin: Forms DNA adducts and cross-links; associated with nephrotoxicity.
- Doxorubicin: Anthracycline; associated with cardiotoxicity.
- Bleomycin: Associated with pulmonary toxicity.
- Etoposide: Topoisomerase II inhibitor.
- Irinotecan: Topoisomerase I inhibitor.
- Tamoxifen: Selective oestrogen receptor modulator.
- Anastrozole: Aromatase inhibitor.
- Imatinib: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
- Trastuzumab: HER2-targeting monoclonal antibody.
- Rituximab: CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody.
- Pembrolizumab: PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor.
- Bevacizumab: VEGF-targeting monoclonal antibody.
📋Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are anticancer drugs?
Anticancer drugs are medicines used to destroy cancer cells, slow their growth, block cancer-related pathways, or help the immune system attack cancer.
2. What are the main classes of anticancer drugs?
Major classes include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, antitumour antibiotics, plant-derived drugs, topoisomerase inhibitors, platinum compounds, hormonal therapies, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies.
3. Which anticancer drug inhibits dihydrofolate reductase?
Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme involved in folate metabolism and nucleotide synthesis.
4. Which anticancer drug causes cardiotoxicity?
Doxorubicin is an important example of an anticancer drug associated with cumulative dose-related cardiotoxicity.
5. Are these MCQs useful for GPAT and pharmacist exams?
These questions are useful for revising core anticancer pharmacology concepts for B.Pharm, D.Pharm, GPAT, and pharmacist recruitment examinations. Always compare your preparation with the latest official examination syllabus.
🎯 Conclusion
Anticancer drugs are an important pharmacology topic. Understanding their classification, mechanisms of action, therapeutic targets, and adverse effects can help students answer examination questions more confidently.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anticancer medicines require specialist prescribing and monitoring; this article is not a guide to choosing or using cancer treatment.
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