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Chemotherapy Types

The different types of chemotherapy drugs are often divided into specific categories based on how they work or how they interact with other drugs. When considering chemotherapy, it is important to speak with your physician regarding the different chemotherapy types.

  1. Mitotic Inhibitors

    • Mitotic inhibitors are derived from plant alkaloids and other natural products. This type of chemotherapy works by stopping mitosis and hindering cell reproduction. They can be used to treat a wide range of cancers.

    Antitumor Antibiotics

    • Antitumor Antibiotics, such as anthracyclines, are antibiotics intended to attack tumors. This type of chemotherapy affects the enzymes involved with the process of DNA replication. Unfortunately, the American Cancer Society warns that high doses of anthracyclines can permanently damage the heart.

    Alkylating Agents

    • Alkylating agents damage the DNA of cancer cells directly, which prevents cancer cells from reproducing. They are effective during all phases of the cell cycle. Aklylating agents can be used to treat many different types of cancer, including Hodgkin disease, multiple myeloma, acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, lung cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

    Antimetabolites

    • Antimetabolites are used to treat various types of leukemia, as well as tumors found in the breast, ovary and intestinal tract. They work by damaging cancer cells during the S phase, not allowing them to live or grow.

    Corticosteroids

    • Although corticosteroids are often used to prevent vomiting or allergic reactions related to chemotherapy, the American Cancer Society also mentions that they can sometimes be used to directly kill cancer cells or slow the growth of cancer cells. This type of chemotherapy is composed of natural hormomes and hormone-like drugs.

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