Chemotherapy drugs

Chemotherapy drugs are medicines that are used as one of the types of treatment for oncological diseases. Let's look at the most effective and popular chemotherapy drugs, their principle of action and cost.

Chemotherapy is one of the most effective methods of treating oncological diseases. Chemotherapy drugs are used both in the early stages of the disease and before and after surgery. Chemotherapy is indispensable in the metastasis of cancerous tumors. When patients are prescribed drugs of one type, the treatment is called monochemotherapy. If there are several drugs, and they all have a different principle of action, the treatment is called polychemotherapy. This treatment is used more often, since the drugs have different effects on cancer cells, which in total gives a positive effect.

The mechanism of action of chemotherapy drugs is the suppression of cancer cells. At the same time, many drugs affect not only cancer cells, but also healthy ones, causing side effects and very unfavorable symptoms. The consequences of chemotherapy force patients to devote a lot of time to the rehabilitation and recovery period. The resistance of a cancer tumor to chemotherapy drugs is determined by the number of cells that are in a dormant state. That is, the more intensively the cells grow and divide, the higher their sensitivity to chemotherapy and the greater the chances of successful treatment.

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Types of Chemotherapy Drugs

All chemotherapy drugs are divided into the following groups:

• Active at all phases of the cell cycle.
• Acting on specific phases of the cell cycle.
• Cytostatics with a different principle of action.

Chemotherapy drugs have their own classification, which is based on the specific effects on cancer cells:

Alkylating agents

The mechanism of action of these drugs is similar to the action of radiation. The drugs have a destructive effect on proteins that control the development and growth of cancer cell genes. The most popular representative of this category of drugs is Cyclophosphamide. The drug is taken both orally and intravenously. This group of drugs includes Nitrosoureas and Embikhin.

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Antibiotics

Please note that anticancer antibiotics have nothing in common with traditional antibiotics. The principle of action of antibiotics is based on slowing down the division of cancer cell genes. The most popular drug in this group is Adriamycin. This drug is used in a scheme with Cytotoxin.

Antimetabolites

The principle of action of these drugs is based on integration into the genetic apparatus of the cancer cell. When the cancer cell begins to divide, it dies from the action of the drug. This category includes: 5-fluorouracil and Gemcitabine (Gemzar).

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Anthracyclines

The drugs in this group contain an anthracycline ring that interacts with the DNA of cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs inhibit topoisomerase II and form free radicals that damage the DNA structure of cancer cells. Representatives of this group of drugs: Rubomycin, Adriblastin.

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Vinca alkaloids

Plant-based chemotherapy drugs (Vinca rosea medicinal plant). The mechanism of action is based on binding the tubulin protein, which forms the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is an integral part of the cell, which is observed during mitosis and in the resting phase. Destruction of the cytoskeleton leads to disruption of chromosome migration during cell division, which leads to its death. The peculiarity of this drug is that cancer cells are more sensitive to its action than healthy cells. Due to this, the drug has minimal side effects. This group of drugs includes: Vinblastine, Vindesine, Vincristine.

Platinum drugs

Platinum is a heavy metal that is toxic to the human body. The mechanism of action of platinum is similar to alkylating agents. After ingestion, the drug interacts with the DNA of cells, destroying their structure and functions.

Epipodophyllotoxins

They are synthetic analogues of mandrake extract. The drug affects the nuclear enzyme topoisomerase-II and DNA. Drugs from this group: Teniposide, Etopiside.

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Other cytostatics

They have a combined principle of action, which is similar to all the above-described drugs. Thus, some cytostatics are similar in mechanism of action to alkylating agents (Procarbizin, Dacarbazine), some suppress topoisomerase, and some work as antimetabolites (Hydroxyurea). Corticosteroids, which are also used to treat oncological diseases, have good cytostatic properties.

Taxanes

These drugs affect microtubules. The taxane category includes: Paclitaxel, Docetaxel and taxanes with functional properties. Chemotherapy drugs stabilize microtubules and prevent their depolymerization. This disrupts the normal process of microtubule restructuring in the cell, which is essential for the process of cancer cell division.

Each of the above groups of chemotherapy drugs has its own characteristics, principle of action and side effects. In addition, for the use of each of the drugs, oncologists develop specialized treatment protocols. The protocols are effective even with minimal negative impact on the body. All treatment protocols are constantly being improved in the best world clinics for the treatment of oncology. This increases the survival rate of patients with oncology and improves their quality of life.

Drugs for recovery after chemotherapy

Drugs for recovery after a course of chemotherapy are medicines that help restore health and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Both traditional medicines and herbal medicines can be used for the rehabilitation process. The recovery course is compiled individually for each patient. It is recommended to start treatment immediately after the end of the course of chemotherapy procedures or simultaneously with taking chemotherapy drugs to reduce side effects and protect organs from the effects of anticancer drugs.

A pathological condition or chemical illness develops due to taking one or more medications. The illness is called side effects of medications, as they are part of the mechanism of their action. Recovery after a course of chemotherapy or prevention of chemical illness depends on the type of chemotherapy and the organs affected by cancer.

Let's look at the most effective drugs for recovery after chemotherapy and the process of restoration of damaged organs:

• Kidney restoration

After a course of chemotherapy for kidney damage, patients suffer from constant vomiting and diarrhea. This is a very dangerous condition, since along with vomiting and diarrhea, hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride are excreted from the body in large quantities, without which the normal functioning of the adrenal glands and kidneys is impossible. The adrenal glands stop producing the hormone adrenaline, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Such symptoms correspond to the acute course of chemical disease. To restore the kidneys, drugs such as Uroprot, Urometoxan are used.

• Blood restoration

Such indicators as a complete blood count, blood biochemistry, ESR and white blood cell count are indicators that are responsible for the healthy state of the blood and all organs. It is by these criteria that the effectiveness of chemotherapy and the general condition of the patient are assessed. If the patient has avoided the first stage of chemical disease, then the second one soon sets in, lasting up to 7 days. It is during this period that patients develop edema, infiltration, necrosis and destruction of the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow sprouts.

This condition is accompanied by the death of erythrocyte sprouts of the bone marrow, which leads to massive metabolic disorders. As a result - anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia. Patients experience bleeding, bruises, and possible hemorrhages in internal organs. The process of blood restoration consists of transfusion of erythrocyte and platelet masses and, as a radical therapy, bone marrow transplantation. But such a restoration process has its drawbacks. About 45% of patients become infected with hepatitis C, B and other viruses, which accompany them throughout their lives. There are a number of drugs that allow you to restore blood after chemotherapy: Filstim, Neupogen, Zarcium, Grastim.

• Restoration of microflora and immune system

Against the background of a weakened immune system after a course of chemotherapy, patients begin to develop an infection, and opportunistic flora acquires pathogenic properties. Due to general intoxication of the body, patients suffer from fungal infections. Thus, in 100% of cases, patients develop candidiasis. It is possible to develop staphylococcus, which spreads through all the smallest arteries. Because of this, the patient develops foci of inflammation, multiple foci of necrosis with skin perforation, sepsis, bleeding and thrombosis.

In 70% of cases, the absence of restorative therapy leads to death. To prevent the development of the above-described condition, to restore immunity and microflora, patients are prescribed such drugs as: Lacta, Lacium, Lactovit-Forte, B vitamins, Neurorubin, Ascorbic acid.

• Liver restoration

After a course of chemotherapy, the functioning of organs and systems and the reserve capacity of tissues and organs of the body depend on the efficiency of the liver. Liver tissue is the main buffer for processing, excretion and receipt of substances from the body. Any chemotherapy drug or simply a drug introduced into the body is excreted through the liver and affects liver function.

Direct strong impact on the liver is exerted by active substances and their metabolites, and indirect - by accompanying effects that they cause in the body. Thus, a change in blood parameters leads to difficulty in the function of hepatocytes, damages the kidneys and gives a strong load of toxic substances to the liver. Due to infection, liver cells can fail. To restore the liver, use the following drugs: Gepadif, Glurorgin, Karsil, Essentiale Forte-N.

• Restoration of the cardiovascular system

Many patients suffer from vegetative-vascular dystonia and hypertension before surgery or before taking chemotherapy drugs. But after removing the source of toxins, i.e. the tumor, the pressure stabilizes. For example, Doxorubicin forms free radicals that increase membrane damage. Because of this, the drug is considered one of the most cardiotoxic. To restore the cardiovascular system after chemotherapy, drugs such as Asporkam, Preductal, Mildrokart are used.

• Restoration of the intestines and digestive system

The negative effects of chemotherapy are mostly manifested by the intestines. Patients suffer from vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. But today there are no means that would completely protect the intestinal mucosa from the inflammatory process. Because of this, patients complain of girdle pain, digestive disorders, loss of appetite, diarrhea, loose stools, diarrhea, colitis, constipation. Some patients develop candidiasis, dyspepsia and dysbacteriosis due to digestive system and intestinal disorders. Since the inflamed intestines are not able to fully digest food, then for recovery after a course of chemotherapy, drugs such as Lacta, Proxium, Nexium, Quamatel are used.

• Prevention of depression

Very often after chemotherapy, patients develop depression due to drug interactions, which manifests itself as duodenitis. Duodenal depression occurs due to the production of not only digestive hormones in the duodenum, but also hormones of general action that affect human behavior. Due to the inflammatory process, the balance of neuropeptides is disturbed. To combat this disease, drugs such as Afabazol, Fezam and others are used.

Restorative treatment involves the use of drugs from the groups of steroid and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypoxants, antioxidants, painkillers and vitamins. But drug therapy does not always bring the desired results. Many patients prefer to restore the body using natural and safe methods. For these purposes, accompanying phytotherapy is used and phytohealing is carried out.

Accompanying phytotherapy is the use of plant extracts that have high anti-inflammatory activity. The process of phytotherapy consists of phytodetoxification and phytohealing at all stages of cancer patient treatment. The therapy consists of preventing the long-term effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as preventing relapses of the disease.

Platinum Chemotherapy Drugs

Platinum chemotherapy drugs are a modern and effective method of treating cancer. For example, the most popular platinum drug, Cisplatin, was tested back in 1978 in the United States. Initially, the drug was developed to treat testicular cancer, but today it is used to treat lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma. But even platinum drugs cause side effects that manifest as a pronounced toxic effect and the formation of drug resistance at the cellular level.

There is an opinion among cancer patients that if they start using platinum drugs, things are really bad. But in fact, this is not true. Platinum chemotherapy is used when other drugs have not given the desired result. This applies to cancerous lesions of the bladder, lungs, ovaries and other oncological diseases. The most significant contraindication to the use of platinum drugs is severe renal failure. Because of this, the therapy becomes less progressive.

Today, instead of the drug Cisplatin, they plan to use Phenantriplatin, which more effectively penetrates into cancer-affected cells and inhibits transcription. The mechanism of action of platinum drugs is a cytostatic effect, which is entirely based on the appearance of longitudinal and intrachain bonds in DNA that form obstacles to replication. This occurs due to the composition of the drugs, the basis of which is a platinum atom with two chlorine ions and ammonium ligands.

Among all heavy metals, only platinum compounds – Carboplatin and Cisplatin are used as antitumor drugs. These drugs do not belong to alkylating drugs, as they form cross-links of DNA. Let's consider in more detail the drugs based on platinum:

Cisplatin

An antitumor drug, a platinum derivative. The drug has the ability to destroy the DNA of cancer cells, causing regression of tumors and metastases. The peculiarity of this drug is that it is ineffective when taken orally. But when administered intravenously, the drug quickly and in large doses enters the organs and systems. Cisplatin does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, and its binding to blood proteins is at the level of 90%. It is excreted by the kidneys, slowly, about 40% of the drug is excreted in the first hours, the rest within five days from the moment of administration.

• Indications for use. Cisplatin is used both in combination therapy, in combination with antitumor antibiotics and other drugs, and as monotherapy. The drug is used to treat malignant lesions of the ovaries, bladder, testicles, cervical cancer, osteogenic sarcoma, squamous cell cancer of the head. Cisplatin is effective as part of combination therapy in the treatment of lymphatic system cancer, lymphosarcoma.
• Method of administration. Cisplatin solution is administered intravenously. If monochemotherapy is used, the patient is administered 20 mg of the drug per 1 m² of body surface area for five days or 30 mg for three days. A higher dosage of 100-150 mg implies administration of the drug once every three weeks. The interval between courses should be at least three weeks. The number of courses is determined individually for each patient. When administered, 10 mg of Cisplatin is dissolved in 10 ml of sterile water for injection, the resulting solution is diluted in 1000 ml of isotonic sodium chloride solution or 5% glucose solution. The drug is administered by jet stream, in the form of long-term infusions. In order to minimize the negative impact on the kidneys, it is recommended to hydrate the patient's body before administering Cisplatin.
• Cisplatin may cause kidney problems, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, hearing loss or tinnitus. Allergic reactions and a sharp decrease in leukocytes and platelets in the blood are possible. In some patients, Cisplatin causes neuropathy, which affects the nerves of the lower extremities. During the administration of the drug, the patient may feel pain along the vein.
• Contraindications. Cisplatin is not recommended for use in cases of liver and kidney dysfunction, problems with bone marrow hematopoiesis, stomach ulcers, pregnancy and individual intolerance to the drug. Cisplatin is contraindicated in combination with drugs that damage the kidneys and hearing organs, as well as with streptomycin and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
• The drug is available in ampoules for injections of 0.001, 10 pieces per package. Cisplatin is a yellowish mass of non-uniform color, which easily disintegrates into powder. Cisplatin must be stored in a place protected from sunlight, at a temperature not exceeding +10 °C. Available only by prescription.

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Carboplatin

An antitumor agent of the platinum derivative group. The mechanism of action is based on the suppression of nucleic acid biosynthesis and the death of cancer cells. Unlike the drug Cisplatin, Carboplatin has a minimal damaging effect on the kidneys, ototoxicity and neurotoxicity.

• Indications for use. Carboplatin is prescribed to patients with cancerous lesions of the ovaries, testicles, seminoma, melanoma, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, osteosarcoma, tumors of the neck and head.
• The drug is used only intravenously. Adult patients are administered 400 mg per 1 m² of body surface for 20-60 minutes. The drug is administered with a break of one month. Carboplatin is dissolved in sterile water for injection: 5% glucose solution or isotonic sodium chloride solution. The shelf life of the prepared solution is 8 hours. Carboplatin is not used simultaneously with drugs that have a nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effect. This platinum drug for chemotherapy is used only under the supervision of a doctor. Before the course of treatment, the patient undergoes a check of the functional characteristics of the kidneys and a neurological examination. The drug is administered using intravenous infusion sets and needles with aluminum elements.
• Carboplatin causes side effects that manifest as suppression of hematopoiesis, a decrease in the number of platelets and leukocytes in the blood, a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, an increase in creatine and urea in the blood. The drug provokes nausea, vomiting, skin allergic reactions, hearing loss, damage to peripheral nerves, sensory disturbances, muscle weakness. Due to the use of Carboplatin, patients may experience partial or complete hair loss, chills and hyperthermia.
• The platinum preparation is contraindicated for use in patients with severe renal impairment and hypersensitivity to platinum preparations. Since the drug is capable of exerting a carcinogenic effect, that is, causing cancer, personnel working with Carboplatin must be extremely careful.
• Carboplatin is produced in vials as a sterile lyophilized powder for injection. The drug is produced in dosages of 0.05, 0.15, 0.2 and 0.45 g in vials. Carboplatin is also produced as a solution for injection, in ampoules of 5, 15 and 45 ml.

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Phenanthryplatin

A new experimental antitumor drug. This drug has proven to be more effective than Cisplatin. Phenantriplatin completely destroys cancer cells and prevents the development of resistance to platinum drugs. In addition, this drug covers a wider range of oncological diseases.

Phenantriplatin has several advantages over Cisplatin. The drug penetrates cancer cells more easily and quickly and inhibits transcription, i.e. converts DNA into RNA. More than 60 types of cancer cells were used in the study of the drug. Phenantriplatin showed 40 times higher efficiency than Cisplatin in the fight against cancer cells. Since cancer cells are able to develop resistance to the action of drugs, Phenantriplatin contains a three-membered ring that protects the platinum drug from attacks from the outside.

To date, the drug has proven its effectiveness in laboratory experiments. Now Phenantriplatin will have to be tested on animals to confirm its antitumor effect.

Liver Drugs After Chemotherapy

Liver medications after chemotherapy allow the affected organ to be restored. The liver must be treated without fail, since during chemotherapy the organ is subjected to a strong attack by heavy elements, toxins, which are excreted over a long period of time. The liver performs several functions. The organ takes an active part in metabolism, has a protective function, neutralizing toxic elements, and removes various substances from the body with bile, performing an excretory function. During chemotherapy, the organ has additional functions. The liver converts most drugs into an active form, reducing their toxic effect. The condition of the liver affects the effectiveness of therapy. Thus, organ diseases have a toxic and therapeutic effect on drugs. All drugs used for chemotherapy damage the liver.

After a course of chemotherapy, the liver is subject to an even greater load. Since the organ must reduce the toxicity of drugs. That is, the liver must be protected, supported and restored. Before a course of chemotherapy, the oncologist takes a biochemical blood test from the patient. This is due to the fact that many drugs have a negative effect on the organ and can even change its structure. Some chemotherapy drugs act as direct liver poisons, but their effect is predictable. Therefore, the doctor's task is to prescribe drugs in time to restore the liver after chemotherapy. In any case, the degree of liver dysfunction is unpredictable and depends not only on the dosage of chemotherapy drugs, but also on the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Liver failure due to chemotherapy is not difficult to detect, the main thing is to pay attention to symptoms such as:

• Yellowness of the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth.
• Hemorrhages and spider veins appear on the skin.
• When conducting a biochemical analysis, doctors note a variety of changes in the blood.

The initial stage of damage can be identified only by a biochemical blood test. That is why, before each course of chemotherapy, the patient's blood is tested for enzymes and bilirubin. When using highly toxic chemotherapy drugs, the liver begins to be protected from the first days of treatment.

Soft restorative liver protectors are B vitamins. Vitamin B12 (calcium pangamate) is prescribed throughout chemotherapy. The drug is taken 2 tablets 3 times a day. Karsil has high restorative and protective properties. The drug is taken 1 tablet 3 times a day. Multivitamin complexes are another form of protection for the liver. The above-described drugs are also prescribed to cancer patients who have had jaundice or suffered or suffer from chronic alcoholism.

If liver damage is detected before the next course of chemotherapy or during treatment, the patient is prescribed Essentiale. This drug is so popular that its fame exceeds its effectiveness and medicinal properties. The drug must be taken for 2-4 months, and to achieve a quick effect, the drug is administered intravenously 5-10 injections. Drugs for liver restoration after chemotherapy are called hepatoprotective drugs, let's consider the most effective of them:

Karsil

A medicinal product used to restore the liver after a course of chemotherapy. The membrane-stabilizing effect of the active substance of the drug reduces the damaging effect of aggressive toxic substances on hepatocytes and reduces damage to liver cells. The drug has antioxidant properties and optimizes metabolism at the cellular level. The active substance of Karsil is silymarin, it improves the general condition of the patient (appetite, digestion processes) and normalizes clinical tests. The drug is usually excreted by the kidneys.

• The main indications for the use of the drug are liver cirrhosis, as well as chronic hepatitis of viral and toxic etiology. Karsil is effective in restoring the liver after a course of chemotherapy and past diseases with complications on the liver.
• The medicine is taken from 1 to 4 times a day, depending on the individual needs of the body and the severity of the disease. The course of treatment should be at least 90 days.
• Side effects of Karsil manifest themselves in the form of dyspepsia, vestibular disorders and alopecia. The above symptoms go away on their own after discontinuing the drug.
• Karsil is contraindicated for use in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug and allergic reactions to the components of the drug. Karsil can be combined with other drugs, as there is no data on adverse interactions.
• In case of overdose of the drug, vomiting and nausea may occur. To eliminate adverse symptoms, it is necessary to wash the stomach, conduct symptomatic therapy and take sorbents.
• Karsil is available in tablets. The drug should be stored in a place protected from sunlight and out of reach of children. The storage temperature should not exceed 16-25 degrees. The drug is available from pharmacies without a doctor's prescription.

Essentiale

An effective liver preparation with active substances essential phospholipids. The active substances take an active part in the regeneration, differentiation and division of cells. Due to this, the preparation regulates the permeability of the cell membrane and improves the functions of membranes. The pharmacological properties of Essentiale are aimed at restoring damaged liver cells, improves the detoxification function of the liver, and normalizes its work.

• The main indications for the use of the drug are acute and chronic hepatitis, necrosis and cirrhosis of liver cells, toxic lesions, precoma and hepatic coma, fatty degeneration, pre- and postoperative treatment. The drug is effective in neurodermatitis, radiation syndrome and psoriasis.
• Essentiale is available in the form of capsules and injections for intravenous administration. The capsules are taken three times a day, two at a time, as a maintenance therapy. As for intravenous injections, the drug is administered slowly, from 5 ml per day to 20 ml in severe cases. No more than 10 ml of the drug is allowed to be administered at a time. Injections are administered for 10 days, after which it is recommended to continue parenteral therapy with Essentiale capsules. The course of treatment lasts from 3 to 6 months.
• Side effects of the drug appear in case of overdose. Essentiale causes gastrointestinal upset and nausea. Treatment is symptomatic. Essentiale is contraindicated for use in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

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Enerliv

A medicinal product used to restore liver function after a course of chemotherapy. The active substance of the product is defatted and enriched soy phospholipids. The active components have a pronounced hepatoprotective effect on the liver, slow down the development of connective tissue in the liver parenchyma and reduce fatty degeneration of the organ. The components of Enerliv reduce cholesterol levels and eliminate the process of lipid oxidation in liver tissues, which inhibits collagen synthesis.

• The main indications for the use of the drug: acute, chronic hepatitis and hepatosis, alcoholic steatosis, poisoning with toxins, industrial and medicinal poisons. Treatment and restoration of the liver after chemotherapy, poor nutrition. Enerliv has a positive effect when non-drug methods of liver restoration are ineffective.
• The drug is taken two capsules three times a day with plenty of water. The duration of taking the drug is selected by the doctor, individually for each patient. •
• Side effects of Enerliv manifest themselves in the form of gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, pain in the epigastric region. In rare cases, the drug causes allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, exanthema) and hemorrhages (bleeding in the intermenstrual period, petechial rashes).
• Enerliv is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug, allergy to soy and peanuts, and history of antiphospholide syndrome. When the drug interacts with coumarin anticoagulants, it is recommended to adjust the dosage of drugs, since synergism of action is possible.

In addition to the above-described drugs for liver restoration after chemotherapy, a diet has regenerative properties for the organ and healing properties for the body. Dietary nutrition implies the rejection of fried, stewed, fatty and sweet foods. Fatty fish and meat, smoked meats, pickles, sausages and other products rich in cholesterol are prohibited. During the period of liver restoration, it is strictly forbidden to eat mushrooms, turnips, beans, peas, spinach, onions and cold drinks.

Nutritionists and doctors emphasize a vegetarian diet. The patient is recommended to eat vegetable dishes and soups, dairy products. Steamed meat dishes, lean boiled meats, and lean fish are useful. It is allowed to eat low-fat cottage cheese with honey, milk and dairy products, as well as mild cheeses. In case of any liver damage, and especially during the recovery period, the diet should include ripe berries, fruits, dried fruits, fruit and berry juices, decoctions, and wheat bran. The daily diet should consist of 90 g of protein, 80 g of fat, and 400 g of carbohydrates. That is, the daily caloric content should not exceed 3000 kcal.

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Best Chemotherapy Drugs

The best chemotherapy drugs are effective medications that can help defeat cancer. The choice of drugs depends on the type of cancer and cancer cells, the results of cytological and histological tests, the stage of cancer, and the individual characteristics of the patient's body. Let's look at which drugs are used for oncological diseases of certain organs.

Oncological disease	Chemotherapy drugs used
Stomach cancer	Epirubicin, Cisplatin, Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, Mitomycin
Liver cancer	Fluorouracil, Gemzar, Oxaliplatin
Thyroid cancer	Triiodothyronine, Thyrotoxin
Rectal cancer	5-fluorouracil (5-FU), Levamisole, Panorex, Cisplatin, Neotaxel
Skin cancer	Dacarbazine, Procarbazine, Aromasin, Temozolomide, Paclitaxel, Carmustine, Cisplatin
Laryngeal cancer	Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, Fluorolek, Cisplatin
Brain cancer	Temozolomide, Carmustine, Natulan, Lomustine, Vincristine, Cisplatin, Carboplatin
Ethmoid bone cancer	Paclitaxel, Methotrexate
Ovarian cancer	Phosfamide, Cisplatin, Paclitaxel, Vinblastine, Ifosfamide, Etoposide
Testicular cancer	Cisplatin, Etoposide, Lastet
Uterine cancer	Carboplatin, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin
Breast cancer	Doxolek, Fluorolek, Endoxan, Uroprot, Paclitaxel, Neotaxel, Doxolek
Leukemia	Methotrexate, Mercaptopurine, Thioguanine, Vincristine, L-asparaginase, Prednisone
Kidney cancer	Nexavar, Sunitinib, Temsirolimus, Everolimus, Bevacizumab
Pancreatic cancer	Oxaliplatin, Mitomycin, Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, Gemzar, Fluorouracil
Lung cancer	Cisplatin, Vinorelbine, Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, Avastin, Oncoril
Lymph node cancer	Dacarbazine, Vincristine, Bleocin, Doxolek
Prostate cancer	Mitoxantrone, Doxorubicin, Vinblastine, Paclitaxel, Docetacel, Estramustine phosphate, Etoposide.

All the above-described drugs are used both in monotherapy and in complex treatment, i.e. chemotherapy regimens. The duration of treatment, dosage and form of the drug are selected by an oncologist, individually for each patient.

Cost of chemotherapy drugs

The cost of chemotherapy drugs largely depends on the effectiveness of the drugs. Prices for chemotherapy drugs vary and depend entirely on the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, the patient's age and health. When drawing up a treatment plan, the oncologist selects drugs based on the patient's financial capabilities. Since very often, the price of chemotherapy drugs can exceed tens of thousands of dollars. Let's look at the main groups of chemotherapy drugs and the cost of some drugs.

Groups of drugs	Cost of chemotherapy drugs
Alkylating agents	Melphalan – tablets from 480 UAH, injections from 4800 UAH.
	Chlorambucil – tablets from 540 UAH.
	Bendamustine – from 3000 UAH.
	Befungin – from 165 UAH.
	Vinblastine – from 130 UAH.
	Vincristine – from 800 UAH.
	Vinorelbine – from 450 UAH.
Anti-tumor antibiotics	Dactinomycin – from 1660 UAH.
	Idarubicin – from 860 UAH.
	Mitomycin – from 1300 UAH.
	Olivomycin – from 1300 UAH.
	Epirubicin – from 150 UAH.
Antimetabolites	5-fluorouracil – from 250 UAH.
	Xeloda – from 200 UAH.
	Mercaptopurine – from 1000 UAH.
	Methotrexate – from 100 UAH.
	Thioguanine – from 1500 UAH.
	Fluorofur – from 2000 UAH.
	Fluorouracil – from 270 UAH.
	Cytarabine – from 40 UAH.
Anthracyclines	Adriblastin – from 300 UAH.
	Zavedos – from 1000 UAH.
	Cyclophosphamide – from 300 UAH
	Doxorubicin – from 35 UAH.
	Idarubicin – from 860 UAH.
Vinca alkaloids	Vinblastine – from 130 UAH.
	Vincristine – from 60 UAH.
	Vinorelbine – from 1000 UAH.
Platinum drugs	Carboplatin – from 170 UAH.
	Cisplatin – from 60 UAH.
Epipodophyllotoxins	Etoposide – from 120 UAH.
Other cytostatics	Azathioprine – from 250 UAH.
	Hydroxychloroquine – from 300 UAH.
	Methotrexate – from 100 UAH.
	Sulfasalazine – from 100 UAH.
	Cyclophosphamide – from 350 UAH.

The cost of the above-described chemotherapy drugs depends on the form of release of the drug and the volume, as well as on the pharmacy chain in which the drug is sold and the manufacturer. The prices given in the table are averaged and are provided for familiarization with the cost of drugs for chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer and malignant lesions of organs and systems. Drugs are selected individually for each patient and depend on the type of cancer, the patient's age and health condition. There are many types of chemotherapy drugs that differ in their mechanism of action, effectiveness and, of course, cost. The key to successful chemotherapy is correct diagnosis of the disease and a properly composed treatment plan.

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