Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

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What type of substances do cytotoxic agents target?

Healthy cells
Pathogenic organisms
Cancer cells
Blood pathogens

The correct answer is: Cancer cells

Cytotoxic agents are specifically designed to target and kill cancer cells. These substances work by interfering with the growth and division of rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic feature of cancerous cells. Their primary aim is to disrupt cellular processes that are essential for the survival and proliferation of these abnormal cells, ultimately leading to cell death and tumor reduction. While it may seem that targeting healthy cells is a potential aspect due to the indiscriminate nature of some cytotoxic treatments, their primary intended action is directed towards the cancerous tissues. Unlike agents that target pathogenic organisms or blood pathogens, which are aimed at infections and diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens, cytotoxic agents are strictly utilized in the context of cancer treatment, making their action specific to malignant cells. This is why the correct focus for cytotoxic agents is on cancer cells.