What are Antineoplastics? And what do they do?

Antineoplastics are also called chemotherapeutic or antineoplastic drugs. They are medications that are used to prevent the spread and growth of cancerous cells. The medications work on cancer cells to prevent them from growing and dividing. These drugs may also cause side effects in healthy cells.

A wide variety of cancers can be treated with antineoplastics. They include breast cancer and lung cancer as well as ovarian cancer, colon, colon, lymphoma and leukemia. You can use them alone, or with radiation and surgery. The type and stage of the cancer will determine the kind of antineoplastic that is used.

Antineoplastics: Examples

Antineoplastics are most commonly made from alkylating agent, antimetabolites and topoisomerase inhibitors. Cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and other alkylating agents bind to DNA and prevent cell replication. Fluorouracil, capecitabine and other antimetabolites disrupt nucleotide production. Topotecan and irinotecan, topoisomerase inhibitors, interfere with the enzymes responsible for separating DNA strands during cell division. Vincristine, vinblastine and other plant alkaloids prevent microtubules assembling. This stops mitosis occurring. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to certain proteins on cancer cells' surfaces and blocks their growth, is one example.

Expert Opinions about Antineoplastics

Experts agree that antineoplastics can be an integral part of treating cancer, especially when they are used in combination with other treatments. In treating some types of cancer, combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy is more efficient than one treatment. This was according to a study in Oncology. A second study , published in Cancer Research , concluded that patients suffering from head or neck cancer could benefit by receiving antineoplastic medications before and after surgery.

Experts also point out that patients suffering from advanced cancer stages can often be given antineoplastics to extend their lives, even when a cure may not be possible. Antineoplastics are able to reduce the symptoms of cancer and increase the quality life for patients living with it.

Side effects of antineoplastics

Antineoplastics are effective, but can have side effects. Side effects that are common include fatigue, nausea, vomiting and hair loss. You may also experience organ damage, infertility and secondary cancers. Before you start treatment, it is crucial to talk to your doctor about any side effects.

Alternative Natural Remedies

Natural remedies may be preferred over antineoplastics for some people. Natural remedies can also be combined with traditional treatments to combat cancer. Ginger, for example has been shown to prevent the growth of many types of cancer cells. Turmeric (which contains curcumin as an active ingredient) has been shown to possess anti-cancer qualities. Green tea, garlic and other cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are all natural anti-cancer remedies.

Before you try any natural treatments, it is important that you consult your doctor. Natural remedies can interact with other drugs or antineoplastics, so make sure to talk with your doctor about all possibilities.

Conclusion

Antineoplastics can be a very powerful weapon in fighting cancer. Antineoplastics have been proven to work in treating many types of cancers and they can also be combined with radiation or surgery. They can cause serious side effects so make sure to talk with your doctor about any possible risks. There are many natural treatments that have potential anti-cancer effects and may offer an alternative to antineoplastics. It is ultimately up to you, your doctor and the rest of us to choose which treatment is right for us.