Anti-cancer medication
Anti-cancer Medication
Anti-cancer medications, also known as chemotherapy drugs, are pharmaceutical agents used to treat cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. These medications can be administered in various forms, including oral tablets, injections, and intravenous infusions. The primary goal of anti-cancer medications is to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal, healthy cells.
Types of Anti-cancer Medications[edit | edit source]
Anti-cancer medications can be classified into several categories based on their mechanism of action:
1. Alkylating Agents[edit | edit source]
Alkylating agents work by adding an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents the cells from dividing and leads to cell death. Examples include cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide.
2. Antimetabolites[edit | edit source]
Antimetabolites interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis by mimicking the natural substances within the cell. This disrupts cell division and growth. Common antimetabolites include methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil.
3. Anti-tumor Antibiotics[edit | edit source]
These drugs are not the same as antibiotics used to treat infections. They work by intercalating DNA strands, thereby inhibiting DNA replication. Examples include doxorubicin and bleomycin.
4. Topoisomerase Inhibitors[edit | edit source]
Topoisomerase inhibitors interfere with the enzymes topoisomerase I and II, which help separate DNA strands for replication. Drugs in this category include etoposide and irinotecan.
5. Mitotic Inhibitors[edit | edit source]
Mitotic inhibitors prevent cell division by disrupting microtubule function. Examples include paclitaxel and vincristine.
6. Targeted Therapy[edit | edit source]
Targeted therapies are designed to target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. These include tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib and monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab.
7. Hormonal Therapy[edit | edit source]
Hormonal therapies are used to treat cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as breast and prostate cancer. These drugs work by blocking the body's natural hormones. Examples include tamoxifen and flutamide.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Anti-cancer medications work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic feature of cancer cells. However, because some normal cells also divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles, these drugs can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of anti-cancer medications include:
Administration[edit | edit source]
The administration of anti-cancer medications depends on the type of cancer, the specific drug, and the patient's overall health. Treatment regimens are often given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD