1. Chemotherapy at Work
The type of chemotherapy drug depends on the type and stage of the cancer. An oncologist can choose the right combination of chemotherapy drugs that will work for specific cancer cells in your body. Alkylating agents, which were among the first chemotherapy drugs, block DNA from replicating the cancer cells. This destroys the cells and inhibits tumor growth. Oncologist suggest alkylating agents mostly for lung, breast and ovarian cancers. Similarly affecting DNA are nitrosoureas. These drugs travel easily to the brain so they do well treating brain tumors, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
2. Kill Those Cancer Cells
Antimetabolites destroy the enzymes that cancer cells rely on for survival. Antimetabolites work only when the cell is in the Syntheses cycle, which is where the DNA duplicates itself and the cells divide. Antimetabolites are useful for treating leukemia and breast, ovarian and gastrointestinal tumors.
3. No More Tumors
Chemotherapy drugs that interfere with the DNA are anti-tumor antibiotics, which are not cell specific drugs. These drugs block the enzymes and upset the cell division. They also change the membrane of the cancer cells. Despite the name, these drugs are not for treating infections. The larger the dosage, the more cells it kills, but the greater the side effects. If the dosage is small in order to reduce side effects, it may not be as effective on killing the cancer cells.
4. Inhibit Proteins
Mitotic inhibitors abate the division of cancer cells. By inhibiting the enzyme's ability to produce proteins, the cancer cells don't reproduce. These drugs are effective during the mitosis phase of the cell, which is where it duplicates its chromosomes and generates two identical cells. These drugs are plant alkoloids that derive from nature. Mitotic inhibitors are effective on breast and lung cancer, myelomas, lymphomas and leukemia. Because of the potential of peripheral nerve damage, dosage may be small.
5. Target Cells
Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cancer cells but isn't the only cancer treatment available. Cell specific treatment targets certain cells. Hormone therapy may slow the growth of cancer cells with breast, ovaries, prostate or uterus. Immunotherapy may help boost a cancer patient's immune system to fight the cancer. Of course, the traditional treatments, such as radiation and surgery are still options. As with any cancer treatment, there are side effects and risks. However, there are also risks in not treating your cancer in a timely way.
