Classification of Anti-Neoplastic Agents

• Anti-neoplastic agents are classified based on their mechanism of action and origin.

• The primary categories include:

Classification of Anti-Neoplastic Agents

1. Alkylating Agents

Mechanism:

• Add alkyl groups to DNA, causing cross-linking and preventing DNA replication and transcription.

Examples:

• Mechlorethamine

• Cyclophosphamide

• Melphalan

• Chlorambucil

• Busulfan

• Thiotepa

2. Antimetabolites

Mechanism:

• Resemble natural substances in cells, disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis by incorporating into the metabolic pathways.

Examples:

• Mercaptopurine

• Thioguanine

• Fluorouracil (5-FU)

• Floxuridine

• Cytarabine

• Methotrexate

• Azathioprine

3. Antineoplastic Antibiotics

Mechanism: 

• Interfere with DNA and RNA within cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and division.

• Note that these are not traditional antibiotics used for bacterial infections.

Examples:

• Dactinomycin

• Daunorubicin

• Doxorubicin

• Bleomycin

4. Plant Alkaloids (Plant-Derived Products)

Mechanism:

• Derived from plants, these agents disrupt mitosis (cell division) or inhibit enzymes necessary for cell reproduction.

Examples:

• Etoposide

• Vinblastine Sulfate

• Vincristine Sulfate

5. Miscellaneous Agents

Mechanism:

• Includes drugs that do not fit into the above categories but are effective in cancer treatment.

Examples:

• Cisplatin

• Mitotane