Top chemotherapy drugs used in India cancer treatment

India has seen a rapid increase in cancer cases in recent years. To treat this growing problem, chemotherapy drugs are often an essential part of cancer treatment. The most commonly used chemotherapy drugs in India include Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, 5-Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, and Carboplatin. These drugs are used to kill cancer cells, slow their growth, or reduce the symptoms of cancer. These chemotherapy drugs, combined with other treatments, can help to improve a patient’s quality of life and increase the chances of a successful outcome. The type and number of chemotherapy treatment cycles depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the overall health of the patient.

 Some of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs include:

1. Cisplatin:

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat a variety of different types of cancer. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Cisplatin is usually given intravenously (through a vein) and may be used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Common side effects of cisplatin include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and hair loss. Cisplatin can also cause more serious side effects, including kidney damage, hearing loss, and an increased risk of infection.

2. Carboplatin:

Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various forms of cancer, including ovarian, lung, and breast cancer. It inhibits DNA synthesis and destroys cancer cells. Carboplatin is typically administered intravenously and may be combined with other drugs, such as paclitaxel, to increase its effectiveness. Side effects of the drug may include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

3. 5-Fluorouracil:

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anti-cancer medicine that belongs to the family of drugs known as fluoropyrimidines. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and preventing them from reproducing. It is commonly used in combination with other drugs to treat certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer. 5-FU is typically administered intravenously or orally in the form of a pill or injection. Side effects of 5-FU may include nausea, vomiting, low blood cell counts, and a decrease in the number of white blood cells. In some cases, it may also cause hair loss and discoloration of the skin or nails. It is important to discuss the potential risks and side effects of 5-FU with your doctor before beginning treatment.

4. Paclitaxel:

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including ovarian and breast cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and preventing them from growing and dividing.

5. Docetaxel:

Docetaxel is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and preventing them from growing and dividing.

6. Gemcitabine:

Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat various types of cancer, including pancreatic and breast cancer. It works by interfering with cancer cells’ DNA and preventing them from growing and dividing.

7. Vinorelbine:

Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including lung and breast cancer. It works by inhibiting the microtubule structures within the cell which helps the cancer cells to divide and multiply.

8. Irinotecan:

Irinotecan is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal and lung cancer. It works by damaging the DNA synthesis and its replication thus preventing the cancer cells from growing and spreading.

9. Oxaliplatin:

Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal and stomach cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and preventing them from growing and dividing.

10. Capecitabine:

Capecitabine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancer. It binds to the DNA and affects its transduction pathway which results in crosslinking of DNA. Crosslinking causes errors in DNA replication and thus, arrests the development of cancer cells. Capecitabine, sold under the brand name Xeloda. (Xeloda 500mg Tablet)

11. Cyclophosphamide:

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and preventing them from growing and dividing.

These drugs are used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation, for treating cancer. While chemotherapy can be effective in treating cancer, it can also have some side effects, such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of chemotherapy before starting the treatment.