Antineoplastic agents

Antineoplastic agents are a group of pharmaceutical drugs used primarily in oncology to combat cancer. They are also known as anticancer drugs, cancer drugs, chemotherapeutic agents, or simply chemotherapy. These agents are part of a broader category of drugs known as cytotoxic drugs.

History

The use of antineoplastic agents dates back to the 20th century. The first use of these agents in cancer treatment was in the 1940s with the development of nitrogen mustard, a chemical warfare agent. This marked the beginning of the era of chemotherapy.

Mechanism of Action

Antineoplastic agents work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. They achieve this by interfering with the cell cycle, the process by which cells grow and divide. Some antineoplastic agents work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Others work by inhibiting the synthesis of new DNA or RNA, which is necessary for cell division.

Types of Antineoplastic Agents

There are several types of antineoplastic agents, each with a different mechanism of action. These include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, topoisomerase inhibitors, and mitotic inhibitors. Each of these types of antineoplastic agents works in a different way to stop the growth of cancer cells.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, antineoplastic agents can have side effects. These can range from mild to severe and can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include anemia, infection, and neutropenia.

Future Developments

Research into new antineoplastic agents is ongoing. Scientists are continually working to develop new drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects. One area of research is the development of targeted therapies, which are designed to specifically target cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy cells.