Anti-Cancer Medicines: Classification and Mechanisms of Action

The article discusses the classification and mechanisms of action of anti-cancer medicines, which are crucial in treating malignancies that cannot be addressed solely by surgery or radiation. These medicines, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy, can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. They vary in chemical composition, prescription, dosage, effectiveness, and side effects. Despite various classification attempts based on chemical composition, mechanisms of action, and cytotoxic activity, no single system is entirely satisfactory, reflecting the diverse origins and actions of these drugs. The complexity in categorizing these agents highlights the ongoing challenges in understanding and optimizing anti-cancer therapies.