News: A significant investigation uncovered that several cancer medications distributed to more than 100 countries have not met quality standards. This revelation prompts critical questions about the identity and usage of these drugs.
About Cancer Drugs
Cancer drugs are medications used to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells, playing a crucial role in chemotherapy and targeted cancer therapies.
About Cisplatin
- Type: Platinum-based chemotherapy drug
- How It Works: Binds to DNA in cancer cells, preventing their replication and division
- Uses: Commonly used to treat testicular, ovarian, bladder, and certain lung cancers
- Benefits: Has significantly improved survival rates in several cancers, either on its own or combined with other therapies
- Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting, Kidney damage, Hearing loss and Bone marrow suppression, leading to reduced immunity
About Oxaliplatin
- Type: Platinum-based chemotherapy drug
- How It Works: Similar to cisplatin; binds to and damages cancer cell DNA to inhibit growth
- Uses: Mainly used for advanced colorectal cancer and post-surgical treatment of colon cancer
- Side Effects: Comparable to those of cisplatin, including risk of immune suppression and nausea
About Cyclophosphamide
- Type: Alkylating chemotherapy agent
- How It Works: Damages DNA in cancer cells, reducing their ability to multiply
- Uses: Breast cancer, Leukemia, Sarcoma and Advanced lymphoma
- Side Effects: Suppressed white blood cell production, Increased risk of infection and Bladder inflammation, causing painful urination
About Doxorubicin
- Nickname: Known as the “red devil” due to its color and potent side effects
- How It Works: Disrupts cancer cell DNA and hinders their ability to reproduce
- Uses: Breast cancer, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Sarcoma
- Side Effects: Potential heart damage, Hair loss, Skin changes and Increased infection risk
About Methotrexate
- Type: Antimetabolite chemotherapy drug
- How It Works: Inhibits an enzyme needed for DNA synthesis, stopping cancer cell growth
- Uses: Leukemia, Lymphoma and Various solid tumors
- Administration: Often used in high doses followed by leucovorin to reduce toxicity
- Side Effects: It can be toxic to normal cells without supportive care and Liver and kidney function monitoring required
About Leucovorin (Folinic Acid)
- Type: Supportive chemotherapy agent (not a direct anti-cancer drug)
- How It Works: A form of vitamin B9 used to protect healthy cells during chemotherapy
- Uses: It reduces toxic effects of high-dose methotrexate and it enhances effectiveness of certain other chemotherapy drugs (e.g., 5-FU)
- Side Effects: Generally mild, since it helps protect healthy tissue
