Anticancer Drugs | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

Anticancer Drugs

Anticancer drugs are medicines used to treat various kinds of cancer. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells that interfere with the growth of healthy cells. The approach to treating cancer depends on where in the body it occurs, the type of cells making up the cancer, and how advanced the cancer is. The usual treatments are surgery, chemotherapy (treatment with anticancer drugs), radiation, or some combination of these methods.

Anticancer drugs interfere with the growth of tumor cells, eventually causing their death. However because these drugs are so powerful, they may also affect the growth of normal body cells, causing many side effects, some of which may be serious. Anticancer drugs come in different forms, depending on the type of drug. Some are given only as injections; others are taken by mouth in tablet or liquid form.

The recommended dosage depends on many factors, such as body weight or kidney function, and is different for different patients. Patients who take anticancer drugs at home should follow their physician's orders or the directions on the label. Always take anticancer drugs exactly as directed. Never take smaller or larger, more frequent or less frequent doses. Take the drug for as long as it has been prescribed--no more and no less. Some drugs need to be taken at a specific time of day to be most effective and to reduce the chance of side effects. Be sure to follow these directions carefully.

Anticancer drugs are sometimes given together with other medicines.When using a combination of medicines, be sure to take each at the correct time. Do not mix the drugs together. Anyone who has trouble remembering when to take each drug should ask his or her health care team for tips on ways to keep track.

Anticancer drugs may cause a variety of side effects, some very serious; others not as serious, but still troubling. In addition, some unwanted effects may not appear until months or years after the drugs were used. It is important to understand what side effects are possible and to weigh the advantages of using this medicine with the risks of side effects. Health care professionals can help patients sort out the relative risks and benefits. It is also very important to see the physician as often as directed so that he or she can make sure the medicine is working and check for unwanted effects that may not be obvious to the patient.

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of anticancer drugs. However, other drugs may be given along with them to reduce these often incapacitating side effects. Unless a physician has said to stop taking the medicine, patients should always keep taking their anticancer drugs, even if they feel ill. A patient who vomits just after taking a dose of an anticancer drug should check with the health care professional in charge to find out whether to take another dose immediately or to wait until the next scheduled dose. Some anticancer drugs cause loss of hair, which may include eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. This is a temporary effect. The hair should grow back normally after the treatment ends, but the color or texture of the new hair may be slightly different.

Anticancer drugs may interact with a number of other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may be greater. Anyone who takes anticancer drugs should let the physician know all other prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines he or she is taking. The physician should also be told if the patient has been treated with radiation or has taken other anticancer drugs.

Many anticancer drugs cause sterility, which may be permanent. Anyone taking anticancer drugs (or who has recently taken the drugs) should not have any vaccinations (immunizations)without the approval of the physician who is overseeing the cancer treatment. These patients must also avoid contact with anyone who has recently taken oral polio vaccine, as there is a chance the polio virus could be passed on. No one in the patient's household should take oral polio vaccine. All these precautions are necessary because anticancer drugs may lower the body's resistance to infection.