Cancer Chemotherapy, chemotherapeutics, drugs, methods of action Healthcare professionals and scientists have carefully prepared this ALtruis Biomedical Network-affiliated site, intended for informational purposes only . Their role is to slow and hopefully halt the growth and spread of a neoplasm. It is not always possible to be selective, but selectivity is the ultimate goal of any drug, and is currently a hot research target in chemotherapy. Inhibit the synthesis of new DNA strands to stop the cell from replicating, because the replication of the cell is what allows the tumor to grow. Stop the mitotic processes of a cell.
Mitosis is the actual splitting of the original cell into two new cells.
Unfortunately, while current research is looking for more specific ways to target cancerous cells without damaging healthy cells, the majority of drugs currently on the market are not specific, which leads to the many common side effects associated with cancer chemotherapy. These healthy, normal cells, also end up damaged by the chemotherapy regimen. Gastrointestinal epithelium causing nausea and vomiting . Bone marrow depression, causing problems of the immune system and therefore, possibly infections . The formation of platelets is also affected leading to problems with blood clotting.