Anti-Cancer Medicines: Classification and Mechanisms of Action

Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with approximately 3,500 deaths per million annually. Anti-cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy, are crucial as they can reach all body organs through the bloodstream. These treatments can be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiotherapy. Anti-cancer drugs are diverse in their chemical forms, effectiveness, and side effects, making classification challenging. They are categorized based on chemical composition, mechanisms of action, and cytotoxic activity, but no single classification is entirely satisfactory due to the varied origins and mechanisms of these drugs.