Which protective agent is given to prevent cyclophosphamide-induced urothelial toxicity?

Study for the Foundation Year Pharmacy – Clinical Practice Test. Prepare with detailed questions, step-by-step explanations, and test format insights. Enhance your readiness and confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which protective agent is given to prevent cyclophosphamide-induced urothelial toxicity?

Explanation:
Cyclophosphamide’s toxic metabolite, acrolein, can irritate the bladder lining and cause hemorrhagic cystitis. A protective agent works by neutralizing acrolein in the urine, preventing urothelial injury. Mesna provides sulfhydryl groups that chemically bind acrolein to form non-toxic adducts that are excreted, thereby reducing urothelial toxicity. It’s used prophylactically with cyclophosphamide regimens to lower the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis. The other options have different roles: antiemetics relieve chemotherapy‑induced nausea, and filgrastim stimulates neutrophil recovery, neither of which protects the bladder from acrolein.

Cyclophosphamide’s toxic metabolite, acrolein, can irritate the bladder lining and cause hemorrhagic cystitis. A protective agent works by neutralizing acrolein in the urine, preventing urothelial injury. Mesna provides sulfhydryl groups that chemically bind acrolein to form non-toxic adducts that are excreted, thereby reducing urothelial toxicity. It’s used prophylactically with cyclophosphamide regimens to lower the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis. The other options have different roles: antiemetics relieve chemotherapy‑induced nausea, and filgrastim stimulates neutrophil recovery, neither of which protects the bladder from acrolein.