Introduction Thiotepa is a multifunctional alkylating agent used in the treatment of various cancers, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and hematologic malignancies. It is also used as part of high-dose chemotherapy regimens before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Originally developed as a derivative of tepa (tris(ethylene)phosphoramide), Thiotepa has broader cytotoxic activity and better […]
Thioguanine: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction Thioguanine (6-TG) is a purine analog and antimetabolite used primarily in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematologic malignancies. It belongs to the class of thiopurine drugs, which interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis, ultimately inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Thioguanine has been used for decades in oncology and is sometimes prescribed […]
Teniposide: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction Teniposide is a semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin that functions as a topoisomerase II inhibitor, preventing DNA replication and leading to cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. It is primarily used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), neuroblastoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and other malignancies. Despite its efficacy, Teniposide is associated with significant myelosuppression, hypersensitivity […]
Tamoxifen: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) widely used in the treatment and prevention of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It has been a cornerstone of endocrine therapy for over four decades, particularly in postmenopausal and premenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Apart from its oncological applications, Tamoxifen has also been investigated […]
Streptozocin: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction Streptozocin (STZ) is a unique chemotherapeutic agent primarily used in the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). It belongs to the nitrosourea class of alkylating agents and is distinguished by its selective toxicity toward insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Due to its high affinity for pancreatic islet cells, Streptozocin is also widely used […]
Semustine: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction Semustine, also known as methyl-CCNU (MeCCNU), is an alkylating agent used primarily in the treatment of various cancers, including brain tumors, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and gastrointestinal cancers. It belongs to the nitrosourea class of chemotherapeutic drugs, which are known for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making them particularly effective against central nervous system […]
Sargramostim: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction Sargramostim is a recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) used to stimulate the production of white blood cells, particularly granulocytes and macrophages. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the immune system, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, or those with neutropenia. Sargramostim is commonly used to reduce the risk of infections […]
Procarbazine: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction Procarbazine is an anticancer agent primarily used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and certain brain tumors. It belongs to the class of alkylating agents and works by interfering with DNA synthesis and cell division. Procarbazine is often administered in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, such as in the MOPP (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone) […]
Plicamycin: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction Plicamycin, also known as Mithramycin, is an antineoplastic antibiotic derived from Streptomyces plicatus. It was historically used in testicular cancer and hypercalcemia of malignancy but has largely been replaced by newer, safer therapies. Despite its limited modern usage, plicamycin remains a subject of research due to its potential in treating osteolytic bone diseases and […]
Paclitaxel: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction It is derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) and is primarily used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and pancreatic cancer. Due to its potent anti-cancer effects, it is a key drug in chemotherapy regimens. However, its clinical use is […]