Chemotherapeutic agent
Chemotherapeutic Agent
A Chemotherapeutic Agent (pronunciation: kee-moh-thair-uh-pyoo-tik ey-jent) is a type of drug used in chemotherapy to treat various forms of cancer. These agents work by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cells, a common characteristic of cancer cells.
Etymology
The term "Chemotherapeutic Agent" is derived from the Greek words chemia meaning "chemistry" and therapeia meaning "treatment". The term "agent" is derived from the Latin word agens meaning "doing".
Types of Chemotherapeutic Agents
Chemotherapeutic agents can be classified into several categories based on their mechanism of action, chemical structure, and relationship to natural products. Some of the main types include:
- Alkylating Agents: These agents work by damaging the DNA of cells, which prevents them from reproducing. Examples include Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide, and Melphalan.
- Antimetabolites: These agents mimic the normal substances within a cell and prevent the cells from carrying out their essential functions. Examples include Methotrexate, Fluorouracil, and Cytarabine.
- Plant Alkaloids: These agents block the ability of a cell to divide. Examples include Vincristine, Vinblastine, and Paclitaxel.
- Topoisomerase Inhibitors: These agents interfere with the enzymes topoisomerase I and II, which are needed for cell division. Examples include Irinotecan, Topotecan, and Etoposide.
- Antitumor Antibiotics: These agents interfere with the DNA inside cells, preventing them from multiplying. Examples include Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, and Mitomycin.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chemotherapeutic agent
- Wikipedia's article - Chemotherapeutic agent
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