Chemotherapy: docetaxel premedication: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Chemotherapy: docetaxel premedication

Sample item

A man with castration-resistant prostate cancer on docetaxel develops weight gain, ankle oedema and a pleural effusion with a normal echocardiogram. Which premedication lessens this fluid retention and hypersensitivity?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Dexamethasone

Docetaxel causes a cumulative fluid retention syndrome, and oral dexamethasone given for three days around each cycle reduces it and the hypersensitivity reactions. Mesna protects against cyclophosphamide cystitis, and leucovorin rescues from methotrexate. Neutropenia and neuropathy are the other toxicities.

Option by option

  • A. Leucovorin

    Leucovorin rescues normal cells from methotrexate and has no role here.

  • B. Dexamethasone (correct)

    Correct. A corticosteroid started the day before each cycle reduces fluid retention and hypersensitivity.

  • C. Furosemide

    Furosemide treats established oedema but does not prevent the syndrome.

  • D. Mesna

    Mesna protects the bladder against ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pharmacology questions

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is B, Dexamethasone. Docetaxel causes a cumulative fluid retention syndrome, and oral dexamethasone given for three days around each cycle reduces it and the hypersensitivity reactions.

Why is "Leucovorin" not the answer?

Leucovorin rescues normal cells from methotrexate and has no role here.

Why is "Furosemide" not the answer?

Furosemide treats established oedema but does not prevent the syndrome.

Why is "Mesna" not the answer?

Mesna protects the bladder against ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chemotherapy: docetaxel premedication in Pharmacology. Mesna protects against cyclophosphamide cystitis, and leucovorin rescues from methotrexate. Neutropenia and neuropathy are the other toxicities.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Chemotherapy: docetaxel premedication?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.