Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What does cytokine release syndrome primarily involve?

1. Increased production of white blood cells

2. Elevation of cytokines and histamines due to tumor destruction

3. Decreased immunity affecting the body

4. Production of antibodies against normal cells

The correct answer is: Elevation of cytokines and histamines due to tumor destruction

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is primarily characterized by an elevation of cytokines and histamines, which occurs in response to tumor destruction. This condition arises notably during therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy or certain monoclonal antibody treatments, where activated immune cells release large amounts of cytokines into the bloodstream. When the immune system engages a tumor, it triggers a cascade of inflammatory mediators, leading to systemic inflammation. The sudden release of these cytokines can result in a range of symptoms, from mild fever and fatigue to severe complications such as hypotension and respiratory distress. Understanding that this heightened cytokine activity stems from the immune system's response to tumor cells helps delineate the crucial role of cytokines in mediating both therapeutic efficacy and potential adverse effects in oncology patients. The other options do not accurately describe the key mechanism of cytokine release syndrome. While increased white blood cell production can occur, it is not the primary mechanism. A decreased immunity may arise in other contexts but is not a defining feature of CRS. Similarly, the production of antibodies against normal cells pertains more to autoimmune reactions than to CRS. Thus, option B captures the essence of the syndrome, highlighting its basis in