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Anti-neoplastic agents or Anticancer
drugs are used to treat malignancies,
or cancerous growths. Antineoplastic
agents interferes with the growth
of cancer cells and slows their growth
and spread in the body. Antineoplastic
drug therapy may be used alone, or
in combination with other treatments
such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Antineoplastic agent is used to treat
many types of cancer. Cancer is commonly
defined as the uncontrolled growth
of cells. Cancers are malignant growths.
In contrast, benign growths remain
encapsulated and grow within a well-defined
area. Anti-neoplastic drugs can be
divided into two classes: cycle specific
and non-cycle specific. Cycle specific
drugs act only at specific points
of the cell's duplication cycle, such
as anaphase or metaphase, while non-cycle
specific drugs may act at any point
in the cell cycle. In order to gain
maximum effect, anti-neoplastic drugs
are commonly used in combinations.
What precautions do I need to take
for Antineoplastic agents?
Avoid sun exposure. To avoid sunburn,
wear sun block that has a rating of
SPF 15 or higher and wear protective
clothing.
Use mouth care products without alcohol
(baking soda products are recommended)
to prevent mouth sores from forming
or becoming irritated.
What are the likely side effects
of Antineoplastic agents?
Early side effects include, (May
occur within one week after treatment)
- Facial flushing (redness) or feeling
of warmth while you are receiving
the medication
- Fever and chills (during or after
treatment)
- Difficulty breathing
- Itching
Late side effects include, (May occur
within two weeks after treatment)
- Skin rash that looks and feels
like a sunburn
- Temporary hair thinning or hair
loss on scalp and body 7 to 10 days
after receiving the medication
- Mouth sores
- Shortness of breath or coughing
(after several treatments)
The above lists doesn't include all
the side effects.
What are the likely drug interactions
of Antineoplastic agents?
Anti-cancer drugs may interact with
a number of other medicines. When
this happens, the effects of one or
both of the drugs may change or the
risk of side effects may be greater.
Tell your doctor about all other presciption
and over-the-counter medication before
taking antineoplastics. Also keep
your physician informed about your
early medications especially if you
have been treated with radiation or
any anticancer drugs. Before using
any anti-neoplastic agents, make sure
tell your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medicines.
- paclitaxel (Taxol)
- progesterone (Prometrium)
- verapamil (Calan, Calan SR, Covers-HS,
Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan
PM, others)
- cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
- cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Cytoxan
Lyophilized, Neosar)
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin (Dilantin)
- streptozocin (Zanosar)
You may not be able to take anti-neoplastic
agents, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you are taking any of
the medicines listed above. Do not
receive "live" vaccines
during treatment with anti-neoplastic
agents. Administration of a live vaccine
may be dangerous during treatment
with anti-neoplastic agents.
Drugs other than those listed here
may also interact with anti-neoplastic
agents. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any other prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including
herbal products, during treatment
with anti-neoplastic agents.
What are the medications that come
under Antineoplastic categories ?
Based on your health condition your
doctor may prescribe any of the following
antineoplastic drugs
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