Anti-Cancer/Biologic Response

Cause cross-linking of DNA strands, abnormal base pairing, or DNA strand breaks--all preventing cancer cells from dividing.

Example:  Cytoxan (from mustard gas)

Resemble natural metabolites which synthesize, recycle, adn breakdown organic compounds for use by the body, but these actually disrupt metabolic processes and can inhibit enzyme synthesis.  Classified as CCS--exert effects in S phase.

Folic acid interference.

Ex:  Fluorouracil

• Inhibit protein and RNA synthesis adn bind DNA, causing fragmentation.
• CCNS drugs.
• Can cause vesication (blistering of tissue)
• Ex:  Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

Severe cardiotoxic side effect.

• Plant alkaloids adn other compounds derived from natural products that are CCS and block cell division at the M phase of the cell cycle.  
• Ex:  Vincristine (Oncovin)
• Can cause "stocking/glove" syndrome--tingling of fingers and toes (sign of neurotoxicity)

anticancer drugs packaged inside synthetic fat globules--helps drug remain in system longer, decreases side effects, adn increases duration of therapeutic effects.

• Not true chemotherapy.
• Corticosteroids: antiinflammatory agents; suppress inflammatory process that occurs as a result of tumor growth; slows growth of tumor.
• Sex Hormones:  estrogen/androgen--slow growth of hormone-dependent tumors (prostrate/ breast).
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogues
• Antiandrogens
• Aromatase inhibitors

• Topoisomerase I and II
• Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
• Proteasome Inhibitors
• Multikinase Inhibitors (MKIs)
• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Monoclonal Antibodies

Pharmacologic agents used to enhance the body's immune system.