Which of the following conditions is Hydroxyurea used to treat?

Hydroxyurea is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of leukemia, particularly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The drug works by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA, which is crucial for the proliferation of cancer cells. By disrupting the cell cycle, hydroxyurea effectively reduces the number of cancerous cells in the bloodstream and bone marrow.

Leukemia is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, and hydroxyurea can help manage these conditions by decreasing white blood cell counts and improving symptoms associated with the disease. Its efficacy in hematological malignancies makes it a standard treatment option for patients diagnosed with leukemia.

In contrast, while hydroxyurea may have some limited use in other cancer types, the primary indications for this medication revolve around leukemias. Conditions such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and rhabdomyosarcoma are typically managed with different chemotherapeutic agents that are more specifically tailored to those malignancies. Therefore, the association of hydroxyurea with leukemia represents its most relevant and commonly recognized application within oncology.