Which agent is an example of an anthracycline chemotherapy drug?

Which agent is an example of an anthracycline chemotherapy drug?

• A. Doxorubicin
• B. Vincristine
• C. Bleomycin
• D. Carboplatin

Answer: (A)

Anthracyclines work by intercalating into DNA and generating free radicals that cause DNA damage and cancer cell death. Doxorubicin is a classic example of this class, so it’s the correct choice. The other drugs come from different families: vincristine inhibits microtubule formation to block cell division; bleomycin also damages DNA but as a different type of agent (a glycopeptide with free-radical–mediated breaks) rather than an anthracycline; and carboplatin is a platinum compound that cross-links DNA. Understanding these mechanisms helps recognize why doxorubicin fits the anthracycline class.

Anthracyclines work by intercalating into DNA and generating free radicals that cause DNA damage and cancer cell death. Doxorubicin is a classic example of this class, so it’s the correct choice. The other drugs come from different families: vincristine inhibits microtubule formation to block cell division; bleomycin also damages DNA but as a different type of agent (a glycopeptide with free-radical–mediated breaks) rather than an anthracycline; and carboplatin is a platinum compound that cross-links DNA. Understanding these mechanisms helps recognize why doxorubicin fits the anthracycline class.