AIIMS Nagpur NO- 2020
Pharmacology
Easy
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.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- 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.
Related Visual
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
- Concept Tested: History of Pharmacology and Chemotherapy
- Stem keywords: Modern concept, chemotherapy, proposed by
- Lead-in keywords: proposed by
Question ID
QdV_Lt8IXfTePG-v74UbOX
Reference Book
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.
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