Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The lesson groups agents by the problems they help prevent or manage. Mesna protects the urinary tract from acrolein associated with cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, while dexrazoxane limits anthracycline-related cardiac injury. Amifostine and sodium thiosulfate are presented in relation to selected treatment toxicities. Supportive agents also address chemotherapy-induced changes in blood counts: growth factors support recovery of different blood-cell populations, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are used for anemia. Palifermin is covered for mucositis, and NK₁ antagonists for delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The topic also introduces tumor lysis syndrome agents and methotrexate rescue or toxicity management, including leucovorin and glucarpidase. Together, these examples provide a framework for linking each agent to its protective or supportive role.