According to the American Cancer Society, the term "chemotherapy" most commonly means the use of drugs to treat cancer. Unlike surgery and radiation therapy which are localized treatments, chemotherapy is usually a systemic treatment that can reach cancer cells located anywhere in the body. More than 100 drugs are now in use for either stand-alone or combination chemotherapy treatments, and nearly all of these drugs are prescription medications.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Doxorubicin is an intravenous prescription chemotherapy drug that doctors use for the treatment of various cancerous conditions, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Hodgkin's disease and thyroid cancer, according to Drugs.com. Doxorubicin works by inhibiting DNA replication of cancer cells. Patients should be aware that doxorubicin may cause cardiotoxicity in the form of congestive heart failure during or after treatment. Other side effects may include lowering of blood platelet count and white and red blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Paclitaxel (Taxol)
According to MayoClinic.com, paclitaxel is an intravenous drug that belongs to a class of medications called anti-neoplastics, which bring about the destruction of cancer cells. Paclitaxel can treat ovarian and breast cancer as well as certain lung cancers. Common side effects include fever or chills, flushing of the face, painful or difficult urination, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and skin rash or itching. Paciltaxel also suppresses bone marrow activity, resulting in lower white and red blood cell counts and lower platelet count.
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Cyclophosphamide is an oral and intravenous medication that doctors prescribe for the chemotherapeutic treatment of multiple myeloma, leukemias, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, retinoblastoma and breast cancer, explains MedlinePlus. It is in the alkylating agent class of chemotherapeutic drugs and prevents cancer cells from reproducing by damaging the DNA of the cells. Patients should be aware that taking cylophosphamide may eventually lead to the development of other forms of cancer, such as acute leukemia. It is important for patients to drink plenty of fluids during treatment with cyclophosphamide because it may cause bladder and kidney irritation. Other side effects include thin or brittle hair, darkened and thickened skin, acne or blisters on the skin, and loss of appetite.
