Modern concept of chemotherapy was proposed by:

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO- 2020

Explanation

Paul Ehrlich is widely regarded as the 'father of chemotherapy' for his pioneering work in the early 20th century.
He introduced the concept of a 'magic bullet'—a chemical designed to selectively target and destroy pathogens without harming the host.
Ehrlich's discovery of Salvarsan (arsphenamine) in 1909 as a cure for syphilis was the first practical application of this concept, laying the foundation for all modern chemotherapy.
He coined the term 'chemotherapy' to describe the use of specific chemicals to treat infectious diseases.

Option B: Frankel is not a prominent figure in the history of chemotherapy. This option is included as a distractor.
Option C: Élie Metchnikoff was a Nobel laureate renowned for his discovery of phagocytosis, the process by which immune cells engulf pathogens.
Option D: Joseph Lister is the pioneer of antiseptic surgery. He introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments and clean wounds to prevent infections.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Pharmacology and Chemotherapy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Ehrlich's 'magic bullet' concept of selective toxicity is the fundamental principle behind all modern antimicrobial drugs (antibiotics, antifungals) and anticancer chemotherapy.
Understanding selective toxicity helps nurses appreciate why drugs have side effects. When a drug is not perfectly selective, it can harm healthy host cells (e.g., hair follicles, GI tract lining), leading to the common side effects seen in chemotherapy.
This historical knowledge reinforces the importance of using the right drug for the right bug (antibiotic stewardship), a modern application of Ehrlich's core idea.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about the history of medicine.
First, identify the key concept in the question stem: 'modern concept of chemotherapy'.
Next, review the options, which are all names of historical figures in science and medicine.
Try to recall the major contribution of each figure. Even if you don't know all of them, you can use elimination.
Differentiate between chemotherapy (treating internal disease with chemicals), antisepsis (preventing external infection), and immunology (the body's own defense system).
Paul Ehrlich is directly linked to the term and concept of chemotherapy. Joseph Lister is linked to antisepsis, and Metchnikoff to immunology (phagocytosis).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 3 p. 17-19

E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 1 p. 36-38

Practise the full AIIMS Nagpur NO- 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.