Pharmasaathi - Cancer Information

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can affect almost any part of the body and is caused by genetic changes that interfere with normal cell growth and division.

Common Types of Cancer

Breast Cancer: Most common cancer in women worldwide.
Lung Cancer: Leading cause of cancer deaths globally.
Colorectal Cancer: Third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women.
Prostate Cancer: Most common cancer in men (excluding skin cancer).
Skin Cancer: Including melanoma and non-melanoma types.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly.

Classifications of Chemotherapy Drugs

Alkylating Agents

Examples: Cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin

Applications: Various cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma

Side Effects: Nausea, hair loss, fatigue, increased risk of infection

Antimetabolites

Examples: 5-Fluorouracil, Methotrexate

Applications: Breast, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers

Side Effects: Mouth sores, diarrhea, skin rash

Antimicrotubule Agents

Examples: Paclitaxel, Vincristine

Applications: Breast, lung, and ovarian cancers

Side Effects: Peripheral neuropathy, constipation, muscle pain

Topoisomerase Inhibitors

Examples: Irinotecan, Etoposide

Applications: Lung, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers

Side Effects: Low blood cell counts, diarrhea, fatigue

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific genes and proteins involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.

Classes of Targeted Therapy

Monoclonal Antibodies

Examples: Trastuzumab, Rituximab

Applications: Breast cancer, lymphoma

Side Effects: Infusion reactions, heart problems, increased risk of infections

Small Molecule Inhibitors

Examples: Imatinib, Erlotinib

Applications: Chronic myeloid leukemia, lung cancer

Side Effects: Skin rash, diarrhea, liver problems

Immunotherapy

Examples: Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab

Applications: Melanoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer

Side Effects: Fatigue, skin reactions, autoimmune reactions

PARP Inhibitors

Examples: Olaparib, Niraparib

Applications: Ovarian cancer, breast cancer with BRCA mutations

Side Effects: Fatigue, nausea, anemia