- Anti-cancer drugs are used to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. These drugs are called Cytotoxic because they kill fast-growing cells. Cancer cells grow and divide quickly, and these drugs target that growth. This Blog contains Classification of Anti-Cancer Drugs (2) which includes majorly Plants Derivatives
- Understanding how anti-cancer drugs work helps medical practitioner choose the right one for each cancer type.
Table of Contents
Classification of Anti-Cancer Drugs (2)
- Anti-cancer drugs are mainly classified as Cytotoxic Drugs. These are further divided into different groups based on how they work.
Microtubule Damaging Agents
- These drugs block cell division by damaging microtubules.
Vinca Alkaloids
- Vincristine (Oncovin)
- Vinblastine
- Vinorelbine
Taxanes
- Paclitaxel
- Docetaxel
Estramustine
- Has properties of both alkylating agents and microtubule inhibitors.
Topoisomerase Inhibitors
- These block enzymes that help in DNA repair and replication.
Topoisomerase-2 Inhibitor
- Etoposide
Topoisomerase-1 Inhibitors
- Topotecan
- Irinotecan
Antibiotics with Anticancer Action
These are not the usual antibiotics for infections. They attack DNA in cancer cells.
- Actinomycin D
- Doxorubicin
- Daunorubicin
- Epirubicin
- Mitoxantrone
- Bleomycins
- Mitomycin C
Miscellaneous Agents
These don’t fit into one single group but still treat cancer effectively.
- Hydroxyurea
- L-Asparaginase
- Tretinoin
- Arsenic Trioxide
Uses of Anti-Cancer Drugs
Different anti-cancer drugs are used for different cancers. Here are some examples:
A. Vinca Alkaloids
- Vincristine: Used in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Vinblastine: Treats Testicular Cancer and Hodgkin’s Disease
- Vinorelbine: Common in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Breast Cancer
B. Taxanes
- Paclitaxel: Used for Ovarian Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Lung Cancer
- Docetaxel: Treats Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Gastric Cancer
C. Estramustine
- Mainly used in Prostate Cancer
D. Topoisomerase Inhibitors
- Etoposide: Given for Small Cell Lung Cancer, Testicular Cancer, and Lymphomas
- Topotecan: Treats Ovarian Cancer and Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Irinotecan: Effective in Colorectal Cancer
E. Antitumor Antibiotics
- Doxorubicin: Used in Breast Cancer, Leukemias, and Sarcomas
- Daunorubicin: Given in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Bleomycin: Treats Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Testicular Cancer, and Skin Cancer
- Mitomycin C: Used in Stomach and Pancreatic Cancers
F. Miscellaneous Agents
- Hydroxyurea: Common in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Sickle Cell Disease
- L-Asparaginase: Treats Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Tretinoin (ATRA): Used in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)
- Arsenic Trioxide: Also for APL, especially in relapsed cases
Reference
- Classification of Anticancer Drugs- KD Tripathi
- Natural Products/Bioactive Compounds as a Source of Anticancer Drugs
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