Cytostatics: important features of drugs and their administration. Cytostatics - mechanism of action, side effects

In medical practice, a special place is occupied by autoimmune diseases. They are caused by specific antibodies, the action of which is directed at healthy cells of the body. Due to the destruction of normal tissues, an inflammatory process occurs. Cytostatics have been helping to fight autoimmune pathologies for almost a quarter of a century. They are in demand in oncology, dermatovenereology, dentistry and other branches of medicine.

What are cytostatics

A group of drugs whose action is aimed at suppressing the growth, development and division of cells is called cytostatics. They prevent the formation of neoplasms characterized by high cellular activity, including malignant ones. Cytostatic drugs are prescribed to patients with resistance to the usual types of therapeutic effects. This is due to the high biological activity of drugs. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules, are part of solutions for intravenous injection. Known cytostatic ointments.

Indications for appointment

The treatment of malignant neoplasms, which are characterized by intense, uncontrolled growth, is the main area of ​​application of cytostatics. With their help, chemotherapy of a cancerous tumor is carried out and the formation of bone marrow tissues slows down. Rapidly dividing cells are very sensitive to the action of cytostatic drugs. The cells of the mucous membranes, the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and hair are distinguished by a lower rate of division, therefore, these structures react to the drugs of this group to a lesser extent.

Indications for use are more often diseases such as:

• cancer in the early stages;
• leukemia (malignant disease of the hematopoietic system);
• lymphomas (pathology of the lymphatic tissue, which is characterized by an increase in lymph nodes and damage to internal organs);
• chorionepithelioma of the uterus (a malignant tumor arising from germinal tissues, occurs in women of childbearing age);
• sarcomas (malignant tumors arising from immature connective tissue);
• myeloma (a malignant neoplasm of cells that produce antibodies);
• amyloidosis (violation of protein metabolism, as a result of which a protein-polysaccharide complex - amyloid) is deposited in the tissues;
• plasmacytoma (malignant blood disease);
• Franklin's disease (genetic pathology of the immune system);
• rheumatoid, reactive, psoriatic arthritis (types of joint damage of autoimmune origin);
• rheumatism (inflammatory disease of the connective tissue);
• systemic scleroderma (an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue that affects the skin, musculoskeletal system, blood vessels, internal organs, lesions are based on impaired microcirculation, severe inflammation);
• systemic vasculitis (diseases associated with pathological changes in the walls of blood vessels);
• severe manifestations of allergies.

Mechanism of action

Due to the active effect on enzymes and DNA (the carrier of hereditary information), cytostatics work to suppress or inhibit cell proliferation (division), cause the death of tumor cells. Structures with altered hereditary material disrupt the secretion (formation) of hormones and metabolism, but this is the most effective method to avoid tumor recurrence. Medicines differ in chemical activity and act differently on metabolic processes in the body. The doctor prescribes them individually.

Classification

Based on the test results, the doctor prescribes a drug of a certain cytostatic group. They are classified as follows:

Commonly prescribed cytotoxic drugs

The patient's condition, diagnosis determines the choice of a specific cytostatic. These are potent drugs, so they are prescribed only by the attending physician. Cytostatic therapy includes a large number of drugs. Commonly prescribed cytostatics include:

• Azathioprine Immunosuppressive agent. The drug inhibits the reaction of incompatible tissues. It is used for transplantation of donor organs and tissues, systemic diseases (psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and others). Contraindication is liver failure, childhood, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
• Deepin. Inhibits the development of malignant tissues. It is prescribed for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, tumors of the larynx, hypernephroid kidney cancer. The drug is contraindicated in other forms of lymphocytic leukemia, anemia, renal, hepatic insufficiency, hypersensitivity.
• Mielosan. The pharmaceutical preparation slows down the process of formation of blood cells. If the dosage is observed, it is well tolerated by patients, does not cause pronounced side effects. It is prescribed for chronic myeloid leukemia, myelofibrosis, in preparation for bone marrow transplantation.
• Busulfan. The therapeutic agent has a bactericidal, cytotoxic, mutagenic effect. Assign for malignant diseases of the blood. Side effects are observed from all physiological systems of the body. Contraindications include thrombocytopenia (poor blood clotting due to insufficient number of platelets), childhood, condition after radiation and chemotherapy.
• Cisplatin. The active substance penetrates the tumor cell, changes the structure of DNA and disrupts its functions, and has an immunosuppressive effect. The drug is prescribed for cancerous tumors of the genitourinary, musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory systems. Contraindications include pregnancy, hypersensitivity, hearing loss, kidney dysfunction.
• Methotrexate. Represents the modern generation of cytostatics. They have a gentle effect on normal tissues (especially bone marrow structures) with a pronounced immunosuppressive effect. The drug is active even in a small dosage.
• Prospidin. Has a wide range of therapeutic action, low toxicity to healthy cells. Has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is prescribed as an enhancement of radiation therapy. Indications for use are malignant neoplasms of the larynx, retina, skin.
• Cyclophosphamide. Modern anticancer drug. It has a strong immunosuppressive effect. Inhibits the hematopoietic organs. It is used to treat autoimmune diseases.
• Chlorbutin. Indications for use are pathologies of lymphoid tissue, breast cancer, ovarian cancer. It has a gentle effect on the body, well tolerated by patients.

Admission rules

Cytostatics inhibit the immune system, during treatment the patient is especially susceptible to infections. Most pharmaceuticals are difficult to tolerate by patients, so any additional burden on the body should be avoided. During cytostatic therapy, the following rules should be followed:

1. Do not appear in crowded places.
2. In public institutions, wear a protective gauze bandage, use local antiviral agents.
3. Avoid hypothermia.
4. Take medicines during or after meals.
5. It is strictly forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages.
6. At the first symptoms of malaise, consult a doctor.

Side effects

The mechanism of action of cytotoxic drugs on healthy tissues is similar to the action on cancer cells. All drugs in this group cause side effects. The intensity of their manifestation depends on the patient's condition, his individual characteristics and a number of nuances:

• type of medicinal product;
• concentration of the active substance;
• schemes and method of administration of the drug;
• previous therapeutic measures.

The manifestation of side effects is associated with the chemical properties of cytostatic agents. Common body reactions to cytostatics are:

• oppression of hematopoiesis (hematopoiesis);
• development of stomatitis;
• indigestion;
• hair loss;
• allergic reactions;
• heart failure;
• decrease in hemoglobin concentration (anemia);
• damage to microscopic structures of the kidneys;
• the occurrence of venous pathologies (phlebitis, phlebosclerosis and others);
• in women, the menstrual cycle is disturbed;
• asthenia (exhaustion of the body);
• general weakness;
• headache;
• chills, fever.

A high concentration of cytostatics, an overdose leads to anorexia, causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, disrupts the liver. Cytostatic therapy negatively affects bone marrow cells, the rate of their renewal decreases, which affects hematopoiesis. Outwardly, this is expressed in the pallor of the skin, poor health. Under the action of cytostatics, cracks, ulcers, inflammation of the mucous membranes appear, and the risk of infection with pathogens increases.

A course of additional pharmacological preparations helps to reduce the manifestation of adverse reactions without reducing the therapeutic effect. They relieve the gag reflex and help maintain performance throughout the day. The drugs are taken in the morning. During the day, you need to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of pure water - this reduces the irritating effect of cytostatics on the organs of the urinary system, reduces the number of bacteria in the oral cavity. In the course of cytostatic therapy, blood transfusion is practiced, and the level of hemoglobin is artificially increased.

Contraindications

Given the aggressive effect of cytostatics on the body, they are not prescribed to all patients. For example, for the treatment of elderly patients, drugs of this group are not used. Medicines are contraindicated in the following pathologies:

• individual intolerance to the components;
• inhibition of bone marrow activity;
• infectious diseases (chicken pox, shingles and others);
• pathology of the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system;
• gout (a metabolic disease associated with excessive breakdown of proteins, the formation of a large amount of uric acid and the inability of the kidneys to remove it);
• diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases;
• ulcers of the digestive system;
• immunodeficiency;
• extreme exhaustion of the body;
• pregnancy, lactation.

Price

Cytostatics are potent pharmaceuticals, therefore they are dispensed in pharmacies by prescription. In cytostatic therapy are often used:

Video

Cytostatics- drugs that inhibit or completely suppress cell division by inhibiting their mitotic activity, as well as the growth of connective tissue.

Cytostatic agents are primarily related to (affect intracellular metabolism) and are used primarily for the treatment of malignant tumors.

The greatest impact is exerted on rapidly dividing cells of malignant neoplasms, with reticulosis, as well as on intensively growing epithelial cells in psoriatic foci.

Together with a decrease in the mitotic activity of cells, cytostatic agents have an immunosuppressive effect.

Cytostatic drugs

An immunosuppressant that simultaneously has some cytostatic effect. It is used to suppress the reaction of tissue incompatibility during organ transplantation, systemic diseases, ulcerative colitis, etc.

It is the most active cytostatic folic acid antagonist (antifolic agent, antifolica); an antitumor drug, characterized by high toxicity, as a result of which it is indicated only in severe forms of diseases.

Hydroxyurea- antimetabolite, less toxic than methotrexate. In high doses, however, hydroxyurea can cause kidney damage. Young men and women are not prescribed hydroxyurea.

Cytostatic substance of the alkylating type. The drug inhibits the proliferative activity of tissues, including the development of tumors. It has a selective inhibitory effect on lymphopoiesis.

Inhibits the formation of young cells. Treatment with Mercaptopurine for 15-45 days is carried out under close clinical supervision. The drug should be used with caution in diseases of the liver and kidneys. As side effects of taking Mercaptopurine, leukopenia, dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea can be observed.

A cytostatic antimetabolite of folic acid, an analog of Aminopterin, reduces cell activity; an antitumor agent with an immunosuppressive effect.

(Busulfan, Mileran) - an analogue of Methotrexate, produced in Sweden. Myelosan is less toxic, but causes side effects in the form of inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis, vascular dystonia, decreased sexual function in men, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

It is even less toxic than Methotrexate and hydroxyurea, it inhibits bone marrow hematopoiesis less.

An antitumor agent used for cancer of the larynx and malignant neoplasms of the pharynx, regardless of the stage, form of growth and localization of the tumor.

Cytostatic, in its pharmacological properties, is close to, but less toxic and somewhat better tolerated by patients. It is used to treat cancer of the rectum and colon, stomach cancer, breast cancer. It is used in the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis, as it has analgesic and local anesthetic effects.

Cytostatic, which has an active therapeutic effect in tumor processes. The drug inhibits hematopoiesis.

Side effects of cytostatic agents

Due to inhibition of the growth of rapidly dividing cells of the tissues of the lymphoid system, bone marrow, epithelium of the digestive tract by cytostatics, patients sometimes develop stomatitis, hemorrhagic diathesis, progressive cytopenia, exacerbate peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, symptoms of toxic liver damage are found up to the development of cirrhosis.

The immunosuppressive effect of cytostatic drugs contributes to the activation of pathogenic microflora, as a result of which an exacerbation of pathological processes in chronic pyococcal and tuberculosis foci is possible, and the body's resistance to pathogenic factors decreases.

There is an assumption that due to the suppression of the protective reaction of cells by cytostatic agents, conditions arise for cell malignancy.

Over the past 20-25 years, cytostatics have become an important part of the treatment of a large number of autoimmune diseases. Due to their action, such drugs have found their application not only in the treatment of cancer, but also in dermatology, dentistry, dermatovenereology and other areas. Cytostatics - what are they, and what is their effect? You can learn about this from this article.

About cytostatics

Cytostatic drugs or cytostatics are a group of drugs that are capable of disrupting the growth, development and division of cells, including malignant types, when they enter the human body. Therapy of neoplasms with drugs of this kind is prescribed only by a qualified doctor. The drugs can be produced in the form of tablets, capsules, or administered intravenously to patients using a dropper or injections.

Literally all cytostatic drugs are chemicals with high biological activity. Similar drugs also have the ability to:

• inhibit cell proliferation;
• attack cells that have a high miotic index.

Where are they applied?

Cytostatics have been widely used in the treatment of oncological diseases of varying complexity and different parts of the body. Drugs are prescribed for the treatment of malignant tumors in cancer, leukemia, monoclonal gammopathy, etc. In addition, cytostatics prevent rapid cell division:

• bone marrow;
• skin;
• mucous membranes;
• epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract;
• hair;
• lymphoid and myeloid genesis.

In addition to the above, cytostatics are actively used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, such as cancer of the stomach, esophagus, liver, pancreas, rectum. Medications are used where chemotherapy does not produce the desired positive results.

Having considered the detailed instructions for taking the drug, it becomes clear how cytostatics work, what they are, and in what cases they should be used. This type of drug is prescribed most often in the form of autoimmune therapy. Cytostatics have a direct effect on the cells of the bone marrow, while reducing the activity of the immune system, which results in a stable remission.

Types of cytostatics

A competent classification of cytostatics allows you to determine which drugs are needed in a particular case. Only a qualified doctor can prescribe drug therapy after receiving the results of the tests. Drugs of the cytostatic group are divided into such types as:

1. Alkylating drugs that have the ability to damage the DNA of rapidly dividing cells. Despite the effectiveness, drugs are difficult to tolerate by patients, and the negative consequences of therapy are pathologies of the liver and kidneys.
2. Alkaloids-cytostatics of plant type ("Etoposide", "Rozevin", "Kolhamin", "Vincristine").
3. Cytostatic antimetabolites are drugs that lead to tumor tissue necrosis and remission of cancer.
4. Cytostatic antibiotics are antitumor agents with antimicrobial properties.
5. Cytostatic hormones are drugs that inhibit the production of certain hormones. They can reduce the growth of malignant tumors.
6. Monoclonal antibodies are artificially created antibodies that are identical to real immune cells.

Mechanism of action

Cytostatics, the mechanism of action of which is aimed at inhibition of cell proliferation and the death of tumor cells, pursue one of the main goals - this is an effect on different targets in the cell, namely:

• on DNA;
• for enzymes.

Damaged cells, that is, modified DNA, disrupt the metabolic processes in the body and the synthesis of hormones. Of course, the mechanism for achieving inhibition of the growth of tumor tissues in different cytostatics may differ. This is because they have different chemical structures and can have different effects on metabolism. Depending on the group of cytostatic drugs, cells can be affected:

• thymidylate synthetase activity;
• thymidylate synthetase;
• topoisomerase I activity;
• mitotic spindle formation, etc.

Basic admission rules

Cytostatics are recommended to be taken during or after meals. During the period of drug treatment with cytostatic drugs, it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages. Doctors do not advise taking such drugs during pregnancy or lactation.

Side effects

Cytostatics - what it is, and what contraindications for use exist, the attending physician can explain in each case. The frequency of occurrence of side effects directly depends on such nuances as:

• the type of medication you are taking;
• dosage;
• scheme and mode of administration;
• therapeutic effect that preceded the drug;
• general condition of the human body.

In most cases, side effects are due to the properties of cytostatic drugs. Therefore, the mechanism of tissue damage is similar to the mechanism of action on the tumor. The most characteristic and inherent in most cytostatic side effects are:

• stomatitis;
• inhibition of hematopoiesis;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• alopecia of different types;
• allergies (skin rashes or itching);
• heart failure, anemia;
• nephrotoxicity or damage to the renal tubules;
• reaction from the veins (phlebosclerosis, phlebitis, etc.);
• headaches and weakness that is felt throughout the body;
• chills or fever;
• loss of appetite;
• asthenia.

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or liver dysfunction. The negative effect of drug treatment with cytostatic drugs has on the bone marrow, healthy cells of which take in the wrong elements and cannot be updated at the same rate. In this case, a person may experience a lack of blood cells, which leads to disruption of oxygen transport, and the level of hemoglobin decreases. This can be seen by the pallor of the skin.

Another side effect of taking cytostatics is the appearance of cracks, inflammatory reactions and ulcers on the mucous membranes. During therapy, such areas in the body are sensitive to the ingress of microbes and fungi.

Reduce Side Effects

Due to modern medicines and vitamins, it is possible to reduce the negative impact of cytostatics on the body, while not reducing the therapeutic effect. Taking special preparations, it is quite possible to get rid of the gag reflex and maintain efficiency and well-being for the whole day.

It is recommended to take such drugs in the morning, after which during the day you should not forget about the water balance. You should drink 1.5 to 2 liters of pure water per day. This can be explained by the fact that literally the entire list of cytostatic drugs is characterized by excretion with the help of the kidneys, that is, the elements of drugs settle in the bladder and irritate tissues. Thanks to the water drunk during the day, the body is cleansed, and the negative effects of cytostatic therapy are significantly reduced. Also, frequent drinking in small portions can minimize the risk of increasing the acceptable rate of bacteria in the oral cavity.

In order to cleanse the body and improve the composition of the blood, doctors recommend doing a blood transfusion, as well as enriching it with hemoglobin artificially.

Contraindications

• hypersensitivity to the drug or its components;
• oppression of bone marrow functions;
• diagnosed with chicken pox, shingles or other infectious diseases;
• violation of the normal functioning of the kidneys and liver;
• gout;
• kidney disease.

Commonly prescribed cytotoxic drugs

The question of cytostatics, what they are and their role in the treatment of malignant tumors, has always been relevant. Commonly prescribed drugs are:

1. "Azathioprine" is an immunosuppressant that has a partial cytostatic effect. It is prescribed by doctors when a negative reaction occurs during tissue and organ transplantation, with various systemic diseases.
2. "Dipin" is a cytostatic drug that suppresses the growth of tissues, including malignant ones.
3. "Myelosan" is a drug that can inhibit the growth of blood elements in the body.
4. "Busulfan" is an inorganic drug that has pronounced bactericidal, mutagenic and cytotoxic properties.
5. "Cisplatin" contains heavy metals and is able to inhibit DNA synthesis.
6. "Prospidin" is an excellent antitumor drug, which is most often taken for malignant neoplasms that have arisen in the larynx and pharynx.

Cytostatic drugs, the list of which is presented above, are prescribed only by prescription. After all, these are quite powerful tools. Before taking medications, it is worthwhile to study what cytostatics are, what applies to them and what are their side effects. The attending physician will be able to select the most effective cytostatic drugs, depending on the patient's condition and his diagnosis.

Cytostatics are specialized drugs that are used in oncology to perform antitumor therapy. Their action is based on partial inhibition or complete inhibition of the division of tumor cells, cessation of the growth of connective tissue.

Cytostatics include advanced antimetabolite drugs, which are most often used in the treatment of malignant tumors. They can influence pathological changes at the intracellular level.

In the process of medical research, the list of cytostatic drugs is expanding and replenished with more effective drugs. The fact is that some of these drugs can help treat certain forms of cancer. But in other tumor diseases, they will be ineffective or will give a minimal therapeutic effect. Therefore, the choice of treatment with cytostatics and the dosage of drugs should be qualified oncologist.

All anticancer drugs, along with pronounced properties of inhibition of mitotic activity, also perform an immunosuppressive function.

The list of drugs used to treat malignant neoplasms is as follows:

1. Hydroxyurea. This cytostatic has an average degree of toxicity. If the drug is prescribed in large doses, then the cytostatic effect increases, but there is a possibility of damage to the tissues of the kidneys. For this reason, the drug is not prescribed to women and young men.
2. Azathioprine A drug of the class of immunosuppressants, which also has a cytostatic effect. A doctor may prescribe azathioprine during organ transplant operations to suppress the reaction of tissue incompatibility. A positive effect is observed during the treatment of non-specific forms and various systemic diseases.
3. Aminopterin. The medical classification classifies this anticancer drug as a drug with increased toxicity. It is an extremely active cytostatic folic acid antagonist. In this regard, aminopterin is used only in cases of severe or advanced stages of cancer.
4. Deepin. An alkylating agent. The active substances of this cytostatic have a depressing effect on the proliferative function of the patient's tissues. The development of tumor formations is suppressed. All other alkylating drugs have similar characteristics and spectrum of action.
5. Mercaptopurine. Prevents the formation of young cells. Use should be under the close supervision of a specialist. The duration of therapy is 15-45 days. Numerous side effects make mercaptopurine unsafe for patients with various kidney and liver diseases. In no case should you exceed the dosage prescribed by the oncologist.
6. Methotrexate. New generation drug. It has antimetabolic properties in relation to folic acid. This antitumor agent has an additional immunosuppressive effect. It is an analogue of Aminopterin.
7. Mielosan. Foreign analogue of the drug Methotrexate. It has moderate toxicity. The drug has been proven to have a number of side effects. For example, vegetovascular dystonia, development in young men.
8. Prospidin. It is indicated for those patients who have been diagnosed with malignant neoplasms in the pharynx or larynx. Moreover, the stage and form of tumor growth does not affect the appointment of this cytostatic.
9. Novembikhin. Used in cancer therapy, has moderate toxicity. It does not have such a detrimental effect on blood vessels and hematopoiesis in the bone marrow.
10. Ftorafur. This cytostatic agent is very close to Fluorouracil in its composition and properties, but is more easily tolerated by patients. Suitable for the treatment of colon cancer and tumors in the mammary gland, stomach cancer.
11. Cyclophosphamide. A modern oncological drug, which is often used in antitumor therapy. Gives good results, but can inhibit hematopoiesis in the body.
12. Cytostatic ointments. The use of such drugs is effective in the treatment of external cancer pathologies. Treatment is carried out in a course of 2-6 weeks, depending on the type of lesion, its location on the body. Cytostatic ointment is applied in a dense layer to the focus of the disease and kept there for a day. Then, if necessary, the external preparation is removed along with the necrotic masses.
13. Cytostatics of plant origin. These include alkaloids and extracts from various plants that are of medicinal value. The mechanism of their effect on oncological formations and the patient's body has not been fully studied. Most often, they will need to be taken comprehensively. Kolhamin is prescribed for external use, and Podophyllin can be taken orally.

As already noted, the appointment and administration of cytostatics should be under the supervision of a physician. Self-medication can be extremely dangerous.

Side effects

Cytostatic therapy is a global blow for all organs and systems. Toxic components of cancer drugs inhibit the development and growth of actively dividing cells of the lymphatic system, bone marrow, and internal tissues of the digestive apparatus. The first to react to these processes is the liver, which is hit by toxic substances (toxins). The patient has all the symptoms of cirrhosis. After the first course of chemotherapy, a certain percentage of patients have concomitant diseases: stomach ulcers and, stomatitis, diathesis, acute inflammation of the duodenum.

The powerful immunosuppressive effect that the intake of the above drugs has on the body causes a decrease in immunity. It becomes difficult for the body to resist diseases and fight pathogenic microflora. The result is an exacerbation of all kinds of chronic processes.

If the patient is prescribed a long course of chemotherapy, then the mechanism of action of cytostatics causes other side effects, manifested in the form of anemia and leukopenia.

Other side effects may also occur:

• chronic diarrhea followed by anorexia;
• hair loss over the entire area of ​​the skin;
• feeling of nausea, vomiting;
• decreased body tone, fatigue, fatigue;
• , significant probability .

All cytotoxic drugs have high toxicity Therefore, the disposal of biomaterial after chemotherapy must comply with generally accepted sanitary standards.

Cancer Prevention

The diagnosis of cancer is a serious test for every patient and his family. Of course, it is impossible to fully protect your body from it. But medicine has proven that there are a number of preventive measures that will reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

1. To give up smoking. It turns out that nicotine itself is not a carcinogenic substance. But inhalation of cigarette smoke leads to a whole list of cancers: cancer of the liver, stomach, lungs, mouth, larynx, and even oncology of the kidneys, bladder and colon. If you give up this habit even after a long history of smoking, you will reduce the risk of developing malignant neoplasms. ten times.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight. Here we are not talking about aesthetic indicators, but that obesity leads to oncology of the esophagus, kidneys, mammary glands, pancreas,.
3. Prevention of viral infections. As medical practice shows, a certain percentage of cancer cases is closely associated with diseases of an infectious nature. Viruses weaken the body, disrupt the cells. Therefore, indiscriminate intimate contacts should be avoided, condoms should be used, and hepatitis should be vaccinated.
4. Taking prophylactic drugs. There are patients who are at risk for certain cancers. Doctors recommend that they take specialized medications that improve the prognosis. Diagnostics will reveal mutations in the genes, and a qualified specialist will prescribe preventive drugs.

Cytostatics are drugs that slow down the process of cell division. The maintenance of the vital activity of an organism is based on the ability of its cells to divide, while new cells take the place of old ones, and old ones, respectively, die. The speed of this process is biologically determined in such a way that a strict balance of cells is maintained in the body, while it is noteworthy that in each organ the metabolic process proceeds at a different speed.

But sometimes the rate of cell division becomes too high, the old cells do not have time to die. This is how the formation of neoplasms, in other words, tumors, occurs. It was at this time that the question becomes relevant, about cytostatics - what they are and how they can help in the treatment of cancer. And in order to answer it, it is necessary to consider all aspects of this group of drugs.

Cytostatics and oncology

Most often in medical practice, the use of cytostatics occurs in the field of oncology in order to slow down tumor growth. During treatment, the drug affects all cells of the body, so the slowdown in metabolism occurs in all tissues. But only in malignant neoplasms, the effect of cytostatics is expressed in full, slowing down the rate of progression of oncology.

Cytostatics and autoimmune processes

Also, cytostatics are used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, when, as a result of the pathological activity of the immune system, antibodies destroy not antigens that enter the body, but cells of their own tissues. Cytostatics affect the bone marrow, reducing the activity of the immune system, as a result of which the disease has the opportunity to go into remission.

Thus, cytostatics are used in the following diseases:

• malignant oncological tumors in the early stages;
• lymphoma;
• leukemia;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• arthritis;
• vasculitis;
• Sjögren's syndrome;
• scleroderma.

Having considered the indications for taking the drug and the mechanism of its effect on the body, it becomes clear how cytostatics work, what they are, and in what cases they should be used.

Types of cytostatics

Cytostatics, the list of which is given below, are not limited to these categories, but it is customary to single out these 6 categories of drugs.

1. Alkylating cytostatics - drugs that have the ability to damage the DNA of cells that are characterized by a high rate of division. Despite the high degree of effectiveness, the drugs are difficult to tolerate by patients, among the consequences of the course of treatment are often pathologies of the liver and kidneys as the main filtration systems of the body. Such funds include:

• chloroethylamines;
• nitrourea derivatives;
• alkyl sulfates;
• ethyleneimines.

2. Alkaloids-cytostatics of plant origin - preparations of a similar effect, but with a natural composition:

• taxanes;
• vinca alkaloids;
• podophyllotoxins.

3. Cytostatic antimetabolites - drugs that inhibit substances involved in the process of tumor formation, thereby stopping its growth:

• folic acid antagonists;
• purine antagonists;
• pyrimidine antagonists.

4. Cytostatic antibiotics - antimicrobials with antitumor activity:

• anthracyclines.

5. Cytostatic hormones - anticancer drugs that reduce the production of certain hormones.

• progestins;
• antiestrogen;
• estrogens;
• antiandrogens;
• aromatase inhibitors.

6. Monoclonal antibodies - artificially created antibodies, identical to the present, directed against certain cells, in this case - tumors.

Preparations

Cytostatics, the list of drugs of which is presented below, are prescribed only by prescription and are taken only under strict indications:

• "Cyclophosphamide";
• "Tamoxifen";
• "Flutamide";
• "Sulfasalazine";
• "Chlorambucil";
• "Azathioprine";
• "Temozolomide";
• "Hydroxychloroquine";
• "Methotrexate".

The list of drugs that fit the definition of "cytostatics" is very wide, but these drugs are prescribed by doctors most often. The drugs are selected individually for the patient very carefully, while the doctor explains to the patient what side effects cytostatics cause, what they are and whether they can be avoided.

Side effects

The diagnostic process should confirm that a person has a serious disease, for the treatment of which cytostatics are required. Side effects from these drugs are very pronounced, they are not only difficult to tolerate by patients, but also carry a danger to human health. In other words, taking cytostatics is always a huge risk, but in oncology and autoimmune diseases, the risk of not being treated is higher than the risk of possible side effects of the drug.

The main side effect of cytostatics is its negative effect on the bone marrow, and therefore on the entire hematopoietic system. With prolonged use, which is usually required both in the treatment of oncological neoplasms and in autoimmune processes, even the development of leukemia is possible.

But even in the event that blood cancer can be avoided, changes in the composition of the blood will inevitably affect the work of all systems. If the viscosity of the blood increases, the kidneys suffer, since a large load is placed on the membranes of the glomeruli, as a result of which they can be damaged.

While taking cytostatics, you should be prepared for permanent poor health. Patients who have gone through a course of treatment with drugs of this group, constantly note a feeling of weakness, drowsiness, and the inability to concentrate on a task. Common complaints include headache, which is always present and difficult to eliminate with analgesics.

Women during the treatment period usually experience menstrual irregularities and the inability to conceive a child.

Disorders of the digestive system are manifested in the form of nausea and diarrhea. Often this causes a person's natural desire to limit their diet and reduce the amount of food they eat, which, in turn, leads to anorexia.

Not dangerous to health, but an unpleasant consequence of taking cytostatics is hair loss on the head and body. After stopping the course, as a rule, hair growth resumes.

Based on this, it can be emphasized that the answer to the question of cytostatics - what it is, contains information not only about the benefits of this type of drug, but also about the high risk to health and well-being during its use.

Rules for taking cytostatics

It is important to understand that a cytostatic has a direct effect on the activity of the immune system, inhibiting it. Therefore, during the course, a person becomes susceptible to any infection.

In order to prevent infection, it is necessary to observe all safety measures: do not appear in crowded places, wear a protective gauze bandage and use local antiviral protection (oxolinic ointment), and avoid hypothermia. If a respiratory infection does occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How to reduce side effects?

Modern medicine makes it possible to minimize the severity of side effects that occur while taking cytostatics. Special drugs that block the gag reflex in the brain make it possible to maintain normal health and performance during treatment.

As a rule, the tablet is taken early in the morning, after which it is recommended to increase the drinking regime to 2 liters of water per day. Cytostatics are mainly excreted by the kidneys, so their particles can settle on the tissues of the bladder, causing an irritant effect. A large amount of fluid drunk and frequent emptying of the bladder makes it possible to reduce the severity of side effects of cytostatics on the bladder. It is especially important to empty your bladder thoroughly before going to bed.

Examinations during treatment

Taking cytostatics requires regular examination of the body. At least once a month, the patient should take tests showing the efficiency of the kidneys, liver, hematopoietic system:

• clinical blood test;
• biochemical blood test for creatinine, ALT and AST levels;
• complete urinalysis;
• CRP indicator.

Thus, knowing all the relevant information about why cytostatics are needed, what they are, what types of drugs are and how to take them correctly, you can count on a favorable prognosis for the treatment of oncological and autoimmune diseases.