Cytostatics

introduction

Cytostatics are drugs that inhibit the growth and reproduction of cells in the body. These substances can be produced both naturally and synthetically

field of use

Cytostatics are found mainly in the area of chemotherapy in cancer use. As part of this, they are supposed to Tumor cells prevent them from reproducing and spreading further.

But also with some Autoimmune diseases cytostatics are used. Here is for example Methotrexate against various forms of arthritis used.

Cytostatic drugs are introduced into the body intravenously, i.e. through an infusion, and thus develop their effect throughout the body. Some cytotoxic drugs can also be taken in tablet form.

Mode of action

By taking cytostatics, that Cell growth and the Cell proliferation inhibited. This mainly affects fast-growing cells. There Cancer cells very grow fast and yourself share quickly, the cytostatics act selectively on these cells. But the cells of the skin and mucous membranes also multiply very quickly, so that damage often occurs here as a side effect.

The cytostatics will be different groups assigned, which differ in their mode of action. The cytostatic is either the heritage (the DNA) of the tumor cell changed so that the cells cannot divide correctly or the metabolism the cell is influenced in such a way that it dies. In the following, the defective or dead cells are broken down by the body and tumor growth is stopped. In the best case scenario, the tumor size will even decrease and the tumor will disappear.

Whether the therapy with the cytostatic is effective can be determined after a few days, sometimes even after a few weeks.

Therapy with a cytostatic agent is considered successful when the tumor disappears, shrinks or at least stops growing. In many cases, chemotherapy combines various cytotoxic drugs. The various substances attack at different points in cell reproduction and growth, so that the individual substances can often be used in a lower dosage. This has the advantage that the side effects are often lower.

Classification

The cytostatics can be divided into different groups. The group membership depends on the type of effectiveness. Some cytostatics inhibit the metabolism of the cells and lead to the death of these cells, other cytostatics lead to the incorporation of errors in the genetic material (the DNA) of the tumor cells, so that the cells are inhibited from multiplying.

Alkylating agents

Alkylating agents damage the genetic makeup of cancer cells and thus prevent cell division.

Antimetabolites

Antimetabolites are similar in their structure to the cell's own metabolic building blocks and are instead absorbed into the genome. In this way, they block the metabolism of the cancer cells.

Mitosis inhibitors

Mitosis inhibitors prevent cells from dividing properly.

Topoisomerase inhibitors

Topoisomerase inhibitors inhibit the duplication of the genetic make-up so that the cancer cells can no longer multiply.

Kinase inhibitors

Kinase inhibitors block certain areas of the cancer cells that play an important role in its reproduction.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors

Histone deacetylase inhibitors and intercalants prevent the genetic material from multiplying by blocking reading.

Taxanes

Taxanes prevent cells from dividing

Antibiotics with a cytostatic effect

These are special antibiotics that specifically kill cancer cells by blocking important cell reproduction processes

Biological cytostatics

Biological cytostatics support the body's own defenses and help kill the cancer cells.

Side effects

Since the effect of the cytostatics is mainly aimed at rapidly dividing cells, it is mainly the cancer cells that are destroyed. However, there are also some types of cells in the human body that divide quickly and can also be affected by the effects of cytostatics. This includes above all Mucous membranes (especially the Gastrointestinal tract), Hair roots and the Bone marrow. Therefore, in almost all cases, patients experience gastrointestinal complaints, hair loss and a disruption of blood formation in the bone marrow and a resultant one Anemia. These complaints vary from patient to patient. It also happens frequently to nausea and Vomit as side effects. Organs can also be affected by the side effects, so it is necessary to carry out a thorough examination of the organs in advance of therapy.

Vein irritation and inflammation can occur due to the frequent cytostatic infusions.

Not to be underestimated are the psychological side effects caused by the changes in the body and the fear of the disease.

Countermeasures

Nowadays there are a few ways to counteract the various side effects. Patients are often given substances before chemotherapy that prevent nausea and prevent vomiting in order to increase their well-being. As it often increases in the course of chemotherapy Damage to the oral mucosa comes, it should be examined beforehand by a dentist and possible weak points should be repaired. It is advisable to use a soft toothbrush during therapy with cytostatics. The damage to the intestinal lining often leads to Diarrhea. Hard and angular dishes should be avoided. Food should only be lightly seasoned. Also is a copious fluid intake makes sense.

Smoking and alcohol consumption must be avoided during therapy.

Since it becomes more and more difficult to find a suitable vein for the infusion in the course of the therapy, a Port system planted. This is usually placed in the collarbone area and allows direct access to a very large vein in the chest.

To prevent hair loss, you can have a wig made in advance. After a while, however, the hair will grow back by itself. However, these can then look a little different.

Despite the measures that are taken against the side effect, it is possible that therapy with a cytostatic must be interrupted or discontinued.

Consequential damage

One of the consequences of chemotherapy is infertility. This can occur in both women and men and depends on the duration and aggressiveness of the therapy. Men are therefore advised to have a sperm donation frozen before starting therapy.

Since pregnancy can damage the unborn child, women should not become pregnant during and up to two years after chemotherapy. In this case, use a safe method of contraception.

Damage that occurs to the organs during chemotherapy can also persist as consequential damage. However, this varies from patient to patient and is usually impossible to predict.