anthrazyklines

Anthracyclines are a class of chemotherapy drugs used to treat various types of cancer. They work by interfering with DNA replication and transcription, which are essential processes for cell growth and division. This disruption ultimately leads to cell death, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells. The development of anthracyclines began with the isolation of compounds from bacteria, primarily species of *Streptomyces*. Key drugs in this class include doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, and idarubicin.

These medications are administered intravenously. Their effectiveness has made them a cornerstone in the treatment of many hematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as solid tumors like breast cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. While potent in fighting cancer, anthracyclines can also cause significant side effects. These can include myelosuppression (reduced production of blood cells), nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes). A notable long-term side effect associated with some anthracyclines, particularly doxorubicin, is cardiotoxicity, which can lead to heart damage. Monitoring of cardiac function is often a part of treatment protocols involving these drugs. Research continues to explore ways to mitigate these toxicities and improve the efficacy of anthracycline-based therapies.