Antitumor

Antitumor drugs are medications used to treat cancer. They work by targeting specific abnormalities within cancer cells, disrupting their growth and ability to spread. Antitumor drugs can be divided into two main categories: cytotoxic and targeted. Cytotoxic drugs kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA, while targeted drugs interfere with specific molecular pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer. Common types of antitumor drugs include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Examples of cytotoxic drugs include gemcitabine, taxanes, and cisplatin, while examples of targeted drugs include monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors. Antitumor drugs can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy.