What do you know about anticancer drugs?
The reality is that most people, except for those who have had cancer or whose relatives have had cancer, know almost nothing about it.
The only information that most people know is that anticancer drugs have side effects.
In this issue, we will take a closer look at such anti-cancer drugs!
What are anticancer agents?
Anticancer agents are classified as chemotherapy among the three major types of treatment in Japan: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
（Anticancer agents (also called anticancer agents, anticancer agents, or antineoplastics) are drugs that inhibit the growth and survival of cancer cells.
Anticancer agents play an essential role in cancer treatment by inhibiting the growth and survival of cancer cells. However, they also damage normal cells at the same time, which can cause a variety of side effects.
Types of Anticancer Agents
The main types of anticancer agents are summarized below.
Alkylating agents: bind to DNA and inhibit DNA synthesis.
Anti-tumor antibiotics: inhibit DNA synthesis and disrupt cell membrane function.
Plant-derived anti-cancer drugs: inhibit the cell cycle and induce cell death.
Hormone therapies: act on hormone receptors to inhibit hormone-dependent growth of cancer cells.
Molecularly targeted drugs: drugs that target molecules involved in the oncogenic transformation of specific cancer cells.
In recent years, new anticancer agents such as molecular-targeted agents and immunotherapeutic agents have been developed one after another, expanding the options for cancer treatment.
The Action of Anticancer Drugs
Anticancer agents exert their effects through the following three major actions
1.1 Inhibition of DNA synthesis
DNA serves as a blueprint for cells and stores information necessary for cell division.
Some anticancer agents inhibit cell division by blocking DNA synthesis.
Specifically, they interfere with DNA synthesis by inhibiting enzymes such as DNA polymerase or by blocking substances necessary for DNA synthesis.
1.2 Disruption of cell membrane function
The cell membrane plays a role in controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Some anticancer agents induce cell death by disrupting cell membrane function.
Specifically, they disrupt cell membrane function by attacking cell membrane components or increasing membrane permeability.
1.3 Intracellular Signaling System Inhibition
Intracellular signal transduction systems are responsible for transmitting information related to cell proliferation and survival.
Some anticancer agents inhibit the growth and survival of cancer cells by blocking the intracellular signal transduction system.
Specifically, they interfere with intracellular signaling by inhibiting receptors and signaling molecules or by blocking intracellular signaling pathways.
Effectiveness of Anticancer Drugs
The effectiveness of anticancer drugs depends on the type of tumor, the degree of progression, the treatment method, and the patient’s condition.
In general, the following effects are expected
Radical cure
In the case of early-stage or less advanced cancers, anticancer agents may be able to completely kill cancer cells.
Shrinking effect
Anticancer agents can shrink tumors. The shrinking of the tumor can lead to symptom relief and the possibility of curative surgery.
Symptom palliation effect
Anticancer agents can relieve symptoms such as pain and bleeding caused by cancer. Even if a radical cure is difficult to achieve, controlling symptoms with anticancer agents can improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients.
Effect on survival rate
Anticancer agents, when combined with surgery and radiotherapy, can contribute to improving survival rates.
In recent years, therapies combining anticancer agents with molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapy have been developed, which are expected to improve treatment outcomes. （Immunotherapy is also referred to as the fourth treatment modality.)
Side Effects of Anticancer Drugs
While anticancer drugs are effective treatments, they also have a number of side effects. However, side effects can be alleviated by appropriate measures.
The symptoms summarized below are common side effects of many anticancer agents.
Leukopenia
White blood cell depletion can lead to increased susceptibility to infections.
Anemia
When anemia occurs, symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath may occur.
Hair loss
Hair may fall out.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may occur.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea may occur.
Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers may form, causing pain and difficulty eating.
Fatigue
Malaise caused by anticancer drug treatment may interfere with daily life.
Anorexia
Anorexia caused by anticancer drug treatment may lead to malnutrition.
Fever
Fever caused by anticancer drug treatment may subside in a few days or last for a long time.
Taste disorder
Taste disorder due to anticancer drug treatment may be temporary or may persist after treatment.
Organ damage
These are side effects caused by anticancer drugs that damage specific organs.
Liver dysfunction
Symptoms of liver dysfunction include jaundice and fatigue
Renal dysfunction
Symptoms of kidney dysfunction include swelling and decreased urine output.
Cardiac dysfunction
Symptoms of cardiac dysfunction, such as shortness of breath and palpitations
Nerve damage
Symptoms of neuropathy, such as numbness and weakness of limbs
Other Side Effects
In addition to the above, a variety of other side effects may occur.
Skin disorders
Dermatitis, itching, rash, etc.
Reproductive dysfunction
Reproductive dysfunction such as decreased sperm count and erectile dysfunction in men, and decreased ovarian function and irregular menstruation in women
Thrombosis
Blood clots form and clog blood vessels
Allergic reactions
Rash, itching, breathing difficulties, etc.
Side Effects of Anticancer Drugs: A Detailed Explanation
Anticancer agents play an essential role in cancer treatment by inhibiting the growth and survival of cancer cells. However, they also damage normal cells at the same time, which may cause various side effects.
- types of side effects of anticancer agents
The side effects of anticancer agents can be broadly classified into the following three types.
1.1 Common side effects
These are side effects that commonly occur with many anticancer agents.
Leukopenia: When leukopenia occurs, the patient is more susceptible to infection.
Anemia: Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
Hair loss: Hair may fall out.
Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may occur.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea may occur.
Mouth ulcers: Mouth ulcers may form, causing pain and difficulty eating.
Fatigue: Fatigue caused by anticancer treatment may interfere with daily life.
Anorexia: Anorexia due to anticancer treatment may lead to malnutrition.
Fever: Fever caused by anticancer drug treatment may subside in a few days or last for a long time.
Taste disorder: Taste disorder due to anticancer treatment may be temporary or may persist after treatment.
1.2 Organ damage
These are side effects that cause damage to specific organs.
Liver dysfunction: Liver dysfunction can cause symptoms such as jaundice and fatigue.
Renal dysfunction: Symptoms of renal dysfunction include swelling and decreased urine output.
Cardiac dysfunction: Cardiac dysfunction can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and palpitations.
Neuropathy: Neuropathy can cause numbness and weakness in the limbs.
1.3 Other Side Effects
In addition to the above, various other side effects may occur.
Skin problems: dermatitis, itching, rashes, etc.
Reproductive dysfunction: decreased sperm count and erectile dysfunction in men, ovarian dysfunction and irregular menstruation in women
Thrombosis: blood clots form and clog blood vessels
Allergic reactions: rashes, itching, breathing difficulties, etc.
Degree of side effects of anticancer agents
The degree of side effects of anticancer drugs depends on the patient’s age, physical strength, general condition, type of anticancer drug used, dosage, and method of administration.
In general, side effects begin to appear within a few days to a few weeks after the start of administration and may continue for several weeks to several months after the end of administration.
Coping with the Side Effects of Anticancer Drugs
The side effects of anticancer drugs can be alleviated by appropriate measures.
Supportive therapy
Supportive therapies such as blood transfusions and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor are used to treat symptoms such as leukopenia and anemia.
Pharmacotherapy
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be treated with antiemetic and antidiarrheal medications.
Oral Care
Oral care is important in the treatment of mouth ulcers.
Nutritional management
Nutritional management is provided for anorexia and weight loss.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is used to treat psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Summary
The effects, types, and side effects of anticancer drugs are summarized in this issue.
However, although the effects of anticancer agents seem to be promising, in most cases, symptoms of side effects occur, and you should know how to deal with those side effects.
We hope that you and those around you will find this page useful when starting anticancer agents.
