NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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What is the main action of Arsenic trioxide in the treatment of cancer?

Increases apoptosis of certain cancer cells
Cross-links DNA
Inhibits microtubule disassembly
Promotes differentiation of cells

The correct answer is: Increases apoptosis of certain cancer cells

Arsenic trioxide is used in the treatment of cancer as it triggers apoptosis, or cell death, in certain cancer cells. The other options, while they may have some impact on cancer cells, are not the main action of arsenic trioxide in treating cancer. B, cross-linking DNA, can interfere with cancer cell growth but it is not the main action of arsenic trioxide in cancer treatment. C, inhibiting microtubule disassembly, is seen as a side effect of arsenic trioxide and may contribute to its effectiveness, but it is not the main action. D, promoting cell differentiation, can be helpful in suppressing cancer but it is not the main action of arsenic trioxide. Ultimately, arsenic trioxide is most effective in treating cancer by triggering apoptosis in affected cells.