Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. It is one of the most common treatments for cancer and is used to treat many types of cancer, including breast, lung, ovarian, and lymphoma.
The seven main types of chemotherapy are: 1) Alkylating Agents; 2) Antimetabolites; 3) Anthracyclines; 4) Plant Alkaloids; 5) Topoisomerase Inhibitors; 6) Hormone Therapies; and 7) Monoclonal Antibodies.
1) Alkylating Agents: These chemotherapy drugs work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Examples of alkylating agents include cyclophosphamide, busulfan, and ifosfamide.
2) Antimetabolites: These drugs work by interfering with the DNA and RNA production of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Examples of antimetabolites include methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and cytarabine.
3) Anthracyclines: These drugs work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Examples of anthracyclines include doxorubicin, epirubicin, and idarubicin.
4) Plant Alkaloids: These drugs are derived from plants and work by disrupting the cell cycle of cancer cells. Examples of plant alkaloids include vinca alkaloids and taxanes.
5) Topoisomerase Inhibitors: These drugs work by interfering with the DNA and RNA production of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Examples of topoisomerase inhibitors include topotecan and irinotecan.
6) Hormone Therapies: These drugs work by targeting hormones that cancer cells need to grow. Examples of hormone therapies include aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen.
7) Monoclonal Antibodies: These drugs are developed from laboratory-made proteins and work by targeting specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells. They can be used to deliver other drugs directly to cancer cells or to block signals that help cancer cells grow. Examples of monoclonal antibodies include rituximab and trastuzumab.