Anticancerläkemedel

Anticancerläkemedel, also known as chemotherapy drugs or cytotoxic drugs, are medications used to treat cancer. Their primary mechanism of action involves killing or slowing the growth of rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. However, these drugs can also affect healthy, rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as those in hair follicles, bone marrow, and the digestive tract, leading to common side effects.

There are several main categories of anticancerläkemedel. Alkylating agents, for example, directly damage DNA, preventing cancer cells from replicating. Antimetabolites interfere with the metabolic processes essential for cell growth and division. Cytotoxic antibiotics, such as anthracyclines, inhibit DNA synthesis and repair. Plant alkaloids, derived from plants, disrupt cell division by interfering with microtubules. Targeted therapies represent a newer class of drugs that specifically attack cancer cells by interfering with molecules involved in cancer growth and survival, often with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Immunotherapies harness the patient's own immune system to fight cancer.

The choice of anticancerläkemedel depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. They can be administered intravenously, orally, or sometimes directly into a specific area of the body. Treatment regimens often involve combinations of different drugs to enhance effectiveness and overcome resistance. While a cornerstone of cancer treatment, anticancerläkemedel are continually being refined to improve efficacy and minimize toxicity.