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What Technology Is Used in Chemotherapy?

The main technology used in chemotherapy relates to chemistry---specifically, the design and use of antineoplastic drugs designed to destroy cancerous cells and stop malignant cell growth.

  1. Types

    • An intravenous drug delivery site

      Chemists at pharmaceutical firms design chemotherapeutic agents. Once a specific combination is thought to be useful as a cancer drug, it undergoes extensive clinical trials. Government regulatory agencies monitor each phase of development to insure drug efficacy and safety, according to Chemocare.com.

    Delivery

    • More than 100 chemotherapeutic drugs are in use today, reports the American Cancer Society. They are rarely administered orally---intravenous (IV) delivery or injections to a specific site are more common.

    Types

    • Chemocare.com lists these categories of chemotherapeutic drugs: alkylating agents, anti-tumor agents, topoisomerase inhibitors, antimetabolites and plant alkaloids. Each is designed to interfere with cancer cell division or DNA synthesis to curb or stop malignant cell growth.

    Administration

    • Evolving technology has improved administration of chemo drugs, such as syringes that use a locking device to secure the needle.

    Potential

    • Stem cell harvesting, isolated infusion and the use of nanoparticles are new technologies that focus on specific tumor sites to halt cancer cell development.

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