Types of Medication for Cancer

Cancer is a condition in which the body’s cells in a particular area grow uncontrollably and probably spread to other parts of the body. The uncontrollable growth of the body’s cells may be due to mutation or damage of DNA inside the cells. DNA is a chemical in each cell of our body responsible for making up our genes. Genes provide instruction for everything that our cell does. They are packed in chromosomes, which are long strands of DNA in each cell. Most body cells have two sets of 23 chromosomes (one set of chromosomes is derived from each parent), but each sperm or egg cell has only 23 chromosomes (one set). When the sperm and egg fuse, the embryo has a standard number of chromosomes in each cell, half of which are from each parent.

Two types of genes are associated with cancer development:

1. Oncogenes: genes that promote cell division
2. Tumor suppressor genes: genes that slow down cell division or kill cells at the right time.

DNA mutations causing the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes can lead to cancer.

There are several types of cancer medications. Some of the common cancer medications include:

• Alkylating agents: These drugs work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells to prevent the cell from dividing. Some examples include:
  • Dacarbazine
  • Ifosfamide
  • Mechlorethamine
  • Altretamine
  • Bendamustine
  • Busulfan
  • Carboplatin
  • Chlorambucil
  • Cisplatin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Temozolomide
  • Thiotepa
  • Trabectedin
  • Melphalan
  • Oxaliplatin
• Nitrosoureas: These drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier and are important for treating brain cancers. They work by attaching to the DNA strands in cancer cells and further prevent the DNA from dividing. Some examples include:
  • Carmustine
  • Lomustine
  • Streptozocin
• Antimetabolites: These drugs cause the cancer cells to consume themselves and prevent their division into new cells. Some examples include:
  • Cladribine
  • Clofarabine
  • Floxuridine
  • Fludarabine
  • Gemcitabine
  • Hydroxyurea
  • Methotrexate
  • Azacitidine
  • 5-Fluorouracil
  • 6-Mercaptopurine
  • Capecitabine
• Anti-tumor antibiotics: These drugs interfere with enzymes that aid in the growth of cancer cells. They bind with the DNA of the rapidly growing cancer cells to prevent them from reproducing. Some examples include:
  • Epirubicin
  • Idarubicin
  • Valrubicin
  • Daunorubicin
  • Doxorubicin
  • Doxorubicin liposomal
• Plant alkaloids: These drugs prevent the replication of cancer cells. Some examples include:
  • Taxanes
  • Vinca alkaloids
  • Irinotecan
  • Etoposide
• Corticosteroids: These drugs are the synthetic version of naturally occurring hormones that can prevent inflammation and treat cancer. Some examples include:
  • Prednisone 
  • Methylprednisolone 
  • Dexamethasone

Alkylating agents are the most used drugs for slow-growing cancers and anti-tumor antibiotics bind to fast-growing cells effectively. The best medication for cancer may depend on the type and stage of the cancer.

Common side effects of alkylating agents include:

• Seizures
• Hair loss
• Reduced sperm production
• Low blood pressure
• Fewer periods
• Blood disorders

Common side effects of nitrosoureas include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Facial flushing
• Pain and burning at the injection site
• Low blood counts

Common side effects of antimetabolites include:

• Low white blood cell count
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Kidney damage
• Liver failure
• Nausea
• Pancreatitis
• Loss of appetite
• Ulcers
• Vomiting

Common side effects of anti-tumor antibiotics include:

• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Malaise (a general feeling of unwellness)
• Rash

Common side effects of plant alkaloids include:

• Allergic reactions
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

Common side effects of corticosteroids include:

• Increased risk of infections
• Mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Heartburn
• Blood sugar fluctuations
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• High blood pressure

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cancer medications may be contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, they can be given safely during the second and third trimesters. The placenta can prevent the crossing of most cancer drugs and prevent the drugs from reaching the fetus. Many studies have shown that children who are exposed to cancer medications do not have more health issues than those who are not exposed to anything.

Alcohol can interact with cancer medications and can cause the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Mouth sores

Alcohol can worsen the risk of an additional cancer diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before taking any type of alcoholic drink.