Solunsalpaaja

Solunsalpaaja, or cytostatic agent, is a term used primarily in Finnish to describe drugs that inhibit cell division. In oncology they are used to slow or stop the proliferation of malignant cells, and they may also affect normal rapidly dividing cells. Most solunsalpaajat interfere with essential processes for cell growth, such as DNA replication, DNA repair, or mitosis, leading to reduced tumor burden and, in some cases, tumor cell death.

Categories of solunsalpaaja include alkylating agents that damage DNA, antimetabolites that mimic natural metabolites and block nucleotide synthesis, and mitotic inhibitors derived from natural products that disrupt microtubule function. Additional agents include antibiotics with anticancer activity that intercalate into DNA or generate reactive species and topoisomerase inhibitors that hinder DNA topology. Hormonal therapies are used in certain hormone-sensitive cancers, where cell proliferation is reduced by altering hormonal signaling. Some drugs are cell-cycle specific, while others act broadly.

Clinical use involves systemic treatment, often in cycles, to maximize tumor kill while allowing normal tissues to recover. Solunsalpaajat are employed in curative-intent regimens, neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy, and palliative settings, and are commonly combined with surgery or radiotherapy.

Side effects reflect damage to normal proliferating tissues and commonly include bone marrow suppression, fatigue, nausea, mucositis, hair loss, and increased infection risk. Long-term risks depend on the agent and may include organ toxicity and, in some cases, secondary malignancies. Monitoring of blood counts, organ function, and overall patient status is essential during treatment.