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Onco Rx by Action
Cancer Drugs and their specific mechanisms of action
Category | Mechanism of Action |
---|---|
Alkylating Agents | Damages DNA |
Antimetabolites | Interferes with DNA synthesis by mimicking metabolites needed for cancer cell reproduction |
Antitumor antibiotics | Modifies DNA function and RNA transcription |
Plant alkaloids | Inhibits cellular replication during metaphase of mitosis |
Nitrosoureas | Blocks specific enzymes needed for replication |
Corticosteroids | Disrupts cell membrane, inhibits protein synthesis, depresses immune system |
Hormones- Cell Cycle Nonspecific | Stimulates cellular differentiation, decreases proliferation |
Hormones- Aromatase Inhibitors | Inhibits an enzyme needed for estrogen synthesis |
Hormones- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) | Estrogen antagonist |
Dexamethasone | Decrease inflammation and immune response (especially with Taxol) and increases appetite |
Emend | Blocks neurokinin, the substance in the brain causing nausea & vomiting. Lasts 1 week |
Chlorpromazine | Decreases shivering response to chemo (shivering uses energy) |
Ativan | Relaxation, decreases CINV |
Benadryl | Blocks histamine response to decrease allergic reaction; always given with Taxol |