Cancer is a potentially deadly disease that affects people of all ages. The disease also does not have a preference for gender or race. Cancer cells usually multiply very quickly, making it difficult to treat effectively. It is possible to have cancer in one part of the body and have it spread to other parts of the body. There are several ways to treat different types of cancers, but there are some common cancer drugs. These drugs are usually referred to as chemotherapy.
Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel, sold under the brand names Taxol and Abraxane, is a drug that causes the growth of cancer cells to cease. This drug is used most commonly to treat cancers of the breast and lungs. This drug causes some uncomfortable side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. It can also cause patients to suffer significant hair loss. Medline Plus states that some serious side effects can occur, such as bleeding easily or bruising. The medication is given intravenously one time every three weeks.
Etopisode
Etopisode, sold as Eposin, Etopophos, Vepesid and VP-16, works to eradicate cancer cells. It is most commonly used to treat stomach cancer and bone cancer. It is also used for treatment in testicular cancer and lung cancer. This medicine causes uncomfortable side effects such as weakness and fatigue. It can either be received as a tablet or through an injection.
Gemcitabine
This medication works to stop the growth of cancer cells. Drugs.com states that gemcitabine is used most commonly to treat cancers of the breast and lung. It also treats pancreatic cancer. This drug causes side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting, as well as hair loss and swelling of the extremities. This medication is sold under the brand name Gemzar.
Alkylating Agents
Alkylating agents, such as Cytoxan and Leukeran, damage the DNA of the body, which keep the cancer from reproducing. This type of drug is used for many different kinds of cancer such as bone and breast cancer, as well as lymphoma and ovarian cancer. Because this type of drug damages the DNA, it can lead to long-term bone marrow damage. It is possible that this can lead to leukemia in some patients.
Anthracyclines
These drugs are antitumor antibiotics and are sold under the brand names Daunomycin and Adriamycin. They are most commonly used in most types of cancers. They work by directly attacking the tumor caused by cancer. The biggest drawback to this type of medication is its tendency to cause permanent heart damage when given in large doses.
Toposisomerase Inhibitors
Topoisomerase inhibitors, such as Doxorubicin, are another type of drugs that affect the DNA. This drug keeps the DNA from being copied. This drug is used most commonly to treat leukemia, as well as lung and ovarian cancer. It is also commonly used to treat gastrointestinal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, using this drug runs the risk of development of a secondary cancer, called acute myelogenous leukemia.
