Drugs of choice for cancer chemotherapy
Article Abstract:
The drugs used to treat cancer in the United States and Canada are tabulated. Table I consists of three parts, listing the drugs of choice for diseases in which chemotherapy has: (1) major, (2) moderate, and (3) minor activity. The cancers in which chemotherapy has major activity include cancers of the blood, breast, lymphoid system, lungs, testicles, and connective tissue. Diseases in which anticancer agents have moderate activity include cancers of the blood, connective tissue, and the endocrine, nervous, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and lymphoid systems. Chemotherapy has only minor activity in cancers of the liver, lung (non-small cell), pancreas, and kidney, and in melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Table II lists some commercially available anticancer drugs and hormones and the acute and delayed toxic effects. The most common delayed adverse effects of commercially available anticancer agents include bone marrow depression; inflammation and formation of fiber-like tissue in the lungs; an abnormal decrease in white blood cells and blood platelets, cells involved in blood clotting; inflammation and ulcer formation in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract; kidney damage; toxic effects on the heart; and peripheral nerve disease. Table III lists some investigational, or experimental, drugs which can be obtained from the National Cancer Institute or from the manufacturer. Some acute toxic effects of these investigational drugs include fever, fluid retention, abnormally low blood pressure, and impaired respiration. Several delayed toxic effects of these investigational agents include bone marrow depression, striated muscle disease, adverse effects on the kidneys, depression of central nervous system function, and abnormal decreases in white blood cells and blood platelets. The brand names of anticancer drugs are also listed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1991
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Drugs of choice for cancer chemotherapy
Article Abstract:
Three tables listing drugs used in cancer chemotherapy are presented. Table 1 lists the drugs of choice and some alternatives for over 40 different types of cancer. Table 2 lists anticancer drugs that are available in the US and the adverse effects associated with their use. Table 3 lists some drugs which are currently under clinical investigation and the adverse effects associated with their use.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Drugs of choice for cancer chemotherapy
Article Abstract:
The drugs most commonly used to treat most types of cancer are listed, along with an extensive list of side effects, and a partial list of brand names. Many chemotherapy drugs can be used in conjunction with surgery and radiation treatment.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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