Clients receiving targeted therapy to treat cancer need to avoid which food?

A. Relieves nasal congestion

Dornase alfa is not used to relieve nasal congestion. It is specifically designed to address the thick, sticky mucus that can accumulate in the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF).

B. Decreases thick secretions

This is the correct answer. Dornase alfa is known for its ability to decrease the viscosity of thick secretions in the airways of individuals with CF. By breaking down the DNA within the mucus, it helps to thin and improve the clearance of the mucus.

C. Decreases pain

Dornase alfa is not primarily used to decrease pain. Its main action is related to improving respiratory function by reducing the thickness of mucus, which can help ease breathing difficulties associated with CF.

D. Suppresses cough

Dornase alfa is not used to suppress cough. In fact, it may increase coughing initially as it facilitates the loosening and clearance of mucus from the airways.

Choice A rationale: Incorrect. Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug and an immunosuppressant but not an antibiotic. It inhibits the metabolism of folic acid, which is necessary for cell replication, but it does not have antibiotic properties.

Choice B rationale: Incorrect. Antiestrogens are a class of drugs used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer by blocking the effects of estrogen. They are not antibiotics and do not have antimicrobial properties.

Choice C rationale: Incorrect. Corticosteroids are used in cancer treatment primarily to reduce inflammation and manage side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and allergic reactions. They have immunosuppressive properties but are not antibiotics.

Choice D rationale: Correct. Doxorubicin (Doxil) is an antitumor drug that also has antibiotic properties. It belongs to the anthracycline class of chemotherapy drugs and works by intercalating DNA, disrupting the replication and transcription processes, leading to cell death. Doxorubicin was originally derived from the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius, which imparts its antibiotic properties.