Oncology refers to a field of medicine involving cancer. Cancer drugs, also known as chemotherapy, are the types of medications used in oncology. Generally, chemotherapy medications are used to stop the growth of cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body.
Alkylating Agents
The American Cancer Society indicates that alkylating agents actually damage the cell's genetic material (DNA), so that the cell does not multiply. These types of drugs are typically used in people who suffer from leukemia (a blood cancer), lymphoma (cancer of the lymph), Hodgkin's disease, sarcoma and cancers of the ovaries, lungs or breast.
An example of an alkylating agent is mechlorethamine. Drugs.com says that this medication specifically treats chronic myelocytic or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lung cancer and such blood disorders as polycythemia vera. Mechlorethamine's common side effects include mouth sores, a decreased appetite, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, dizziness and weakness. As a chemotherapy drug, mechlorethamine is expected to cause such side effects. However, a physician can prescribe other medications to control these symptoms. Mechlorethamine's serious side effects include joint stiffness or pain, strange bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, chills, fever and a sore throat. Tell the physician when mechlorethamine causes these effects.
Mechloretamine is available as a powder or solution and should be taken as directed.
Antimetabolites
According to the American Cancer Society, antimetabolites are medications used to interfere with DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) growth. RNA is the genetic precursor for DNA. Specifically, antimetabolities are used to treat leukemias and tumors of the ovary, breast and intestines.
Capecitabine is an example of an antimetabolite. This oncology drug typically treats metastatic (cancer that has spread) colorectal cancer and metastatic breast cancer. Capecitabine's common side effects include weakness, dehydration, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, fatigue and dry skin, according to MedlinePlus. Capecitabine can also cause a headache and constipation. This medication's serious effects include chest pain, severe diarrhea, a sore throat, mouth or throat sores, an infection, fever, and a poor appetite.
Capecitabine is a tablet that should be taken as prescribed.
Anthracyclines
Anthracyclines refer to an anti-tumor antibiotic medication that specifically affects the enzymes (proteins) used in DNA production, according to the American Cancer Society. Anthracyclines are used to treat all sorts of cancers. Unfortunately, high doses of these medications can lead to heart damage.
Daunorubicin is an example of an anthracycline oncology drug. Drugs.com says that daunorubicin specifically treats leukemia. Its typical effects include hair loss and red colored urine one to two days after taking a dose of it. Daunorubicin's serious side effects include black or bloody stools, fever, chills, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and mouth, throat or intestinal inflammation. Tell your doctor when any of this symptoms develop.
Daunorubicin is given as an intravenous (through the vein) infusion for as long as a physician prescribes.
