Chemotherapy Drugs in Oncology

Adjusting medication dosage based on factors like blood cell count, kidney or liver function, and previous reactions.

Side effects involving the blood, including low white blood cell count, neutrophils, or platelets.

Dosage adjusted depending on how well the kidneys are filtering waste.

Dosage adjusted based on how well the liver is working, using bilirubin and other liver function tests.

Complications of immunotherapy that affect various organs and systems, including skin irritation, gut inflammation, liver problems, hormonal issues, lung inflammation, kidney inflammation, neurological issues, and others.

A steep dose response relationship indicates that a small change in drug dose can result in a significant difference in its effect.

A narrow therapeutic index means that the difference between the effective dose and the toxic dose is small. A slightly higher dose could lead to serious side effects.

Body surface area (BSA) is a measurement used to calculate drug dosage based on the patient's size. It's calculated using height and weight.

Dosage based on the area under the curve (AUC) is used for drugs that are eliminated through the kidneys.

Targeted therapies have a fixed dose, regardless of the patient's weight or BSA, or a fixed dose based on their weight.

Drugs that resemble normal substances within cells, interfering with their function during specific phases of the cell cycle. They are cell-cycle specific, targeting cells at specific stages of growth and division.

These drugs block the synthesis of purine bases, which are essential building blocks for DNA and RNA.

These drugs interfere with the synthesis of pyrimidine bases, which are also essential for DNA and RNA production.

Drugs that prevent the conversion of folate into its active form, disrupting DNA synthesis and cell division.

These drugs target and inhibit enzymes essential for purine metabolism, disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis. They work by blocking the breakdown of adenosine, which is a building block for DNA, RNA, and ATP.

They target enzymes involved in the production of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. This leads to a disruption in DNA and RNA synthesis, hindering cell growth and division.

A type of targeted therapy that focuses on specific aspects of cancer cells, such as their genes, proteins, or the environment they thrive in.

By interfering with the growth and survival factors specific to cancer cells, targeted therapy aims to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer, while minimizing harm to healthy cells.

Chemicals used to treat cancer by killing rapidly dividing cells. They work by targeting different stages of the cell cycle (growth and division).

A group of chemotherapy drugs that damage DNA by adding alkyl groups, preventing cell division.

A class of alkylating agents that are effective against various cancers, including leukemia, lymphomas, and solid tumors.

Another important class of alkylating agents, known for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making them effective against brain tumors.

A family of chemotherapy drugs derived from plants like periwinkle and yew trees. They target the cell cycle specifically, disrupting cell division at different stages.

Plant-derived drugs that interfere with microtubule formation, essential for cell division, leading to cell death.

Another class of plant derivatives that target the cell cycle, specifically inhibiting topoisomerase enzymes, which are key for DNA replication.

Chemotherapy drugs that are natural products derived from various species of the soil fungus Streptomyces. They interfere with cell division at multiple stages.

A type of antitumor antibiotic that works by inhibiting the formation of DNA and RNA, ultimately leading to cell death.

A diverse group of chemotherapy drugs that work by interfering with various aspects of cell function, including DNA synthesis, cell division, and DNA repair.

These drugs target specific molecules within cells to inhibit tumor growth and survival.

Antibodies that bind to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, blocking their growth or signaling pathways.

A type of targeted therapy that blocks the activity of tyrosine kinases, enzymes involved in cell growth and survival.

These drugs induce programmed cell death in cancer cells.

Drugs that inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread.

Drugs that block the mTOR pathway, a key signaling pathway involved in cell growth and proliferation.

A type of therapy that aims to modify the hormonal environment of a tumor, often by reducing or blocking the effects of specific hormones.

Common side effects of cytotoxic drugs such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and low blood cell counts.

Drugs that block the production of specific hormones that fuel tumor growth.

Drugs that bind to and block hormone receptors, preventing hormones from activating pathways that promote tumor growth.