Medicines that slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells—mainly by blocking cell division—are called:
- AOption (a)
Antipyretic medications
- BOption (b)
Antineoplastic medications
- COption (c)
Antiemetic medications
- DOption (d)
Antihistaminic medications
View answer & explanationHide answer & explanation
Correct answer
Antineoplastic medications
Why this answer is correct
Correct Answer: Antineoplastic medications
Rationale:
- Antineoplastic medications are drugs specifically designed to slow down, inhibit, or stop the growth of cancer cells. They work by targeting rapidly dividing cells and are widely used in chemotherapy for the treatment of various malignancies.
- These medications interfere with essential processes of cancer cells such as DNA replication, RNA synthesis, and mitosis, thereby preventing further cell division and tumor growth.
- Because cancer cells divide more rapidly than most normal cells, antineoplastic agents selectively target these high-rate division processes, making them effective in controlling cancer progression.
- Common classes of antineoplastic drugs include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, mitotic inhibitors, topoisomerase inhibitors, and antitumor antibiotics, each working at different points of the cancer cell cycle.
- Therefore, medications that primarily act by blocking cell division and inhibiting cancer growth are appropriately termed antineoplastic medications.
Explanation of Other Options:
Antipyretic medications
- Rationale: Antipyretics are used to reduce fever by acting on the hypothalamus. They do not affect cancer cell growth or cell division.
Antiemetic medications
- Rationale: Antiemetics help prevent nausea and vomiting, commonly used during chemotherapy. They do not kill or suppress cancer cells.
Antihistaminic medications
- Rationale: Antihistamines block the effects of histamine and are used for allergies. They have no role in controlling cancer or inhibiting cell division.
Conclusion:
- Drugs that work by inhibiting cell division and preventing cancer growth are known as antineoplastic medications. These agents form the foundation of chemotherapy and are essential in the treatment and control of malignant diseases.

