A 60-year old woman was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been treated for 5 years. She is considered at high risk for recurrence but currently shows no evidence of the disease. She is a candidate for adjuvant chemotherapy. Which among the following are chemotherapeutic agents?

Explanation

• Vincristine is a Vinca alkaloid with its antitumor activity thought to be due primarily to inhibition of mitosis at metaphase through its interaction with tubulin.

• Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen, chemotherapeutic non-steroidal agent that binds to estrogen receptors, inducing a conformational change in the receptor and is indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ.

• Methotrexate is an anti-metabolite developed as a folic acid analogue that inhibits purine and pyrimidine synthesis, accounting for its efficacy in the therapy of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Incorrect: Nitroprusside sodium is an antihypertensive and vasodilator.

• Incorrect: Sotalol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, commonly used for cardiac disorders.

• Incorrect: Misoprostol suppresses secretion of gastric acid, stimulates production of cytoprotective mucus, and is considered a hyposecretory agent.

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