ANTICANCER

DRUGS

Submitted By
Anjali B S
Roll No.16
Introduction
• Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled
multiplication and spread of abnormal forms of the
body's own cell.
• A normal cell turns into a cancer call because of
one or more mutations in its DNA,which can be
acquired or inherited.
• Cancer arises as a result of a series of genetics and
epigenetics changes, the main genetic lesions
being:
a. Inactivation of tumour suppressor gene
b. The activation of oncogenes (mutations of the
normal Gene's controlling cell division and other
process)
• Cancer cell characteristics that distinguish them
from normal cell
a. Uncontrolled proliferation
b. Dedifferentiation and loss of function
c. Inavasiveness
d. Metastasis
• G1 phase - Synthesis of enzymes and other cellular
components needed for DNA synthesis
• Synthetic phase - DNA synthesis takes place
• G2 phase - Synthesis of cellular components for
mitosis (protein and RNA synthesis)
• M phase - Mitotic cell division takes place
• G0 phase - Cells stop dividing temporarily or
permanently.
General toxicity of cytotoxic drug

• Majority of the cytotoxic drugs have more effect on

rapidly multiplying cells.
1. Bone marrow - Depression of bone marrow results in
granulocytopenia,agranulocytosis,thrombocytopenia
,aplastic anemia.
2. Lymphoreticular tissue - Lymphocytopenia and
inhibition of lymphocyte function results in
suppression of cell mediatedas well as numeral
immunity.
Alkylating agents
• Produce highly reactive carbon ion intermediates
which transfer alkyl groups to cellular
macromolecules by forming covalent bonds.
• Have cytotoxic and radiomimetic(like ionizing
radiation actions)
• Many are cell cycle non-specific I.e. act on dividing
as well as resting cells
• Cyclophosphamide-most commonly used,effective
in a wide range of tumors and has prominent
immunosuppressant action.
• Mtx is used in choriocarcinoma,acute leukaemia,
carcinoma of tongue or pharynx or lung etc and as
immunosuppressant in rheumatoidarthritis,
psoriasis, organ transplantation.
Antibiotics
Previous year question
• Explain the toxicities of anticancer drug(July 2017)
• Uses and adverse effect methotrexate(August
2014,March 2014,January 2018)
Reference
• K D TRIPATHI
• Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews, Pharmacology 2nd
Edition
• Principles of Pharmacology,K K SHARMA
• Katzung Pharmacology 10th Edition
Thank you