Most Commonly Used Cancer Drugs and Their Effects

Context: A major investigation revealed that commonly used cancer drugs failed quality tests before being shipped to over 100 countries, raising concerns about their safety and effectiveness. Despite targeting cancer cells, these drugs can cause severe side effects such as kidney damage, immune suppression, and heart risks.

List of Commonly Used Cancer Drugs and Their Effects

Cisplatin

• Type: Platinum-based drug
• Use: Testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers
• Action: Binds to cancer cell DNA, stopping cell growth
• Side Effects: Kidney damage, hearing loss, immune suppression

Oxaliplatin

• Type: Platinum-based drug
• Use: Colorectal cancer (especially post-surgery)
• Action: Damages DNA of cancer cells
• Side Effects: Similar to cisplatin

Cyclophosphamide

• Type: Chemotherapy drug
• Use: Breast cancer, leukaemia, sarcoma, lymphoma
• Action: Disruptsthe  DNA of cancer cells, reduces white blood cells
• Side Effects: Immune suppression, bladder inflammation

Doxorubicin

• Type: Antibiotic-derived chemotherapy drug (nicknamed “red devil”)
• Use: Breast cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, sarcoma
• Action: Interferes with DNA replication
• Side Effects: Heart damage, hair loss, skin issues, infection risk

Methotrexate

• Type: Chemotherapy and immunosuppressant
• Use: Leukaemia, lymphoma, and certain tumours
• Action: Blocks DNA synthesis to stop cancer cell growth
• Side Effects: Cell damage (mitigated with leucovorin)

Leucovorin

• Type: Folinic acid (vitamin B9 form)
• Use: Supportive drug with methotrexate
• Action: Protects healthy cells from methotrexate toxicity
• Note: Not technically a chemotherapy drug

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