Medicinal Chemistry, 2nd Edition

Chapter 31

Anticancer Agents

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Define cancer and their types

• Describe the treatment options for cancer and their limitations

• Categorize the anticancer agents based on the mode of action or based on the source

• Describe the mode of action of cyclophosphamide

• Describe the antibiotics useful in the treatment of cancer

• Describe drugs obtained from natural source for the treatment of cancer

31.1 INTRODUCTION

Antineoplastic agents are used for the treatment of cancer. Neoplasm (In Greek, ‘neo’ means ‘new’ and ‘plasm’ means ‘formation’) refers to a group of diseases caused by several agents—namely, chemical compounds and radiant energy. Cancer is characterized by an abnormal and uncontrolled division of cells, which produce ...