Antimetabolites .

This group of anti-cancer agents predominantly interfere most with synthesis and
metabolism of DNA and, to some extent, RNA. They include methotrexate, 5FU (5-fl uorouracil),
cytarabine, gemcitabine and 6MP (6 mercaptopurine).
DNA damaging agents . These include alkylating agents like cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide and
melphalan; antibiotics like adriamycin, actinomycin D and bleomycin; nitrosoureas (such as BCNU
and CCNU) and platinum derivatives like cisplatin and carboplatin.
Mitosis inhibitors . This group includes vinca alkaloids (like vincristine and vinblastine) and taxanes
(Taxol).
Cancer cell enzyme inactivators . This is a new class of anti-cancer agent recently discovered and
undergoing much research. The fi rst, code-named STI 571 (trade name Gleevec or Glivec), is the
enzyme tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. Tyrosinekinase is an essential for cancer cell reproduction. STI 571
was fi rst found to counteract the Philadelphia chromosome of chronic myeloid leukaemia and, in
treating this leukaemia, results have been very encouraging. STI 571 is now being used in trials of
treating other cancers, particularly with certain gastrointestinal stromal cancers and renal cancers,
with encouraging results. There may be a place for similar management of some breast cancers and
prostate cancers.

Unfortunately all effective anti-cancer drugs presently available have side effects that affect some
people more than others. Some become manifest early as acute toxic side effects. Some are long-
term or late side effects and may not be apparent for months or even years. Until all adverse side
effects of such agents are well understood experienced specialists should oversee their clinical use.
In treating some cancers that appear to remain localised to the site of origin but which are so
advanced locally that they are unlikely to be cured by surgery or radiotherapy alone, induction
chemotherapy given fi rst can reduce the size and extent of the cancer. This may make it possible to
totally remove the reduced tumour either by surgery or using with radiotherapy or using a
combination of both.

isothiocyanates, the products of glucosinolate hydrolysis. Isothiocyanates are well-known protectors
against carcinogenesis and modulators of the activities of enzymes involved in the metabolism of
carcinogens, especially by the induction of phase 2 detoxication enzymes.
Epidemiologic evidence relating cancer risk reduction to the consumption of specific types of fruits
and vegetables and to crucifers in particular has been available for .20 y. In 1978, Graham and
colleagues (16) concluded: a dose-response relationship was also encountered in analyses of each
of the following for cancer of the colon: sauerkraut, coleslaw, Brussels sprouts, broccoli.

That's because the compound works to inhibit enzymes, called HDACs, which are known to work
against the ability of certain genes to suppress the development of tumors.
But now, the new study in the journal Clinical Epigenetics shows that suforaphane also works in
another way to fight cancer, through a mechanism called DNA methylation
DNA methylation, Ho said, is a normal process of turning off genes, and it helps control what DNA
material gets read as part of genetic communication within cells. In cancer that process gets mixed
up

The fiber-related components in broccoli do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your
digestive tract when they've been steamed. When this binding process takes place, it's easier for bile
acids to be excreted, and the result is a lowering of your cholesterol levels. Raw broccoli still has
cholesterol-lowering abilit

At a minimum, include cruciferous vegetables as part of your diet 2-3 times per week, and make the
serving size at least 1-1/2 cups.

No matter what treatment is used in cancer management it is important that all patients should
undergo regular medical follow-up examinations.
For some patients alternative or unorthodox therapy can be comforting and
supportive even though specifi c cancer healing properties are either non-existent,
not known or not understood. Provided such therapy is helping or comforting for
the patient, is not harmful either physically or fi nancially, and does not confl ict
with necessary treatment, it should not be dismissed for this patient by the cancer
treatment team.
For some patients alternative or un-orthodox therapy can be comforting and supportive even
though specifi c cancer healing properties are either non-existent, not known or not understood