A REVIEW ON ANTI CANCER DRUG

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest

developments in anti-cancer drugs, with a focus on targeted therapies.
The paper discusses the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and
potential side effects of various drugs designed to combat cancer. Notable
advancements in precision medicine, immunotherapy, and combination
therapies are explored, highlighting the promising results in preclinical
and clinical studies.
Additionally, the challenges and future prospects of anti-cancer drug
development are discussed, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to enhance
treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.
In the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, this abstract delves into
the intricate realm of anti-cancer drugs, with an emphasis on novel
therapeutic modalities. From traditional chemotherapy to cutting-edge
targeted therapies and immunotherapies, the review explores diverse
strategies employed to combat malignancies.
The molecular mechanisms underlying these drugs, including their
interactions with specific cellular pathways, are elucidated to provide a
comprehensive understanding of their modes of action. Furthermore, the
abstract addresses the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity and
resistance mechanisms, offering insights into ongoing research endeavors
aimed at overcoming these obstacles.
Keywords:

• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Molecular mechanisms
• Drug resistance

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INDRODUCTION

Anti-cancer drugs are medications designed to target and inhibit

the growth of cancer cells. They work through various
mechanisms, such as disrupting cell division or promoting cell
death.
These drugs play a crucial role in cancer treatment, often used in
combination with other therapies like surgery or radiation to
improve outcomes and enhance the chances of remission.

Anti-cancer drugs can be classified into different categories,

including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and
hormone therapy. Chemotherapy involves using drugs that kill
rapidly dividing cells, targeting both cancer and some healthy
cells. Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in
cancer growth, while immunotherapy enhances the body’s
immune system to fight cancer.

Hormone therapy is effective against hormone-sensitive cancers

by blocking or interfering with hormone receptors. The selection
of these drugs depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and
individual patient factors.

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Discovery

Anti-cancer drug discovery involves identifying compounds that selectively

target cancer cells, often by exploiting specific vulnerabilities in their
growth or survival mechanisms. Researchers use various approaches,
including high-throughput screening, molecular modeling, and
understanding the underlying biology of cancer cells.

Collaboration between biologists, chemists, and computational scientists is

crucial in the search for novel and effective anti-cancer agents.

Scientists explore diverse strategies for anti-cancer drug discovery, such as

targeting specific proteins involved in cancer cell proliferation or inhibiting
angiogenesis. Advances in genomics help identify genetic mutations driving
cancer, guiding the development of targeted therapies.

Immunotherapy, harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer, has

gained prominence. Additionally, repurposing existing drugs and exploring
natural compounds contribute to the multifaceted effort to discover new
and more effective treatments for various types of cancer

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Classifaction of anti cancer drug

Anti-cancer drugs can be classified based on their

mechanisms of action, such as:

1.: Targets rapidly dividing cells, affecting both cancerous

and normal cells.

2.Targeted Therapy: Targets specific molecules involved in

cancer growth, minimizing damage to normal
cells.

3. Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to

recognize and destroy cancer cells.

4. Hormone Therapy: Interferes with hormone-related

pathways to inhibit cancer growth.

5. Radiation Therapy: Uses high doses of radiation to kill

or damage cancer cells.

Each type has various subcategories and specific drugs

tailored to different cancer types and stages

• Cell cycle-specific (CCS) drugs; acts on proliferating cells,

are most effective in hematologic malignancies and in
solid tumors in which a relatively large proportion of the
cells are proliferating• Cell cycle-nonspecific (CCNS) drugs;
can kill both G, and cycling cells (although cycling cells are
more sensitive.

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1. Cytotoxic Agents: • These drugs kill

rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Examples
include alkylating agents and antimetabolites.

2. Targeted Therapies: • Designed

to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer
growth. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors
and monoclonal antibodies

3. Hormonal Therapies: •
Particularly for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast
or prostate cancer, these drugs block hormones that
fuel cancer growth.

4. Immunotherapies: • Enhance the body’s

immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Examples include immune checkpoint inhibitors and
CAR-T cell therapy.
5. . Angiogenesis Inhibitors: •
Target the formation of new blood vessels
that tumors need for growth and metastasis.

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Differences between Normal Cells and Cancer Cells

Normal cells
Normal cells divide only when they receive a set of appropriate
signals whereas cancer cells divide themselves despite the
absence of those signals, and they are resistant to the signals
telling them to self-destruct, known as apoptosis or programmed
cell death.
Normal cells stop dividing when touching other cells. They usually
do not migrate to other areas. Cancer cells, on the contrary, invade
into surrounding tissues and spread to other organs.

Cancer cells
Cancer cells can evade our immune system elements which
normally eliminate abnormal or invading cells. They can co-opt our
immune system to help them proliferate. For instance, cancer cells
can disguise as normal cells via antigen expression on the cell
membrane.
Cancer cell genes can be amplified, deleted, or altered. Their
chromosomes can be reshuffled.

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Anti cancer drug treatments

Anti-cancer drug treatments vary widely depending on
the type and stage of cancer. Common approaches
include chemotherapy, targeted therapy,
immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.
Consultation with an oncologist is crucial for
personalized treatment plans.

Chemotherapy involves drugs that kill rapidly dividing

cancer cells, while targeted therapy focuses on specific
molecules involved in cancer growth. Immunotherapy
boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer, and
hormone therapy is used for hormone-driven cancers.

Treatment decisions consider factors like tumor

characteristics, overall health, and potential side effects.
It’s essential to discuss options, risks, and benefits with a
medical professional.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy or
damage cancer cells. Surgery may be employed to
remove tumors or affected tissue. Combination therapies
are common, aiming to enhance effectiveness. Ongoing
research explores innovative treatments, including gene
therapies and personalized medicine tailored to an
individual’s genetic profile. Clinical trials provide access
to cutting-edge therapies, and supportive care helps
manage side effects and improve quality of life during
treatment. Regular follow-ups are crucial for monitoring
progress and addressing any new developments.

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Top-selling cancer drugs

• Imbruvica
• Darzalex.
• Opdivo.
• Tagrisso.
• Ibrance.
• Perjeta.
• Tecentriq.
• Pomalyst/Imnovid.

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Symptoms

The side effects of anti-cancer drugs can vary depending

on the specific drug and the individual’s response.
Common side effects may include:

1. Nausea and Vomiting: Some anti-cancer drugs can cause

nausea and vomiting.
2. Fatigue: Many individuals experience fatigue
during cancer treatment.
3. Hair Loss: Certain drugs may lead to hair thinning
or loss.
4. Bone Marrow Suppression: Reduced production
of blood cells, leading to anemia, increased
infection risk, and bleeding.
5. Changes in Appetite: Appetite loss or changes in
taste may occur.
6. Skin Changes: Skin may become more sensitive
or develop rashes.
7. Neuropathy: Nerve damage may cause tingling,
numbness, or pain in the
extremities.
8. Mood Changes: Some individuals may experience
changes in mood or cognitive function.

It’s important to note that not

everyone will experience the same side effects,
and medical professionals closely monitor and
manage these symptoms during cancer
treatment. If you or someone you know is undergoing
anti-cancer
treatment, it’s crucial to communicate any side
effects to the healthcare team for appropriate
support and adjustments to the treatment
plan.
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Types of Drugs Used in Cancer Treatment

Oncology drugs are therapeutics used to treat cancer, a

group of diseases caused by uncontrolled growth and
division of abnormal cells. Oncology drugs include a
range of different types of medications, such as
chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies,
immunotherapies, and hormone therapies. There are
also different types of drugs available to help treat the
side effects from oncology drugs.

Chemotherapy
drugs are chemical agents that work by destroying fast-
growing cells in the body. Cancer cells grow and divide
more rapidly than other cells. The goal of chemotherapy
is to lower the total number of cancer cells in your body
and reduce the chances that the cancer will spread to
other parts of the body (metastasize)

Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that rely on
hormones to grow. This may include certain types of
breast cancer and prostate cancer. Breast cancers may be
fed by estrogen or progesterone, while prostate cancers
often depend on the hormone androgen.

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Some examples of hormone therapies include

leuprolide (Lupron)
anastrozole (Arimidex)
letrozole (Femara)
tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
fulvestrant (Faslodex

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of targeted therapy that uses the
body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. Cancer cells
sometimes have strategic ways of hiding from your immune
system, but immunotherapies work by blocking these
mechanisms.

Immunotherapies are approved to treat a variety of cancers

Examples include
nivolumab (Opdivo)
pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
atezolizumab (Tecentriq)
ipilimumab (Yervoy)

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Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies are part of a new approach known as

personalized medicine or precision medicine. Targeted
therapies are able to seek out and kill cancerous cells
without harming the normal cells in your body. These
drugs work by blocking the molecular pathways that are
critical to tumor growth

Examples of targeted oncology drugs

include:bevacizumab (Avastin)
alectinib (Alecensa)
ibrutinib (Imbruvica)
imatinib (Gleevec)
palbociclib (Ibrance)

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Drugs to treat the side effects of oncology

treatment

To counter the side effects of oncology drugs, your oncologist

may prescribe additional medications. Examples include:drugs to
treat low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) and prevent
infections, such as pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) or filgrastim
(Neupogen)anti-nausea medicationspain medications

Benefits and risks of oncology drugs

Oncology drugs have many benefits. Depending on your
individual cancer, these drugs may
• prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body
• slow cancer growth
• shrink a tumor so it’s easier to surgically remove
• reduce the size of tumors if they are putting pressure on
something in the body, such as the spine
• destroy cancer cells that remain after surgery or radiation
• improve outcomes from other treatments
• cure cancer

On the other hand, oncology drugs often have side effects and
risks. Chemotherapy, for example, can attack some of the normal
cells in your body — especially blood cells, skin, hair, and the cells
lining the intestine and mouth. This can cause serious side effects
that can negatively impact your quality of life

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x
Common side effects of chemotherapy

• hair loss
• nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• mouth sores
• loss of appetite
• low white blood cells, which may make it
harder to fight off infection
• Sfatigue
• Dizziness

Targeted therapies and immunotherapies often have fewer side

effects compared to chemotherapy since they only attack cancer
cells while sparing healthy cells from harm, but they can still
cause side effects. These may include:

• Fatigue
• Cough
• gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea,
constipation, nausea, or loss of appetite
• rash
• reaction to the infusion
• flu-like symptoms

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Hormone therapies can block your body’s ability to

make hormones, and can interfere with how
hormones act in your body. Some common side
effects of hormone therapies include:

• hot flashes
• Fatigue
• tender breasts
• loss of interest in sex
• mood changes
• Nausea
• diarrhea

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Anti cancer drug causes

Anti-cancer drugs can cause various side effects, including

nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in blood cell
counts. It’s essential for patients to discuss potential side
effects with their healthcare providers to manage them
effectively during treatment.

In addition to common side effects, some anti-cancer

drugs may lead to specific issues like immunosuppression,
neuropathy, or gastrointestinal problems.

Individual responses to these medications can vary, and

close monitoring by healthcare professionals is crucial to
address any emerging concerns.

Serious side effects of anti-cancer drugs can include organ

damage, allergic reactions, or an increased risk of
infections. Patients should promptly report any unusual
symptoms to their healthcare team to ensure timely
intervention and adjustment of treatment if needed.

Regular follow-ups and open communication are vital for

managing the complexities of cancer therapy.

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Stage of cancer

Staging is a way of describing the size of a cancer and how

far it has grown. When doctors first diagnose a cancer,
they carry out tests to:

check how big the cancer iswhether it has spread into

surrounding tissues whether it has spread to other parts
of the body

Here is a brief summary of what the stages mean for most

types of cancer:

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Usually means that a cancer is small and contained

within the organ it started in

usually means that the tumour is larger than in

stage 1 but the cancer hasn't started to spread into
the surrounding tissues. Sometimes stage 2 means
that cancer cells have spread into lymph nodes
close to the tumour. This depends on the particular
type of cancer

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Conclusion

In conclusion, advancements in anti-cancer drug

development hold promising potential for
improving treatment outcomes and enhancing
patients’ quality of life. Ongoing research and
innovation in this field are crucial for addressing
the complexity of cancer and providing more
effective therapeutic options.

Additionally, personalized medicine approaches,

targeted therapies, and immunotherapies are
shaping the future of anti-cancer drug discovery.
Collaborative efforts between researchers,
pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare
professionals play a vital role in translating
scientific breakthroughs into practical and life-
saving treatments for cancer patients.

Continued investment in research and

development remains essential for furthering our
understanding and capabilities in the fight against
cancer.

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