Chemotherapy Drugs: Cancer Treatment Medications to shrink or kill the cancer cells

Chemotherapy drugs, also known as chemo medications, are powerful medications used in the treatment of cancer. They work by targeting and destroying cancer cells, helping to shrink tumors, prevent their growth, or alleviate cancer-related symptoms. Here is a comprehensive list of chemotherapy drugs commonly used in cancer treatment, along with examples of the types of cancers they are used to treat.

Terdapat lebih dari 100 jenis obat kemoterapi. Di bawah ini adalah jenis utama kombinasi obat kemoterapi, jenis kanker yang mereka tangani dan contohnya. Perhatian mencakup hal-hal yang berbeda dari efek samping kemoterapi yang khas.

Common Combination Chemotherapy Drugs

Explore the effectiveness and side effects of common combination chemotherapy drugs

The 5 Main Groups of Chemotherapy Drugs:

Discover the five primary groups of chemotherapy drugs and their respective functions in cancer treatment:

1. Alkylating Agents:
   • Examples: Cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin, Busulfan
   • Action: Alkylating agents work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their replication and growth. They are used to treat a variety of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors.
2. Antimetabolites:
   • Examples: Methotrexate, Fluorouracil (5-FU), Capecitabine
   • Action: Antimetabolites interfere with the DNA and RNA synthesis of cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. They are commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and various other types of cancer.
3. Anthracyclines:
   • Examples: Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin, Epirubicin
   • Action: Anthracyclines work by interfering with the DNA replication process in cancer cells, leading to their destruction. They are widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, lymphomas, and various other types of cancer.
4. Taxanes:
   • Examples: Paclitaxel, Docetaxel
   • Action: Taxanes inhibit the ability of cancer cells to divide and multiply by stabilizing microtubules. They are commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer.
5. Platinum Compounds:
   • Examples: Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin, Cisplatin
   • Action: Platinum compounds work by forming DNA cross-links within cancer cells, preventing their replication and causing their death. They are used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and lung cancer.

It’s important to note that these groups of chemotherapy drugs are not exclusive, and some drugs may belong to multiple categories. Additionally, there are many other chemotherapy drugs available that may not fall directly into these five groups. Treatment plans are tailored to individual patients and may involve a combination of different chemotherapy drugs to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects. The specific drugs used will depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and treatment goals.

Oncogenetics Test | DNA Tests to Predict Certain Cancers

List of common types of cancer along with their associated chemotherapy drug combinations

It’s important to note that the specific chemotherapy drug combinations and abbreviations can vary based on the individual’s condition and treatment plan. The selection of chemotherapy drugs depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, patient characteristics, and treatment goals. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized information and guidance regarding chemotherapy treatment for specific types of cancer.

Here is a list of common types of cancer along with their associated chemotherapy drug combinations and abbreviations:

1. Breast Cancer:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: AC-T (Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel)
   • Abbreviation: AC-T
   • Drug Explanation: Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide are commonly used to target and kill cancer cells. Paclitaxel is a taxane drug that helps prevent the growth and division of cancer cells.

2. Lung Cancer:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Cisplatin or Carboplatin combined with Pemetrexed
   • Abbreviation: Cisplatin + Pemetrexed or Carboplatin + Pemetrexed
   • Drug Explanation: Cisplatin and Carboplatin are platinum-based drugs that interfere with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Pemetrexed is a folate antimetabolite that inhibits the production of DNA and RNA in cancer cells.

3. Colorectal Cancer:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: FOLFOX (Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin)
   • Abbreviation: FOLFOX
   • Drug Explanation: Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite drug that inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based drug that disrupts the DNA replication process in cancer cells. Leucovorin is a folate analog that enhances the effectiveness of Fluorouracil.

4. Prostate Cancer:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Docetaxel with Prednisone
   • Abbreviation: Docetaxel + Prednisone
   • Drug Explanation: Docetaxel is a chemotherapy drug that is commonly used in combination with Prednisone for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Docetaxel works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, while Prednisone helps reduce inflammation and support the effects of the chemotherapy.

5. Leukemia:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Hyper-CVAD (Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone) alternating with High-Dose Methotrexate/Cytarabine
   • Abbreviation: Hyper-CVAD
   • Drug Explanation: Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, and Adriamycin are drugs that target and kill leukemia cells. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. High-Dose Methotrexate and Cytarabine are chemotherapy drugs that work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

6. Pancreatic Cancer:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: FOLFIRINOX (Fluorouracil, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin)
   • Abbreviation: FOLFIRINOX
   • Drug Explanation: FOLFIRINOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen used in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. It includes Fluorouracil, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin, and Leucovorin. These drugs work together to inhibit cancer cell growth and division.

7. Ovarian Cancer:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Carboplatin and Paclitaxel
   • Abbreviation: Carboplatin + Paclitaxel
   • Drug Explanation: Carboplatin and Paclitaxel are commonly used drugs in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Carboplatin is a platinum-based drug, while Paclitaxel is a taxane drug. Together, they help kill cancer cells and inhibit their growth.

8. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: ABVD (Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine)
   • Abbreviation: ABVD
   • Drug Explanation: ABVD is a chemotherapy regimen commonly used for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine are drugs that work together to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

9. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:

   • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: CHOP (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone)
   • Abbreviation: CHOP
   • Drug Explanation: CHOP is a chemotherapy regimen used for various types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone are drugs that target and kill cancer cells, reducing tumor size and controlling the disease.

10. Melanoma:

    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: DTIC (Dacarbazine)
    • Abbreviation: DTIC
    • Drug Explanation: DTIC (Dacarbazine) is a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their replication and growth.

11. Bladder Cancer:

    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: MVAC (Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin)
    • Abbreviation: MVAC
    • Drug Explanation: MVAC is a chemotherapy regimen used for advanced bladder cancer. It includes Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin. These drugs work together to kill cancer cells and slow down tumor growth.

12. Esophageal Cancer:

    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: ECF or ECX (Epirubicin, Cisplatin, Fluorouracil)
    • Abbreviation: ECF or ECX
    • Drug Explanation: ECF or ECX is a chemotherapy regimen used for esophageal cancer. It includes Epirubicin, Cisplatin, and Fluorouracil. These drugs help kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

13. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma):

    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization)
    • Abbreviation: TACE
    • Drug Explanation: TACE is a specialized form of chemotherapy used for liver cancer. It involves delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor through the hepatic artery. This technique helps kill cancer cells and block the blood supply to the tumor, leading to tumor shrinkage.
14. Thyroid Cancer:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: DTC (Doxorubicin, Paclitaxel, Carboplatin)
    • Abbreviation: DTC
    • Drug Explanation: Doxorubicin and Cisplatin are chemotherapy drugs used in combination for certain types of thyroid cancer. These drugs work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, inhibiting their growth, and potentially leading to tumor regression.
15. Head and Neck Cancer:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: TPF (Docetaxel, Cisplatin, Fluorouracil)
    • Abbreviation: TPF
    • Drug Explanation: TPF is a chemotherapy regimen used for head and neck cancer. It combines Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and Fluorouracil. These drugs work synergistically to target and destroy cancer cells in the head and neck region.
    • Head and Neck Cancer:Chemotherapy Drug Combination: PF (Cisplatin, Fluorouracil)
      Abbreviation: PF
      Drug Explanation: PF is a chemotherapy regimen used for head and neck cancer. It combines Cisplatin and Fluorouracil. These drugs are effective in targeting cancer cells in the head and neck region and inhibiting their growth.
16. Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: MAP (Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin)
    • Abbreviation: MAP
    • Drug Explanation: MAP is a chemotherapy regimen used for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. It includes Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin. These drugs are effective in killing cancer cells and reducing the size of tumors.
17. Neuroblastoma:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: COG (Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Cisplatin, Etoposide)
    • Abbreviation: COG
    • Drug Explanation: COG is a chemotherapy regimen used for neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer. It combines Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Cisplatin, and Etoposide. These drugs target and destroy neuroblastoma cells to prevent tumor growth.
18. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization)
    • Abbreviation: TACE
    • Drug Explanation: TACE is a targeted chemotherapy treatment used for liver cancer. It involves delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor through the blood vessels that supply it. This allows for a higher concentration of drugs at the tumor site while minimizing their systemic effects.
19. Esophageal Cancer:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: ECX (Epirubicin, Cisplatin, Capecitabine)
    • Abbreviation: ECX
    • Drug Explanation: ECX is a chemotherapy regimen used for esophageal cancer. It combines Epirubicin, Cisplatin, and Capecitabine. These drugs work together to kill cancer cells and inhibit their growth in the esophagus.
20. Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: PAC (Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin)
    • Abbreviation: PAC
    • Drug Explanation: PAC is a chemotherapy regimen used for uterine cancer. It combines Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin. These drugs are effective in treating uterine cancer by killing cancer cells and reducing the size of tumors.
21. Brain Cancer (Glioblastoma):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: TMZ (Temozolomide)
    • Abbreviation: TMZ
    • Drug Explanation: TMZ is an oral chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. It works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and growing.
22. Soft Tissue Sarcoma:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: AIM (Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide, Mesna)
    • Abbreviation: AIM
    • Drug Explanation: AIM is a chemotherapy regimen used for soft tissue sarcoma. It combines Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide, and Mesna. This combination has shown effectiveness in treating this type of cancer.
23. Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: ECF (Epirubicin, Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil)
    • Abbreviation: ECF
    • Drug Explanation: ECF is a chemotherapy regimen used for stomach cancer. It combines Epirubicin, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil. This combination is commonly used for advanced or metastatic gastric cancer.
24. Carcinoma:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: PAC (Paclitaxel, Cisplatin)
    • Abbreviation: PAC
    • Drug Explanation: PAC is a chemotherapy regimen used for various types of carcinomas. It combines Paclitaxel and Cisplatin. This combination is often used in the treatment of lung, ovarian, and head and neck carcinomas.
25. Cervical Cancer:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Cisplatin + 5-Fluorouracil
    • Abbreviation: –
    • Drug Explanation: Cisplatin in combination with 5-Fluorouracil is commonly used in the treatment of cervical cancer. This combination is often administered concurrently with radiation therapy.
26. Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: FOLFOX (5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin)
    • Abbreviation: FOLFOX
    • Drug Explanation: FOLFOX is a chemotherapy regimen used for colon cancer. It combines 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin. This combination has shown effectiveness in shrinking tumors and preventing their spread.
27. Choroidal Melanoma and Metastases (Retinal Cancer):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Temozolomide
    • Abbreviation: TMZ
    • Drug Explanation: Temozolomide is a chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of choroidal melanoma and metastases. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells.
28. Kaposi’s Sarcoma:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: ABV (Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine)
    • Abbreviation: ABV
    • Drug Explanation: ABV is a chemotherapy regimen used for Kaposi’s sarcoma. It combines Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, and Vinblastine. This combination has shown effectiveness in treating this type of cancer.
29. Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: IL-2 (Interleukin-2)
    • Abbreviation: IL-2
    • Drug Explanation: IL-2 is a type of immunotherapy used for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. It helps stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
30. Laryngeal Cancer (Voice Box):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: TPF (Docetaxel, Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil)
    • Abbreviation: TPF
    • Drug Explanation: TPF is a chemotherapy regimen used for laryngeal cancer. It combines Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil. This combination is often used before or after surgery or radiation therapy.
31. Mesothelioma:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Pemetrexed + Cisplatin
    • Abbreviation: –
    • Drug Explanation: Pemetrexed in combination with Cisplatin is commonly used in the treatment of mesothelioma. This combination has shown effectiveness in reducing tumor size and improving overall survival.
32. Rhabdomyosarcoma (Skeletal Muscle Tissue):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: VAC (Vincristine, Dactinomycin, Cyclophosphamide)
    • Abbreviation: VAC
    • Drug Explanation: VAC is a chemotherapy regimen used for rhabdomyosarcoma. It combines Vincristine, Dactinomycin, and Cyclophosphamide. This combination is often used in the treatment of this type of cancer in children.
33. Spinal Cord Cancer (Spinal Cord Tumors):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Methotrexate, Vincristine, Cisplatin
    • Abbreviation: –
    • Drug Explanation: This combination of chemotherapy drugs is sometimes used in the treatment of spinal cord tumors. The specific drug dosages and treatment plan may vary depending on the individual case.
34. Neuroblastoma:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: COG (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine)
    • Abbreviation: COG
    • Drug Explanation: COG is a chemotherapy regimen commonly used for neuroblastoma. It combines Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Vincristine. This combination has shown effectiveness in treating this type of cancer in children.
35. Anal Cancer:
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: 5-FU (5-Fluorouracil) + Mitomycin C
    • Abbreviation: 5-FU + Mitomycin C
    • Drug Explanation: 5-FU in combination with Mitomycin C is commonly used in the treatment of anal cancer. This combination is often administered concurrently with radiation therapy.
36. Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma):
    Bile Duct is a tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder, through the pancreas, and into the small intestine.
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: Gemcitabine + Cisplatin
    • Abbreviation: –
    • Drug Explanation: Gemcitabine in combination with Cisplatin is commonly used in the treatment of bile duct cancer. This combination has shown effectiveness in slowing the progression of the disease and improving patient outcomes.
37. Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer):
    • Chemotherapy Drug Combination: EOX (Epirubicin, Oxaliplatin, Capecitabine)
    • Abbreviation: EOX
    • Drug Explanation: EOX is a chemotherapy regimen used for stomach cancer. It combines Epirubicin, Oxaliplatin, and Capecitabine. This combination has shown effectiveness in shrinking tumors and improving survival rates.

Please note that the specific chemotherapy drug combinations and abbreviations may vary based on the individual’s condition and treatment plan. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized information and guidance regarding chemotherapy treatment for specific types of cancer.

Information: Cleverly Smart is not a substitute for a doctor. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Sources: PinterPandai, Chemo Care, Medline Plus

Photo credit: Sumber foto: klbz via Pixabay

Chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer | Type, What to Expect, Treatement Process (Before, During, After), Side Effects