Cancer drugs
Cancer Drugs
Cancer drugs, also known as oncology medications or chemotherapy, are a group of drugs that are used to treat cancer. These drugs work by killing or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Pronunciation
Cancer drugs: /ˈkænsər drʌgz/
Etymology
The term "cancer" comes from the Latin cancer meaning "crab" or "creeping ulcer". The term "drug" comes from the Old French drogue, possibly derived from droge vate, meaning "dry barrels", referring to medicinal substances preserved in these containers.
Types of Cancer Drugs
There are several types of cancer drugs, including:
- Alkylating Agents: These drugs work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells to prevent them from multiplying. Examples include Cyclophosphamide and Cisplatin.
- Antimetabolites: These drugs mimic nutrients that cancer cells need to grow, tricking the cells into consuming them and preventing cell growth. Examples include Methotrexate and 5-Fluorouracil.
- Antitumor Antibiotics: These drugs interfere with the DNA and RNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Examples include Doxorubicin and Bleomycin.
- Topoisomerase Inhibitors: These drugs interfere with the enzymes topoisomerase I and II, which cancer cells need to divide and grow. Examples include Irinotecan and Etoposide.
- Mitotic Inhibitors: These drugs prevent cancer cells from dividing to form new cells. Examples include Paclitaxel and Vincristine.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cancer drugs
- Wikipedia's article - Cancer drugs
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