Why might a colony stimulating factor be given to a cancer patient?

Why might a colony stimulating factor be given to a cancer patient?

• A. Stimulate activity of NK cells
• B. Increase production of certain types of leukocytes
• C. Decrease the production of TNF
• D. Increase production of mast cells

Answer: (B)

Colony-stimulating factors boost the bone marrow’s production of white blood cells, especially neutrophils, to counteract chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in cancer patients. By increasing the number of circulating leukocytes, these growth factors reduce infection risk and help patients tolerate chemotherapy better. That’s why the best answer is to increase production of certain types of leukocytes. The other options don’t reflect the primary role of CSFs: they don’t aim to boost NK cell activity, TNF levels, or mast cell production in a therapeutic context.

Colony-stimulating factors boost the bone marrow’s production of white blood cells, especially neutrophils, to counteract chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in cancer patients. By increasing the number of circulating leukocytes, these growth factors reduce infection risk and help patients tolerate chemotherapy better. That’s why the best answer is to increase production of certain types of leukocytes. The other options don’t reflect the primary role of CSFs: they don’t aim to boost NK cell activity, TNF levels, or mast cell production in a therapeutic context.