Cytostatics - what is it? List of drugs

Cytotoxic drugs are drugs that slow down the process of cell division. Maintenance of the vital activity of the body is based on the ability of its cells to divide, while the new cells take the place of the old ones, and the old ones, respectively, die. The speed of this process is determined biologically in such a way that the body maintains a strict balance of cells, while it is noteworthy that in every organ the metabolic process proceeds at different rates.

But sometimes the rate of cell division becomes too large, old cells do not have time to die. So there is formation of tumors, in other words - tumors. It is at this time that the question becomes urgent, about cytostatics - what it is and how they can help in the treatment of cancer. And in order to respond to it, you need to consider all aspects of this group of drugs.

Cytotoxic and oncology

Most often in medical practice, the use of cytostatics occurs in the field of oncology, in order to slow the growth of the tumor. During treatment, the drug has an effect on all cells of the body, so a slowdown in metabolism occurs in all tissues. But only in malignant neoplasms the effect of cytostatics is expressed in full, slowing the rate of progression of oncology.

Cytotoxic and autoimmune processes

Also, cytotoxic drugs are used in the therapy of autoimmune diseases, when as a result of the pathological activity of the immune system, antibodies kill not the antigens that enter the body, but cells of their own tissues. Cytostatics affect the bone marrow, reducing the activity of immunity, resulting in the disease has the opportunity to go to the stage of remission.

Thus, cytotoxic drugs are used in the following diseases:

• Malignant oncological tumors in the early stages;
• Lymphoma;
• Leukemia;
• Systemic lupus erythematosus;
• arthritis;
• Vasculitis;
• Sjogren's syndrome;
• Scleroderma.

Having considered the indications for taking the drug and the mechanism of its effect on the body, it becomes clear how cytostatics work, what it is, and in what cases they should be used.

Types of cytostatics

Cytostatics, the list of which is given below, are not exhausted by these categories, but it is customary to select these 6 categories of drugs.

1. Alkylating cytostatics - drugs that have the ability to damage DNA cells that are characterized by high fission rates. Despite the high degree of effectiveness, the drugs are difficult to tolerate by patients, among the consequences of the course of treatment, liver and kidney pathologies often appear as the main filtration systems of the body. Such means include:

• Chloroethylamines;
• Nitrourea derivatives;
• Alkyl sulfates;
• Ethylenimines.

2. Alkaloids-cytostatics of vegetable origin - preparations of a similar action, but with a natural composition:

• Taxanes;
• Vinaalkaloids;
• Podophyllotoxins.

3. Cytostatics-antimetabolites - drugs that inhibit substances involved in the formation of a tumor, thereby stopping its growth:

• Antagonists of folic acid;
• Purine antagonists;
• Antagonists of pyrimidine.

4.Cytostatics-antibiotics - antimicrobials with antitumor effect:

• Anthracyclines.

5. Cytotoxic hormones - antitumor drugs that reduce the production of certain hormones.

• Progestins;
• Antiestrogens;
• Estrogens;
• Antiandrogens;
• Aromatase inhibitors.

6. Monoclonal antibodies - artificially created antibodies, identical to the present, directed against certain cells, in this case - tumors.

Preparations

Cytostatics, the list of drugs which are presented below, are written out only on the prescription of a doctor and are taken only on strict indications:

• "Cyclophosphamide";
• "Tamoxifen";
• "Flutamide";
• "Sulfasalazine";
• "Chlorambucil";
• "Azathioprine";
• "Temozolomide";
• "Hydroxychloroquine";
• "Methotrexate."

The list of drugs that fit the definition of "cytostatics" is very wide, but these drugs are prescribed by doctors most often. Preparations are selected individually to the patient very carefully, while the doctor explains to the patient what side effects cause cytostatics, what it is and whether it can be avoided.

Side effects

The process of diagnosis should confirm the presence of a serious disease in humans, for the treatment of which cytostatics are required. The side effects of these drugs are very clear, they are not only hard to tolerate by patients, but also carry a danger to human health. In other words, taking cytotoxic drugs is always a huge risk, but with oncology and autoimmune diseases, the risk of a lack of treatment is higher than the risk of possible side effects of the drug.

The main side effect of cytostatics is its negative effect on the bone marrow, and therefore on the whole hematopoietic system. With prolonged use, which is usually required in the treatment of cancer, and in autoimmune processes, even the development of leukemia is possible.

But even if blood cancer can be avoided, the changes in blood composition will inevitably affect the work of all systems. If the viscosity of the blood rises, the kidneys suffer, since the glomerul membrane is under a heavy load, as a result of which they can be damaged.

During the reception of cytostatics should be prepared for permanent bad health. Patients who have undergone a course of treatment with drugs of this group, constantly feel a sense of weakness, drowsiness, inability to concentrate on the task. Common complaints include headache, which is constantly and painfully eliminated by analgesics.

Women during the period of treatment usually face violations of the menstrual cycle and the inability to conceive a child.

Digestive system disorders manifest as nausea and diarrhea. Often this causes a person's natural desire to limit his diet and reduce the amount of food consumed, which in turn leads to anorexia.

Not harmful to health, but the unpleasant consequence of taking cytotoxic drugs is hair loss on the head and body. After stopping the course, hair growth usually resumes.

Proceeding from this, it can be stressed that the answer to the question whether cytotoxic agents - what it is, contains information not only about the benefits of this type of drugs, but also about the high risk for health and well-being during its application.

Rules for the reception of cytostatics

It is important to understand that the cytostatic has a direct effect on the activity of the immune system, depressing it. Therefore, during the course, a person becomes susceptible to any infection.

In order to prevent infection, it is necessary to comply with all security measures: do not appear in places of large crowds, wear a protective gauze dressing and use local antiviral protection (oxolin ointment), avoid hypothermia. If infection with a respiratory infection does occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How to reduce side effects?

Modern medicine makes it possible to minimize the severity of side effects that occur when taking cytotoxic drugs. Special drugs that block the gag reflex in the brain, make it possible to maintain normal health and working capacity against the background of treatment.

As a rule, the tablet is taken early in the morning, after which it is recommended to increase the drinking regime to 2 liters of water per day. Cytostatics are mainly excreted by the kidneys, so their particles can settle on the tissues of the bladder, having an irritating effect. A large number of liquids drunk and frequent emptying of the bladder makes it possible to reduce the severity of side effects of cytostatics on the bladder. It is especially important to carefully empty the bladder before going to bed.

Examinations during treatment

Taking cytostatics requires regular examination of the body. At least once a month, the patient must take tests showing the effectiveness of the kidneys, liver, hematopoietic system:

• clinical blood test;
• Biochemical blood test for creatinine, ALT and AST;
• Complete urine analysis;
• CRP indicator.

Thus, knowing all the relevant information about what cytostatics are for, what it is, what kinds of drugs are and how to take it correctly, you can count on a favorable prognosis of therapy for oncological and autoimmune diseases.