How does Methotrexate treat cancer?

Methotrexate primarily functions as a chemotherapeutic agent by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. It is a structural analog of folic acid and acts predominantly by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). This enzyme is crucial in the folate pathway, which is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids and ultimately for DNA replication and cell division.

The correct rationale includes that methotrexate's effectiveness arises from its ability to interfere with cellular processes required for the proliferation of cancer cells. By blocking the proper functioning of DHFR, it leads to a depletion of tetrahydrofolate, impairing the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, which are essential for DNA synthesis. This mechanism specifically targets rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in tumors.

While the properties of being hydrophilic or hydrophobic could theoretically influence drug absorption and distribution, they are not direct mechanisms through which methotrexate achieves its therapeutic effects on cancer. Therefore, the focus on the interaction with substrates and enzymatic pathways highlights the fundamental biochemical action that underpins the drug's usage in treating cancer.