What Are Cancer Medicines?
Cancer medicines are specially developed drugs used to destroy cancer cells, slow their growth, or stop them from spreading. These medicines work in different ways—some target rapidly dividing cells, others block specific cancer-causing proteins, and some help the immune system fight cancer more effectively. Cancer medicines can be given as tablets, injections, or IV infusions depending on the treatment plan.
Types of Cancer Medicines
- Chemotherapy Drugs: Kill fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body.
- Targeted Therapy Drugs: Focus on specific genes or proteins that cancer cells need to grow.
- Immunotherapy Drugs: Boost the immune system to attack cancer cells naturally.
- Hormone Therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel cancers like breast or prostate cancer.
- Biologic Therapy: Uses living organisms or substances derived from them to treat cancer.
- Oral Anti-Cancer Drugs: Convenient tablets or capsules taken at home under medical supervision.
Symptoms / Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hair thinning
- Loss of appetite
- Skin changes or rashes
- Low blood counts
- Mouth sores
Benefits of Cancer Medicines
- Destroy or shrink cancer cells
- Prevent cancer from spreading
- Improve survival rates
- Control symptoms and enhance quality of life
- Support personalized, effective cancer treatment plans
