Which of the Following is the Most Common Cause of Myelosuppression

Question

Which of the following is the most common cause of myelosuppression?
A) Drugs, especially the anticancer drugs
B) Bed rest
C) Dietary deficiencies
D) Hereditary abnormalities of the bone marrow

Accepted Answer

Myelosuppression refers to a decrease in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow. The most common cause of myelosuppression is the use of drugs, especially anticancer drugs that target rapidly dividing cells including those in the bone marrow. Bed rest and dietary deficiencies can contribute to the development of anemia but are not the primary cause of myelosuppression. Hereditary abnormalities of the bone marrow such as leukemia or myeloma can also cause myelosuppression, but these are not as common as drug-induced myelosuppression.