The primary goal of anti-cancer agents is to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells while causing minimal damage to normal cells. Each type of agent works through a unique mechanism:
- DNA Damage: Alkylating agents cause DNA damage that leads to cell death. - Cell Cycle Arrest: Antimetabolites can cause cells to halt in the cell cycle, preventing division. - Microtubule Inhibition: Natural products like paclitaxel inhibit microtubule function, essential for cell division. - Enzyme Inhibition: Topoisomerase inhibitors prevent DNA transcription and replication. - Hormone Blockade: Hormonal agents block hormones that promote cancer growth. - Molecular Targets: Targeted therapy drugs bind to specific proteins or genes involved in cancer progression. - Immune Activation: Immunotherapy drugs activate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
