What Are the Different Types of Chemotherapeutic Agents?
- Alkylating Agents: These drugs, including cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, are effective against a broad range of cancers. They work by adding an alkyl group to the DNA, which ultimately leads to cell death. - Antimetabolites: Drugs like methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil resemble natural substances within the cell, disrupting vital metabolic processes and halting cell growth. - Topoisomerase Inhibitors: Examples include irinotecan and etoposide, which inhibit topoisomerase enzymes that help unwind DNA for replication. - Mitotic Inhibitors: Drugs such as paclitaxel and vincristine interfere with the microtubules necessary for cell division. - Antitumor Antibiotics: These include doxorubicin and bleomycin, which intercalate into DNA, disrupting its function.