Final answer:
Toxicity signs for patients treated with high-dose cytarabine include white blood cell count reduction, temporary or permanent sterility, and symptoms similar to mild radiation sickness. Monitoring involves checking bioavailability and plasma concentrations. Related agents such as cisplatin and doxorubicin also require attention due to associated toxicities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs of toxicity monitored for a patient undergoing treatment with high-dose cytarabine include a temporary reduction in white blood cell count, potential for temporary sterility in men (up to a year), and the possibility of severe side effects such as mild radiation sickness, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. These symptoms are indicative of immunosuppression and could also lead to reta-rded bone growth in children. In more severe cases, there is a risk of permanent sterility in women and potentially fatal outcomes if not closely monitored and treated. Physicians frequently monitor cancer survivors post-treatment for biomarkers thought to suggest relapse, such as elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in children previously treated for teratomas, indicating a potential relapse with an endodermal sinus tumor.
Additionally, the monitoring process includes determining the absolute bioavailability of cytarabine and analyzing the plasma concentrations of the prodrug and its metabolites after administration. Noteworthy chemotherapeutic agents related to cytarabine treatment may include cisplatin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and etoposide, each carrying its own potential side effects and toxicity concerns.