There are several classes of chemotherapeutic agents, each with a distinct mechanism of action:
Alkylating agents: These drugs directly damage DNA and are used to treat a variety of cancers. Antimetabolites: These mimic the components of DNA or RNA, disrupting cell division. Plant alkaloids: These are derived from plants and interfere with microtubule function, essential for cell division. Topoisomerase inhibitors: These interfere with enzymes that help separate strands of DNA, thereby preventing cell division. Antitumor antibiotics: These bind directly to DNA and disrupt its function, leading to cell death.
