Which chemotherapy agent is primarily known for the risk of inducing myelosuppression?

Myelosuppression refers to the decrease in the production of blood cells due to dysfunction of the bone marrow. This can lead to conditions such as anemia, increased risk of infection, and bleeding, which are critical to monitor in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methotrexate is particularly well-known for its myelosuppressive effects. It interferes with DNA synthesis, leading to a reduction in the production of healthy blood cells. Its mechanism of action affects rapidly dividing cells, which include not only cancerous cells but also hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. As a result, patients receiving methotrexate often need close monitoring of their blood counts and may require supportive care, such as growth factors or transfusions, to manage the complications of myelosuppression.

Other agents listed, such as vincristine and bevacizumab, do not typically carry the same level of risk for inducing myelosuppression. Vincristine, for example, targets microtubules in cancer cells and tends to cause neurotoxic effects rather than significant myelosuppression. Bevacizumab, a targeted therapy that inhibits angiogenesis by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is not associated with myelosuppressive effects. Gemcit