The chemicals used in chemotherapy drugs help to treat several diseases, especially those of cancer. They function by inhibiting the cell's ability to replicate genetic material, called DNA, which makes them incapable of dividing. Because of this disruption, they are extremely effective in fighting disease with rapidly dividing cells, like those of cancer. Other bodily tissues, however, such as the skin, lining of the stomach and the hair are also cells that speedily divide. Chemotherapy affects the growth processes of these regions that can often result in serious side effects.
5FU
5FU, or fluorouracil, is an intravenous chemical used in several cancer treatments. It appears as a colorless fluid but may also come in a topical cream form for skin cancer application. Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic drug that obstructs the division of cancel cells, thus preventing growth. Breast and gastrointestinal tract cancers often employ this chemical as part of the chemotherapeutic process, according to MayoClinic.com. Side effects include weakness, fatigue and the development of ulcers around the mouth. Anemia and suppressed immune system response functionality may also occur.
Paclitaxel
PubMed reports that paclitaxel, a compound derived from the Pacific yew tree, is a common chemotherapy chemical for the treatment of ovarian, breast and lung cancers. Like 5FU, intravenous administration of paclitaxel is standard. It works by preventing the microtubules, the fibrous filaments present in the division of cells, from forming at either ends of the cells for the replication process. It renders cancer cells incapable of dividing, thus preventing its spread. This compound is extremely strong and usually causes nausea, hair loss, diarrhea and ulcerations of the mouth.
Cisplatin
According to MayoClinic.com, cisplatin interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells, which eventually leads to their destruction. It contains the element platinum and is present in the treatment of lung, ovarian and certain blood cancers. Unlike the previous chemicals that act to interfere with the replication process, cisplatin prevents the process altogether. Prior to the division of cells, the double helix of DNA must separate to form a new copy. Cisplatin destroys the hydrogen bonds that hold the two structures together, therefore killing the cell. This usually causes hair loss, nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. Intravenous cisplatin is common although concentrated forms placed within the body treat regional cancers, like those in the ovaries.
