What chemicals are used in chemotherapy?

Although hundreds of different drugs are used for chemotherapy, all fall into several common categories. Alkylation substances and inhibitors of topoisomerase attack the DNA of cancer cells and prevent them from reproducing and slowing tumor growth. Antimetabolites block the ability of cancer cells to use food for energy and synthesize DNA. Cell distribution can be stopped using VINCA alkaloids. Cytotoxic antibiotics, also known as anthracyclines, disrupt RNA synthesis and DNA reproduction in cells. These drugs work by DNA damage in cancer cells, especially in the synthesis phase, so they are not able to replicate and spread. They can be administered intravenously or in some cases can be used orally. Drugs in this category include cyclophosphamide, cisplatin and mechlorethamine.

Topoisomerase inhibitors of the jealousy of chemicals often used in chemotherapy. As well as alkalating substances damage DNA cancer cells and destroy their ability to reproDuke. The main difference is that topoisomerase inhibitors work, while the cell reproduces space after. Taxol and Topotecan are drugs of this type that are predominantly administered intravenously.

Antimetabolites are another type of chemicals often used in the treatment of several types of cancer. They mimic the purines, the substance needed to create DNA during the cell reproduction synthesis. This prevents the normal development of cancer cells, so it is unable to reproduce. They also inhibit the ability of cancer cells to use nutrients to produce energy. Examples of this type of chemotherapy that can be used orally or administered IV.

Another group of commonly used chemotherapy chemicals are plant alkaloids, especially those known as Vinca alkaloids. These substances affect cancer cells during their metaphase by linking the proteins needed for successful cell division. Usually servedThrough IV, these medicines include Vincristine and Vinblastine.

Anthracycles that are anti-tumor antibiotics can also be used in the treatment of chemotherapy for various cancer. They work by blocking the synthesis of RNA and keeping the DNA springs in re -connecting to each other and destroying the ability of cancer to grow and reproduce. Chemicals in this category include mitoxantron, doxorubicin and daunorubicin. These drugs are generally administered intravenously because they may have harmful effects on tissues other than blood.