Classifications of Chemotherapy

A number of chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer. Most of these drugs work by stopping or slowing the abnormal cell division that causes cancer. These drugs can be administered in pill form or injected. Drugs may be given alone or combined with other drugs. Side effects are possible will all chemotherapy drugs.

Alkylating Agents

• Alkylating agents, also known as DNA-damaging agents, include Cisplatin, Oxaliplatin, Carboplatin, Chlorambucil, Cyclophosphamide, Mechloethamine and Melphalan. These chemotherapy drugs alter DNA in order to halt abnormal cell division. Alkylating agents are the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs and have been in use the longest. They are most effective against slow-growing cancers.

Anti-Metabolites

• Anti-metabolites include methotrexate, fludarabine, capecitabine, gemcitabine, pemetrexed and cytarabine. This category of chemotherapy drug is very effective at stopping cell division by interfering with DNA and RNA growth during specific phases of cell division.

Plant Alkaloids and Terpenoids

• Examples of plant alkaloids and terpenoids include Vincristine,Vinorelbine,Vinblastine and Vindesine. Chemotherapy drugs in this category are derived from plants, including periwinkles and the Pacific yew tree. They alter the functioning of cells' microtubules, which prevents cell mitosis and inhibits abnormal cell division. Podophyllotoxins are plant alkaloids also used in chemotherapy. Podophyllotoxins are derived from the May apple plant.

Monoclonal Antibodies

• These chemotherapy drugs attach to tumors in order to cause a stronger immune system response. Monoclonal antibodies help the immune system recognize harmful cells and inhibit their growth. These drugs can also be used as a radiation delivery system, making radiation more effective. Rituximab, cetuximab and trastuzumab are monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are a relatively new way to treat cancer. These drugs are given intravenously.

Topoisomerase Inhibitors

• Irinotecan, topotecan, amasacrine, etoposide phosphate, teniposide and etoposide are all topoisomerase inhibitors. They promote the normal replication of DNA by interfering with topoisomerase enzymes, which cause cancer cells to multiply.

Antitumor Antibiotics

• Dactinomycin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, idarubicin, and mitoxantrone are all antitumor antibiotics. These drugs are made from the soil-based fungus Streptomyces. The compounds in these drugs become active during specific phases of the cell cycle. Side effects may be less severe when using these drugs, which are given intravenously.