Antiproliferative

Antiproliferative

An antiproliferative is a substance that inhibits or prevents the proliferation of cells. These agents are crucial in the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer, where they help to control the rapid and uncontrolled division of cells. Antiproliferative agents can be found in various forms, including drugs, natural compounds, and biological agents.

Mechanism of Action

Antiproliferative agents work by interfering with the cell cycle, which is the process that cells go through to divide and replicate. The cell cycle consists of several phases: G1 (growth), S (synthesis of DNA), G2 (preparation for mitosis), and M (mitosis). Antiproliferative agents can act at different points in this cycle to halt cell division.

Inhibition of DNA Synthesis

Some antiproliferative agents, such as antimetabolites, mimic the building blocks of DNA or RNA, thereby interfering with DNA synthesis during the S phase. Examples include methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil.

Mitotic Inhibitors

Other agents, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, disrupt the mitotic spindle, preventing cells from successfully completing mitosis. This action effectively stops cell division at the M phase.

Targeting Growth Factor Receptors

Certain antiproliferative drugs target growth factor receptors on the cell surface, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). By blocking these receptors, the drugs prevent the signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation.

Clinical Applications

Antiproliferative agents are primarily used in the treatment of cancer. They are often part of chemotherapy regimens, either alone or in combination with other drugs. These agents are also used in the treatment of other conditions characterized by excessive cell proliferation, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cancer Treatment

In oncology, antiproliferative agents are used to shrink tumors, slow the progression of the disease, and improve survival rates. They are selected based on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health.

Non-Cancerous Conditions

In conditions like psoriasis, antiproliferative agents help to reduce the rapid turnover of skin cells. In rheumatoid arthritis, they can help to control the proliferation of synovial cells that contribute to joint inflammation.

Side Effects

The use of antiproliferative agents can lead to various side effects, as these drugs can also affect normal, rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles. Common side effects include:

• Myelosuppression (decreased production of blood cells)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes)

Also see

• Chemotherapy
• Cell cycle
• Cancer treatment
• Antimetabolite
• Mitotic inhibitor

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Antiproliferative for any updates.

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