Classification
The cytostatic drugs can be divided into different groups. The group membership depends on the type of efficacy. Some cytostatic drugs inhibit the metabolism of the cells and thus lead to the death of these cells, while other cytostatic drugs lead to the incorporation of errors into the genetic material (the DNA) of the tumor cells so that the proliferation of the cells is inhibited.
Alkylantigens damage the genetic material of cancer cells and thus prevent cell division. Antimetabolites are similar in structure to the cell’s own metabolic building blocks and are incorporated into the genetic material instead of them. In this way, they block the metabolism of cancer cells.
Mitosis inhibitors prevent correct cell division. Topoisomerase inhibitors inhibit the duplication of the genetic material so that the cancer cells can no longer multiply. Kinase inhibitors block certain parts of the cancer cells that play an important role in its proliferation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors and intercalcants prevent the proliferation of the genetic material by blocking reading. Taxanes prevent cell divisionThese are special antibiotics that specifically kill cancer cells by blocking important processes of cell proliferationBiological cytostatic drugs support the body’s own defense system and help to kill the cancer cells
Side effects
Since the effect of cytostatic drugs is mainly targeted at rapidly dividing cells, it is mainly the cancer cells that are destroyed. However, there are also some cell types in the human body which divide quickly and can also be affected by the effect of the cytostatic drugs. These include above all mucous membranes (especially of the gastrointestinal tract), hair roots and the bone marrow.
Therefore, in almost all cases, patients suffer from gastrointestinal complaints, hair loss and a disturbance of blood formation in the bone marrow and the resulting anemia. These complaints occur to varying degrees from patient to patient. In addition, nausea and vomiting are frequent side effects. Organs can also be affected by the side effects, so that it is necessary to carry out a thorough examination of the organs in advance of the therapy.Venous irritation and inflammation can occur due to the frequent cytostatic drug infusions. Not to be underestimated are the psychological side effects caused by the changes in the body and by the fear of the disease.
