Tablets from cancer: painkillers, hormones

Tablets from cancer - this is part of the drug therapy of various cancers. Consider their types, rules of destination and other features of the application.

Scientists from all over the world are working to solve the problem of cancer treatment. For this, high-quality medical equipment and modern technologies for early detection of oncology are used. The choice of the method of therapy depends entirely on the type of tumor, its stage, the age of the patient and his general state of health.

Radiation and radionuclide therapy, surgical intervention and, of course, chemotherapy can be used for treatment. If necessary, these methods combine, providing a comprehensive destructive effect on the tumor. The use of tablets is only under the supervision of a doctor. This is due to the fact that drug therapy should be accompanied by a special regimen, vitamin therapy, dietary nutrition and control of vital indicators.

Indications of the cancer pills

Various methods are used to treat cancer, which depend on the severity of the pathology, but chemotherapy is used at almost all stages. Indications for its use are based on the results of tests that have detected cancer cells. The type of preparation and its dosage depend on the stage of the disease and its localization.

The main task of the tablets is to destroy the malignant cells. In some cases, as, for example, in the last stages, it is impossible to completely destroy the tumor, but it is quite realistic to stop its reproduction and growth. Based on this, drugs are prescribed to slow the growth of tumor cells.

Consider the main types of drugs and indications for their use:

• Hormonal

If the tumor occurs within the reproductive system, then in most cases it is hormone-dependent. The growth of this new growth is stimulated by hormones: testosterone (in men) and estrogen (in women). The higher the level of hormones, the more severe the disease. The task of the tablets is to block their production, gradually reducing the level in the blood. Hormonal therapy is used for prostate cancer, breast cancer, thyroid gland.

• Toxic (from aggressive forms of cancer)

Some forms of cancer develop very quickly, for example, lung damage. In this case, toxic preparations and compounds of the most active agents are used to prevent metastasis. Such patients are prescribed strong painkillers.

• Antiviral drugs

In the treatment of cancer, immunotherapy is used, which is aimed at increasing the resistance of the immune system. This is due to the fact that some forms of oncology develop under viral influence. For example, with cancer of the uterus, the cause may be a human papillomavirus.

• Universal antitumour agents

This is a number of drugs that can be used for any form of illness. They disrupt the process of reproduction of malignant cells.

• Antineoplastic antimetabolites

They are used when the organs of the respiratory and reproductive system, digestive tract, blood, skin, mammary glands are metastasized.

Very often, oncology diagnoses too late, when radical methods of treatment can no longer be used. In this case, the tablets fight against metastases, making the patient's condition easier.

[1], [2], [3]

Release form

Drug therapy of cancer is one of the stages of its complex treatment. Antineoplastic and immunological tablets are used for these purposes, which destroy malignant cells and support the immune system. There are many anti-cancer drugs on the pharmaceutical market. The choice of a suitable remedy should be made by the attending physician. The stage of the disease, the localization of the tumor, the age of the patient and the general state of the organism are taken into account.

Names of tablets from cancer

Consider the main names of tablets from cancer:

• Hormonal - block the production of hormones by the body, which feed tumor neoplasms. Depending on the type of cancer, patients can be prescribed: Taxol, Herceptin, Zoladex, Synestrol, Thyreocom, Tamoxifen, Thyreoidin and others.
• Universal remedies against all forms of cancer-5-fluorouracil, Ftorafur, Doxorubicin, disrupt the process of reproduction of cancer cells.
• Toxic against aggressive forms of oncology - Adriamycin, Ftoruracil, Vepesid, Bevacizumab, are used in tumors with rapid growth.
• Analgesics with narcotic properties - Promedol, Morphine, Celebrex. Can be combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics such as Ibuprofen or Indomethacin.
• Cytotoxic drugs and Cytotoxins are prescribed for patients with blood cancer. Cytostatics quickly destroy tumor cells, but they have a number of side effects. Cytotoxins are milder in their action, they gradually dissolve cancer cells with the help of enzymes.

All of the above funds are used only for medical purposes. Independent use of anti-cancer drugs is contraindicated, as instead of the expected therapeutic effect, a number of uncontrolled adverse reactions can be obtained.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11]

Timozin alfa 1

Various drugs are used to treat cancer. Particular attention is paid to immunomodulators, which correct the immune status. Timozin alpha 1 is part of this pharmacological category. Its effectiveness is based on the impact on the functional activity of lymphocytes and markers.

It induces markers of mature T-cells in lymphocytes, post-differential activity of induction of lymphokines and their receptors. Increases the function of T cells, increasing the rate of their maturation and the ability to produce cytokines, interleukin 2, 3, interferon-gamma.

• Indications for use: chronic viral hepatitis B, compensated by liver diseases and viral replication. It can be used as part of combination therapy for the treatment of viral hepatitis C and for the treatment of breast cancer.
• The drug is taken according to the scheme developed by the doctor, so the dosage and the course of treatment are individual. Side effects of Timozin alfa 1 is not revealed.
• It is contraindicated to use with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, for children under 18 years of age and with immunosuppression. Do not use the treatment of pregnant women and with particular caution is prescribed for elderly patients.

Pharmacodynamics

The effectiveness of the drug is determined by the mechanism of action of the substances that make up its composition. Pharmacodynamics of different types of cancer pills makes it possible to examine the principle of their action in more detail and make a prognosis for recovery:

• Hormonal remedies

Taxol is a biosynthetic antitumor agent. Its mechanism of action is associated with stimulating the assembly of microtubules of dimer tubulin molecules and stabilizing their structure. This occurs by suppressing depolymerization and disturbing the myotic functions of the cell. Active components are effective against malignant lesions of the breast, testes, lung and various types of sarcoma.

• Antiviral drugs

Isoprinosine is an immunostimulant with antiviral properties. The drug is a synthetic derivative of purine. It restores the activity of lymphocytes during immunodepression, increases blastogenesis, stimulates the expression of membrane receptors on T-helper cells, prevents the decrease in lymphocyte activity. It stimulates cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, natural killers of T-suppressor and T-helper function, reduces the formation of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Antiviral activity is manifested in respect of viruses Herpes simplex, human T-cell lymphoma type III, cytomegalovirus, poliovirus, influenza A and B, ECHO virus. The antiviral action is based on the inhibition of viral RNA involved in viral replication.

• Cytotoxins and cytotoxic agents

Melphalan is one of the representatives of this pharmacological category. It is used to treat multiple myeloma, true polycythemia, various types of sarcoma and with neuroblastoma. Its action is associated with the damage of DNA molecules and the violation of its polymerization, reduplication and the formation of DNA and RNA with defects. This stops the synthesis of protein and leads to the gradual death of cancer cells.

Cytotoxicity is associated with blockade of interchain cross-links in DNA and a violation of cell replication. The active substances are active against sleeping and active tumor cells. Stimulates proliferative processes in the tissues surrounding the neoplasm, regenerates nerve fibers. Strengthens the secretion of corticosterone and follicle-stimulating function of the pituitary gland.

• Toxic preparations of aggressive forms

Docetaxel belongs to the taxoid category of plant origin with antitumor activity. It is used for oncology of the breast, lung cancer, ovaries. Its mechanism of action is associated with the accumulation of tubulin in microtubules, preventing their disintegration and disrupting the phase of mitosis, interphase processes in tumor cells. It accumulates in cells, is active against cells that produce large amounts of p-glycoprotein.

• Universal means (used for any forms of oncology)

Ftorafur - a medicine for cancer treatment, the mechanism of its action is associated with a violation of the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Used for colon cancer, breast cancer, gastric lesions, diffuse neurodermatitis and skin lymphomas. Once in the body, the active components are converted to 5-fluoro-deoxyuridine-5-monophosphate, penetrating into tumor cells and destroying them.

[12], [13], [14]

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration or administration of the drug into the body, various chemical and biological processes occur with it. Pharmacokinetics allows you to learn more about the effectiveness of different types of anti-cancer drugs.

• Hormonal preparations

Taxol is intended for intravenous administration in a standard dosage of 135-175 mg / m2 for 3-24 hours. When distributed across body tissues, the concentration of paclitaxel decreases in two-phase kinetics. When the dosage is increased, the pharmacokinetics acquires a non-linear character, and the concentration of the active substance in the blood plasma increases from 70% to 81%. Binding to plasma proteins at the level of 89%.

The drug is metabolized in the liver with isozymes CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 with the formation of the metabolite 6-alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel, 3-para-hydroxypaclitaxel and 6-alpha, 3-para-dihydroxy paclitaxe. It is excreted within 24 hours with urine unchanged.

• Antiviral drugs

Isoprinosine after oral administration is absorbed from the digestive tract. The maximum values of the active component in blood plasma are reached within 1-2 hours. Rapidly metabolizes, forming two active metabolites. It is excreted by the kidneys within 24-48 hours.

• Cytotoxins and cytotoxic agents

Melphalan is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and passes through the liver. The level of absorption depends on the intake of food. Active components spread to tissues and organs for 336 minutes. The maximum concentration in blood plasma is reached within 2 hours, bioavailability is 56-27%. It is excreted by the kidneys with urine.

• Toxic medicines of aggressive forms

Docetaxel has a dose-dependent kinetics, binding to plasma proteins of 95%. The drug is excreted in urine and feces within 7 days after application. Pharmacokinetics does not depend on the age and sex of the patient. In case of violations of the liver function, the overall clearance is reduced by 27%.

• Universal preparations

Ftorafur after oral intake is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is still detectable in the blood after 24 hours with a single application. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma is reached within 4-6 hours, the bioavailability is complete. Has a high lipophilicity, but is a water-soluble compound. Lipophilicity provides rapid distribution through the body and passage through biological membranes. Metabolizes in the liver, is excreted with feces and urine.

[15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20],

Dosing and administration

In order for the treatment to be effective, it is important to choose not only effective drugs, but also to prescribe the way of application and dose. Tablets from cancer can be used both as a monotherapy, and in combination with other chemotherapy drugs of different forms of release. That is, the doctor prescribes injections, droppers and local drugs to achieve a lasting result of treatment.

Therapy is carried out by courses, their quantity and duration are individual for each patient. They depend on the stage of cancer, its location and the state of the patient's body. The same principle is used to determine the dosage. At first, high doses are prescribed, gradually lowering for maintenance therapy.

Painkillers for cancer

Painful sensations in malignant diseases occur with the growth of the tumor and the reaction of the body to the therapy used. Analgesic tablets in cancer are prescribed at all stages of the disease. To date, a lot of drugs are produced to eliminate pain of different nature. In order for treatment to be effective, it is necessary to accurately determine the nature and cause of discomfort.

Types of pain in cancer by origin:

1. Visceral - lesions of the abdominal cavity. Unpleasant sensations do not have a clear localization, but can be defined as squeezing or bursting. Pain stupid or aching.
2. Somatic - arise in the tendons, joints, vessels, ligaments. Prolonged, poorly defined, obtuse.
3. Psychogenic - there are no definite organic lesions, so painkillers are in most cases ineffective. Indicate violations of the central nervous system, emotional experiences, stress and self-hypnosis associated with the disease.
4. Neuropathic - arise when the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system is damaged.

Very often oncologists have combined pain syndrome, which is associated with the characteristics of cancer and its therapy. The success of treatment depends on such factors:

• Start treatment at the first sign of discomfort.
• Reception of drugs on schedule for anticipation and prevention of painful sensations.
• Selection of an analgesic taking into account the intensity of the pain syndrome and the characteristics of the organism.
• Informing the patient about the effect of the prescribed drugs, a detailed scheme of their use and data on possible side effects.

To treat painful sensations in cancer, a three-stage scheme developed by the World Health Organization in 1998 is used:

1. The use of non-narcotic analgesics and adjuvant drugs - this can be: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Piroxicam, Indomethacin, Lornoxicam. Preparations stop light pains, and their use with narcotic analgesics is effective in case of severe discomfort. For relief of pain caused by tumor growth, steroids are used: Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Rofecoxib.
2. Weak opioids, non-narcotic analgesics, adjuvant means - Codeine, Tramadol - 4-6 times a day for 50-100 mg. A combination of such drugs can be used: Codeine, Hydrocodone and Aspirin, that is, an opioid and a non-narcotic analgesic.
3. Strong opioids, non-narcotic analgesics, adjuvant medications - Morphine, Buprenorphine, Oxycodone, Alfentanil, Methadone, Fentanyl, Buprenorphine and other drugs acting on the central nervous system.

With severe pain, you need to identify its relationship to the disease. For example, with metastatic lesions of the meninges, infectious processes or lesions of internal organs. To do this, the patient is guided by CT, ultrasound, MRI and a number of other tests. After establishing the true cause of the pathological condition, the doctor selects painkillers.

[28], [29], [30]

Use of the cancer pills during pregnancy

Oncological diseases during pregnancy is a rarity. According to medical statistics, there are only 1 such case for 1000 pregnancies. Very often neither the doctor nor the patient is sure that the treatment will be effective, and most importantly safe. But it is necessary to understand that the cancer very rarely acts on the fetus, despite the fact that some of its species spread through the placenta. Therefore, the oncological woman is fully capable of giving birth to a healthy child.

The treatment process is long and difficult. The possibility of using tablets against cancer during pregnancy is determined by the attending physician. The task of physicians to choose the optimal type of therapy with minimal risks for the mother and fetus.

Tablets from cancer, used by a pregnant woman, can affect the fetus in such ways:

• Causes abnormalities and abnormalities of development.
• Lead to the death of the fetus.
• Change the functions of the placenta due to narrowing of the blood vessels.
• Disruption of the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between the mother and the fetus.
• Provoke an active contraction of the uterine muscles, which harms the fetus, reducing blood supply.

The type of treatment depends on such factors: the gestational age of the fetus, the type, localization and size of the lesion, the characteristics of the patient's body. This is due to the fact that many drugs and methods of treatment can harm a child, especially in the first months of gestation. Therefore, in most cases, therapy is carried out in the second and third trimester (the placenta acts as a barrier between the mother and the child, without missing medications) or postponed until the child is born.

The prognosis for recovery of the pregnant woman in most cases is the same as for non-pregnant women. But if treatment is postponed until the birth, it increases the risk of tumor growth, worsening the chances of recovery. The prognosis may worsen due to the large number of hormones produced, which increases the risk of hormone-dependent forms of cancer. Particular attention is paid to the choice of drugs, as taking many medications calls into question the process of lactation.

Contraindications

Tablets from cancer, like any other drugs, have contraindications for use. Consider the most frequent of them, using the example of the universal anti-cancer agent 5-fluorouracil:

• Intolerance of the active substance and the auxiliary components of the preparation.
• Pregnancy and lactation (application is possible in the event that the potential benefit to the mother, higher risks for the fetus).
• Low level of platelets and leukocytes.

With special care, the drug is used in renal or hepatic insufficiency, acute infectious lesions of any etiology, with cachexia, radiation or chemotherapy in history. And also for the treatment of patients of childhood and senile age (for some drugs is an absolute contraindication).

[21], [22], [23], [24]

Side effects of the cancer pills

Treatment of cancer is associated not only with the risk of death, but also with side effects of the drugs used. Conservative therapy, used a couple of decades ago, caused severe complications and required long-term rehabilitation. Modern cancer pills and other drugs have fewer adverse reactions, so it is easier to tolerate patients.

Let's consider possible side effects of drug therapy of oncology:

• Nausea, vomiting, constipation / diarrhea and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract - arise due to strong intoxication of the body. To minimize these symptoms, chemo drugs are taken concomitantly with antiemetics, which facilitate the patient's condition.
• Reactions caused by a malfunction of the bone marrow - side effects of this type are the most dangerous. This is due to the fact that the bone marrow saturates the blood with red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets. Cytostatics slow down the production of these cells, causing:
• Weakness and increased fatigue - appear as a result of a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
• Weakening of the immune system and frequent viral and bacterial infections are the result of decreased lymphocyte production.
• Frequent hemorrhages, subcutaneous hematomas - arise due to a disruption of blood clotting against a background of platelet deficiency.
• Alopecia - hair loss is a reaction of the body to the action of toxic substances. At the same time, not all chemopreparations provoke hair loss. Some drugs reduce the amount of hair or drain the hair follicles. This symptom is temporary. That is, after a couple of months, the hairline will fully recover.

To prevent adverse reactions and minimize their severity, patients are prescribed antiviral agents, gland preparations, vitamins and minerals. Mandatory monitoring of vital functions is mandatory. In special cases, a blood transfusion is performed to restore its performance.

[25], [26], [27]

Overdose

Violation of medical recommendations or conditions of the instruction on the use of tablets against cancer, threatens with serious negative reactions from many organs and systems. Overdose in most cases is manifested by increased adverse reactions. Patients encounter these symptoms:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Bleeding from the digestive tract.
• Pain of different localization.
• Headaches, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
• Disorders from the cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems.
• Stomatitis.
• Secondary infections.
• Various dermatological reactions and other symptoms.

To eliminate them, use an antidote, if it is not available, then symptomatic therapy is indicated. In especially severe cases, the use of the drug is discontinued, blood transfusion and monitoring of vital functions are performed.

[31], [32]

Interactions with other drugs

Very often, an integrated approach is used to treat malignant diseases. Its goal is to comprehensively influence the neoplasm and interact with other drugs. All medicines are picked up by the doctor, being guided by their compatibility and possible collateral reactions.

• Hormonal preparations

Taxol in combination with doxorubicin increases its concentration, but reduces the clearance of paclitaxel (the active component of Taxol) by 33%. When applied before doxorubicin, symptoms of neutropenia and stomatitis appear. When interacting with ranitidine, cimetidine, or dexamethasone, there is no disturbance in the binding of paclitaxel to blood proteins.

• Antiviral drugs

When using isoprinosine with immunosuppressants, the activity of the former decreases. Uricosuric drugs, diuretics and xanthine oxidase inhibitors increase the risk of increased uric acid in the blood serum.

• Cytotoxins and cytotoxic agents

Melphalan weakens immunization results with inactivated vaccines. Radiation therapy, Levomycetin, Aminazine and myelotoxic agents cause thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. When administered with cyclosporine provokes severe renal failure.

• Toxic medicines of aggressive forms

Docetaxel with caution is prescribed with drugs inducing, inhibiting or metabolizing the cytochrome P450-ZA system. Does not affect the action of digitoxin and its binding to blood plasma proteins. When combined with doxorubicin, clearance of docetaxel is increased, but its effectiveness is maintained. When interacting with cisplatin and carboplatin, the pharmacological features of the drugs do not change.

• Universal preparations

Ftorafur in the interaction with phenytoin enhances its effect, increases the effectiveness of any other chemotherapy and radiation therapy. When used with inhibitors of microsomal oxidation in the liver, the toxic effect of Ftorafur increases.

[33], [34], [35]

Storage conditions

Anticancer preparations of the tablet form of release should be kept in their original packaging, protected from sunlight and inaccessible to children. According to the storage conditions, the temperature should be from 15 ° C to 25 ° C.

When using injectable preparations, unopened vials should be kept in the refrigerator. If a precipitate appears during storage, then to dissolve it, the vial is warmed to room temperature and shaken, which does not impair the quality of the medicine. If the bottle remains cloudy and there is an insoluble precipitate, then the drug is not used. Freezing is contraindicated. Diluted solutions must be used within 24 hours from the time of preparation of the infusion, if the temperature is maintained to 25 ° C.

[36], [37], [38], [39], [40]

Shelf life

When using any medication, you need to pay attention to the date of their release. Tablets from cancer have a different shelf life, usually from 24 to 36 months (indicated on the drug package). After the expiration of this date, the drug is contraindicated to use and must be disposed of.

The shelf life also affects shelf life. If the tablets have changed color or structure, have got a smell, then they should be thrown out.

[41], [42], [43]

The newest drugs for cancer treatment

Medicine and pharmacology do not stand still, therefore, new products for the treatment of cancer are developed every year. This increases the chances of curing pathology even in the most severe cases. For example, the Swiss laboratory Roche is testing several modern drugs. One of them Avastin - is designed to treat bowel, bronchus and breast cancer, Herceptin - is used for breast oncology, and Mabthera - for lymphoma. Despite its effectiveness, the drugs are quite expensive.

Consider the newest and most popular drugs:

• Herceptin - is used for breast cancer. Affects HER 2 neoplasm receptors, rapidly destroying defective cells. Improves the chances of survival, has a minimum of adverse reactions.
• Xeloda is an oral cytotoxic for the treatment of breast cancer and colorectal pathologies. The peculiarity of this medication is that it can be used both in outpatient and at home. The drug has a tumor-activated mechanism of action, which is aimed at the destruction of malignant cells. Promotes rapid reduction in tumor size with minimal adverse reactions.
• Tarceva is a medication that stabilizes the tumor. Its action is aimed at blocking the receptors responsible for the growth of the neoplasm. It has a tablet form of release, it is used for various cancers of the body.
• ZL105 is an inorganic chemical compound based on iridium. It causes an energy imbalance inside the cancer cells, provoking their destruction. The drug is effective in the treatment of melanoma, kidney cancer, breast and colon. Suitable for patients with chemotherapy-resistant forms of oncology.
• Chlorambucil - its action is directed to the violation of DNA replication and the destruction of malignant cells. This occurs through the interaction with nucleophilic DNA centers and the formation of covalent bonds.
• Temodex - released in 2016, is more affordable in terms of the analogue of the American drug Gliadel. Produced in the form of a transparent gel, which is applied to the bed of the removed tumor and the surrounding tissue. According to experimental studies, life expectancy is increased by 1.5 times.
• Prospidelong - used to treat tumors of the abdominal cavity. It is produced in the form of a powder, which must be diluted in sterile distilled water for its transformation into a transparent gel. The agent is applied to the site of the tumor, seams, ligatures and skin after removal of the lymph nodes. According to clinical studies, 100% of cases prevent cancer recurrence in previous surgery to remove the tumor. Serial production of the drug is scheduled for 2017.
• Cisplacel - a feature of this drug, this is its form of release - a soft knitted napkin from a bioresorbable gel with anti-cancer properties. The napkin is attached to the site of the removed tumor. It gradually resolves within 20-30 days, that is, it provides continuous chemotherapy. Reduces the risk of recurrence of the disease by 40% and increases life expectancy by 60%. Used in neurosurgery for the treatment of brain tumors, neck and head.

Despite such an amount of effective drugs to eliminate cancer, the best method of treatment is to prevent the disease and its early diagnosis.

Tablets for cancer prevention

There are many methods used to prevent cancer. Tablets for the prevention of cancer - is at first glance an ideal remedy for protection from malignant lesions. But do not forget that any drug is not only good, but also harmful to the body.

A mechanism of prevention of oncology has been developed, which consists of the following stages:

1. Healthy lifestyle, exclusion of bad habits.
2. Timely diagnosis of precancerous conditions, monitoring of people at risk.
3. Prevention of recurrence of the disease and its metastasis.

From medicamentous agents, medicines are recommended that excrete carcinogens from the body, that is, vitamins. Advantage should be given to vitamins C, A and its derivatives.

Any other cancer pills are used only for medical purposes. Most often, the patient is prescribed such preventive measures: Terapikar, Novomin, Unkarin, Nattokinaz, Oksin and others. The complex approach allows to reveal pre-cancerous background processes and to carry out dynamic observation of patients.