Nitrosureas are associated with which toxicity?

Nitrosureas are associated with which toxicity?

• A. Hepatotoxicity
• B. Cardiotoxicity
• C. Peripheral neuropathy
• D. Neurotoxicity

Answer: (D)

Nitrosoureas are known for their strong effect on the nervous system because they readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Their major dose-limiting toxicity is neurotoxicity, which can manifest as seizures, confusion, encephalopathy, or other CNS disturbances. This CNS-directed toxicity stands out over other potential adverse effects, and while some chemotherapy agents can cause peripheral neuropathy, that isn’t the hallmark toxicity of nitrosoureas. Hepatotoxicity or cardiotoxicity are more typical of other drug classes. So the best match for the toxicity profile of nitrosoureas is neurotoxicity.

Nitrosoureas are known for their strong effect on the nervous system because they readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Their major dose-limiting toxicity is neurotoxicity, which can manifest as seizures, confusion, encephalopathy, or other CNS disturbances. This CNS-directed toxicity stands out over other potential adverse effects, and while some chemotherapy agents can cause peripheral neuropathy, that isn’t the hallmark toxicity of nitrosoureas. Hepatotoxicity or cardiotoxicity are more typical of other drug classes. So the best match for the toxicity profile of nitrosoureas is neurotoxicity.