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Cytostatics are a group of drugs used in the fight against neoplastic diseases. Cytostatic drugs are used in chemotherapy. On the one hand, they are highly effective, but on the other hand, they cause serious side effects. How does cytostatics work and what types of drugs from this group are distinguished. What is the risk of long-term use of cytostatics?
What are cytostatics?
Cytostatics are a group of synthetic and natural substances that are used in the course of chemotherapy against neoplastic diseases. Cytostatics are toxic to cancer cells, which show the ability to divide quickly. Cytostatics have a low therapeutic index, which is why they heal and impair the proper functioning of the body at the same time. During treatment, cytostatics can be used as an independent form of therapy, but they can also complement surgical methods, radiotherapy or hormone therapy.
How do cytostatics work?
The basis of the activity of cytostatics is the inhibition of the process of cell division. Under normal physiological conditions in a healthy human body, the cell goes through a developmental cycle in which it divides. There are several phases of cell division, and one cycle consists of four stages. The first stage is the G1 phase, during which the processes of synthesizing enzymes necessary for DNA synthesis take place. The next phase is the S phase, in which the proper synthesis of DNA takes place. In the G2 phase, there is an increase in protein synthesis, while in the M phase, one cell is divided into two descendants, which are identical in terms of the genetic material contained in them. Cytostatics are toxic during specific phases of cell division. This action affects both cancer cells and healthy cells. Cytostatics are introduced into treatment to extend the life of a sick person or minimize progressive symptoms. When using cytostatics, the balance of benefits and side effects that can be caused by this type of drugs should be carefully analyzed.
Cytostatics – types
The division of cytostatics into different groups takes into account how these drugs work. Cytostatic drugs can be classified into 3 classes:
- non-specific cytostatics;
- Cycle-specific cytostatics: their task is to destroy cells that are at a certain stage of the cell cycle. They are all alkylating agents and most cytostatic antibiotics;
- Phase-specific cytostatics: their task is to destroy cells that are in a specific phase of the cell cycle. These cytostatics include the antimetabolites hydroxycarbamide and procarbazine.
Cytostatics – side effect
Due to the mechanism of action of cytostatics, the use of this group of drugs is associated with serious consequences for the body. Cytostatics destroy not only cancer cells, but also cells that develop properly and healthily. Side effects that may arise during cytostatic therapy include:
- anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia;
- significant decrease in immunity, to a level that is life-threatening;
- vomiting, nausea, gastric and duodenal ulcers;
- hair loss, alopecia;
- infertility as a result of damage to the germ cells;
- severe kidney damage by increasing uric acid levels.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.